How to Improve Your Digestive Health as a Senior
Digestive health is essential for people of all ages, but it becomes critical as you age. When you reach old age, your digestive system sometimes needs an extra helping hand to break down your food efficiently.
Being less active or struggling to eat nutritious, high-fiber foods can disrupt your digestion and cause several digestive symptoms. For example, you might feel constipated more than not or fuller eating the same amount of food as you did a few years ago.
Luckily, there are many great ways to support your digestive system as a senior. Below, I’ve listed some of the best ways to boost your digestive health as you age.
How to improve your digestive health
Take Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria. As scary as this sounds, these bacteria benefit your body and perform various vital functions.
Some bacteria break down your food to help your body absorb the nutrients. Others produce beneficial compounds, such as vitamin K and short-chain fatty acids.
You can get supplements that contain probiotics for seniors. The supplements are easy to take and provide your body with the beneficial bacteria needed to thrive.
You can also get probiotics in certain foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, tempeh, and miso. Adding some of these foods into your diet will improve your digestive health alongside taking probiotic supplements.
Eat Lots of Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which is essential for your digestive health. There are two forms of fiber – soluble and insoluble.
The former dissolves in water and helps to regulate your blood sugar levels. In addition, your gut microbes can break down soluble fiber into beneficial compounds. The latter does not dissolve in water, helps soften the stool, and makes it easier to pass.
Try to consume a range of different fruits and vegetables to maximize your nutrient consumption and fiber intake. Other colored fruits and veggies tend to contain various micronutrients. Make sure to fill your plate with color to enhance your nutritional intake.
Stay Active
Exercise is one of the best ways to improve your digestive health. Physical movement can help to push food through the digestive tract, preventing bloating and constipation.
The recommended amount of moderate-intensity exercise for seniors is around 150 minutes per week. This can include walking, yoga, hiking, or sports.
Find a form of exercise that you enjoy, and start your day off right with some physical movement! You will notice an immediate decrease in digestive symptoms and a boost in your overall health.
Eat Smaller Meals, More Often
Eating smaller, more frequent meals makes it much easier for your body to break down the food you’re eating and absorb the necessary nutrients. Likewise, split your large meals into smaller snacks to support your digestive system and minimize the symptoms of digestive disorders.
Are you taking care of your digestive health?
Until next time!
