Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition

Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition 3(2+1)

Lesson 17:Old Age–Nutritional Requirement

Dietary guidelines

• Empty calorie foods and calorie dense foods should be avoided.
• Foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals should be included.
• Vegetables and fruits are good sources of antioxidants. A minimum of five servings should be taken.
• Fat promotes weight gain. Fat particularly saturated fat should be limited
• Gas forming foods like sulphur containing vegetables and certain type of pulses have to be avoided.
• Soft well cooked foods are preferred.
• Fried and concentrated foods should be avoided.
• Caffeine containing beverages should be limited otherwise may suffer from insomnia.
• High fibre diet including greens and whole grains should be included in the diet.
• Easily digestible steamed foods like idli, idiappam can be part of the diet.
• Plenty of fluids and semisolid foods should be taken.
• Excess intake of salt should be avoided.
• 2-3 servings of low fat milk should be included in the diet.
• Tobacco chewing, smoking and chewing of betel leaves are the habits which may affect consumption of food in the elderly.