For many of us, eating is a deeply enjoyable social experience. As you age, it's important to continue eating foods that stay healthy. As we age, our appetite changes. Shopping for groceries and preparing meals can become increasingly difficult due to limited mobility.
Not eating enough food every day may mean you're not meeting your needs for essential vitamins, minerals, macronutrients and fiber. Fiber is especially important because it helps with bowel regularity and stabilizes blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Getting enough fiber can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes. Interestingly, countries with traditionally high-fiber diets have lower rates of diseases such as bowel cancer, diabetes and coronary heart disease. Most Australians do not consume enough fiber, with an average intake of 20-25 grams per day. The recommended fiber intake for adults is 30 grams per day for men and 25 grams per day for women. For older Australians, it is even more important to consume the recommended amounts, as the digestive system slows down with age. Increase your fiber intake, drink more water and exercise regularly to help maintain good gut health.
Add more fiber to your diet
A low-fiber diet can lead to conditions such as constipation. This is more likely to affect us as we age due to lifestyle changes, including changes in living habits, reliance on conventional medications and reduced activity. Good sources of fiber include whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables and legumes. Pear juice and prune juice are widely used to treat constipation. The main ingredients of pear and prune juice are the natural fruit sugars sorbitol and fructose. These sugars are osmotic, meaning they draw water into the intestines and help soften stools. SPC ProVital Pear Juice and SPC ProVital Prune Juice both contain these natural fruit sugars, which can help with bowel movements. They're also made from 100% Australian fruit, with no added sugar, preservatives or added colours. They're a delicious and convenient way to add variety to your day and, combined with a high-fiber diet, help keep your digestive system healthy.
