Sunday, May 23, 2010

two questions

(my how things have changed...)

Us Baby Boomers have driven so much change throughout our lives. It makes sense that we'd be changing how old age is done as well.

Is there an answer out there yet for how an older person might get the proper nutrition?



I've been dealing with my digestion issues and see signs of it in lots of people I know, especially my parents who are both in their 70's. I also can't help but wonder how much of my being overweight is due to the cells being starved of real nutrition and so they're screaming at me to EAT!


Dear Deb and Susan,

Your questions are related enough that I will address both of them here.



...Just kidding. Not about the "yes," though.

Two major factors come into play regarding getting proper nutrition:

1) Source of food.

2) Digestion and the ability to use it.

About #1:

Regarding choice of food, it is important to eat food that is as fresh and pure as possible. The highest level of nutrition comes from the freshest (most alive) food and if it is organic, it is less likely to contain toxins. The more processed our food is, the less nutritious. Even if the labels tell us that all kinds of things have been added for nutritional benefit, it doesn't mean the additions are in a form that our bodies can use. Often the added nutrients are a cheap imitation of the real thing. (See below.)

I am of the opinion that it is not possible to get all of the nutrition we need from our food these days. The quality is not there and most of us are playing catch up in the nutritional arena. Therefore, taking quality supplements is very important.

If you take supplements, consider getting good food based vitamins and minerals that are pharmaceutical grade. ("Pharmaceutical grade" refers to the potency and purity--not to being manufactured by pharmaceutical companies.) If they are not food based, they are a chemical version. Quite frankly, our bodies just can't use them as well and some of them contain things that are not good for us.

About #2:

Digestion is a complex issue; however, there are a couple of things that will help most of us--stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

Because our food isn't always fresh, the enzymes that are contained within the food that helps us digest and use it are not present. We can supplement these at our meals.

So many products on the market today are about reducing stomach acid. In reality, many of us don't have enough stomach acid to properly breakdown food and absorb the nutrients into our blood stream and tissues. Acid is important. This, too, can be supplemented.

Of course, there is also the possibility that something more serious is preventing one's digestion from doing its job. I won't try to address those. It is important to get appropriate care from your professional resources.

Susan, I absolutely agree with you that it is likely your body is saying "EAT" because it isn't getting enough of what it needs.

The other thing that is important to be aware of is that many of the artificial sweeteners that people use in an effort to lose weight actually cause weight gain. Aspartame is one of the worst. Look at labels. It is hidden in many things. It has been shown to be a neurotoxin and I have known more than one person who has started to lose weight when they stopped using it.

All of that being said, please read this disclaimer:



Joan said...

The information you give us falls under the category of research--which we all should do before making any decisions or changes regarding our health. I trust that you have done the research before passing this on to all of us so I have no problem with taking your advice. We need to be aware of potential problems and potential solutions. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with those of us who will listen. Love.

Carrie Wilson Link said...

Very interesting, thanks!

Susan O'Neil said...

ROCK ON Sister!

Deb Shucka said...

You are an awesome teacher! Thank you for all of this.

Deb Shucka said...

P.S. He might be bigger, but his face hasn't changed a bit. This guy has the sleeping thing down!