Today’s Solutions: November 25, 2024

Like all aspects of health and wellness, our nutrition needs change as we age. Changing physical health as well as lifestyle makes certain vitamins and minerals more crucial than they used to be. Let’s take a look at some that get more important as we age.

Magnesium

Magnesium promotes bone strength and protein production, both of which can slow down as we age. It also helps regulate blood sugar. If you’re looking to increase your intake, fibrous plant-based foods like leafy greens, lentils, legumes, and whole grains are all great sources of magnesium.

Probiotics

More and more research is emerging about the critical nature of gut health, and probiotics play a big role in this. Although you can buy probiotic supplements, they can also be found naturally in kimchi, kombucha, yogurt, soft cheeses, and tempeh. A healthy gut has been shown to alleviate allergies, reduce the symptoms of IBS, and even play a role in mental health.

Vitamin D

As we age, our bodies become less likely to absorb vitamin D from the sun, making nutritional intake of this vitamin all the more important. This sunshine vitamin helps to absorb calcium and support bone, muscle, and immunity function, so make sure you’re getting it from sources like egg yolks, sockeye salmon, mushrooms, two percent milk, and cheese.

Calcium

As you age, you actually start to lose more calcium than you absorb. Women, in particular, should consume 20 percent more calcium than other adults after age 50. Dairy is a common source of calcium, but for plant-based eaters, coconut, rice, and almond milk as well as white beans, collard greens, and figs are all great sources as well.

Omega 3 fatty acids

Also known as “the good fats,” these support brain and eye health and have been shown to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and impaired vision. They can be found in a variety of Mediterranean staples like oily fish, olive oil, chia seeds, walnuts, and even edamame.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

How the Environment Leaders Programme cultivates climate action in schools

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The climate crisis can feel like an overwhelming storm—literally and figuratively, but young people across the UK are ...

Read More

Holiday survival 101: how to navigate awkward social moments with style

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The holidays are a season of joy, togetherness, and—let’s be honest—a healthy dose of awkwardness. Whether it’s your ...

Read More

San Francisco police won’t send officers to respond to non-criminal calls

Cities across the US are finally seeing some tangible police reform and defunding changes. San Francisco is joining the movement with their recent announcement ...

Read More

It’s kitten season! How to help overwhelmed shelters manage the influx of kit...

Kitten season has arrived, bringing with it an irresistible wave of feline cuteness. However, behind the scenes, animal rescues and shelters are dealing with ...

Read More