Eating a nutritionally dense diet and staying active is important for your physical and mental health. Maintaining a focus on nutrients becomes especially important for good health as we age.

The foundation of good health starts with your nutrition, but what is nutrition? Keep reading to learn more about why focusing on nutrition can be beneficial for your overall health! 

What is nutrition and why is good nutrition important?

Nutrition is the relationship between food and your body. The food we eat directly impacts our health and by finding the right balance we can live a healthier life. 

A nutritionally dense diet supports a stronger immune system, a lower risk of metabolic diseases (think diabetes or cardiovascular disease), and longevity. These items provide the most amount of nutrients in relation to their calorie content. In addition, focusing on eating the right foods can significantly improve your energy and focus. 

Good nutrition is important at any age, however as we age the importance of a healthy diet can increase. Ensuring that you are getting the right amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water will ensure you are getting all of the nutrients you need to lead a full and active lifestyle. 

Individuals who have diabetes and follow a proper diet have seen significant improvement in their A1C. Working to improve your diet is no easy undertaking. By working with a supportive expert we have seen it have a positive effect on a patient’s knowledge, skill, self-efficacy, and behavior change. For those who had heart disease, the support can significantly impact total cholesterol.  For those who opt for the support of a nurse champion trying to lose weight, their success rate increases by nearly 57%.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Calcium and Vitamin D for all, it’s not just a good idea for the women as we age: It is important to increase your intake of calcium and vitamin D to support bone health. That doesn’t mean you have to start taking more supplements. Choose calcium-rich foods such as fortified cereals and fruit juices, dark green leafy vegetables, and fortified plant-based beverages. Vitamin D includes fatty fish, such as salmon, or eggs. 

• Increase intake of Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 supports your red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function, and the production of DNA, did someone say energy. Find this super vitamin in fortified cereal, lean meat, and fish and seafood are sources of vitamin B12.

• Incorporate more Fiber into your diet: Fiber does more than keep you regular. Dietary fiber reduces the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Eat whole-grain bread and cereals, beans, broccoli, berries, avocados, and dried fruit

• Fats are not all bad!: The good fats are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These fats are good for your heart, cholesterol, and overall health. Adding healthy fats into your diet can help you feel more satisfied after a meal and help promote weight loss.  You can find these in nuts, avocados, vegetable oils, and fish. 

Proper nutrition can be important to your overall health. The relationship food has with our body directly impacts our overall well-being physically and mentally. By identifying your wellness vision, our team of professionals will help you address and improve the relationship between taking medications, eating the right diet, and feeling better.  Our team of professionals will work with you to create a plan that meets your wellness vision! The wellness plan will provide specific and clear direction achieved by setting goals in the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual realms of your life. During the interviewing process, we will work with you to identify your vision and devise a plan to help move you to reach your optimal wellness. 

Need help with meal preparation, shopping, and identifying nutrition goals? Give us a call, our nurses and care support team are here to help. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Schedule your free in-home assessment today!  Congratulations on taking the first step to a healthier you!

Author:
Tabitha Dowd: Tabitha is the new MAS Home Care Division Director. With over 15 years of leadership experience in quality assurance and performance improvement processes, regulatory interpretation, and data analysis, Tabitha comes to MAS with the knowledge and passion to provide the highest level of home care for all. When she is not working, Tabitha is training in Mixed Martial Arts and enjoying time with her husband and two daughters.

Sources:

• https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/choosing-healthy-fats.htm#:~:text=Healthy%20or%20%E2%80%9Cgood%E2%80%9D%20fats,levels%2C%20while%20increasing%20good%20HDL.
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160774#micronutrients
• https://www.schoolofhealth.com/nutrition-courses/what-is-nutrition/