Juicing benefits for those in this particular age group take on a whole new meaning as nutrition and digestive issues appear with the onset of advancing years. It is normal for seniors to experience changes in their eating patterns and appetite and it can be a disturbing experience for seniors, family and caregivers alike.
A changed sense of taste can result in seniors losing their appetite and this is but a short step to inadequate nutrition, unhealthy weight loss as well as the onset of chronic conditions. The same changing sense of taste can also work in the opposite direction due to cravings for sweet or salty foods which of course can result in inappropriate weight gain.
The traditional method of dealing with these issues is to supplement an inadequate diet with nutritional shakes and supplements as well as providing relief from conditions such as colds and flu which are well known for causing changes in olfactory and taste experiences. It is a symptomatic approach at best however there is another way.
How Juicing Can Help
Juicing for life can mean exactly that for elderly people because it provides an excellent means of providing high quality nutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals without the need for consuming huge quantities of food. It is the perfect solution to the problem of decreased appetite so that senior citizens can enjoy improved health. Raw, fresh juices provide natural enzymes that in themselves can lead to improved digestion as well as increased immunity.
In addition to these juicing benefits, the general health of senior citizens can also be improved if conditions such as dementia, depression, ulcers are also treated. Even an issue such as correctly fitted dentures can make a difference to the types of foods the elderly are able to consume.
Seniors Who Enjoy Independent Living
Juicing for life is a real option for these seniors because they are able to take an active role in seeking solutions to their appetite issues and work together with their doctor to investigate any hidden problems. They are also able to commence a juicing regimen consisting of a couple of fresh juices each day. By consuming raw, fresh juice on an empty stomach, an hour or so before meals, seniors are assured of ingesting the vital nutrients their bodies need.
Seniors Who Live With Family or a Caregiver
In this situation, it is the family or caregiver who will make the fresh juices and offer it to the senior citizen. If the family is already juicing, introducing fresh juice into the diet of an elderly parent will likely be a family affair and not considered unusual. In fact, family members can prepare juices and refrigerate them so the elderly parent is able to drink them before meals as required.
Elderly parents who are not able to eat family meals can still receive required nutrients by ingesting vegetables and fruits by way of juicing, while avoiding the need to struggle with unsuitable foods and appetite issues. So long as the fresh juice is consumed within a 24 hour time frame, the nutrient value will remain high. The juice should be refrigerated if not consumed immediately.
Things to be Careful Of
Before a senior citizen starts on a juicing regimen, a doctor should be consulted, particularly if medications such as blood thinners or cholesterol medications are being taken. Fruit juice has a high sugar content so it is better if fruits are added in for taste rather than volume.
The benefits of juicing for life can result in improved nutrient intake for the elderly which in turn can result in improved health. There is planning involved of course but ultimately, juicing can be viewed as a viable method of ingesting high quality nutrients that are easily digestible.