Staying Healthy After 50

Life expectancy has increased considerably in recent years and now a man aged 50 has the potential to live many more years creatively. Staying healthy after 50 years needs some special nutrient requirements to support cardiovascular health, bone, joints, mental function, digestive system and eyes.
As we age, the functions of the body becomes less effective, energy requirements and reduced food intake may also be lowered. It is important at this stage of life to ensure that dietary intakes of a wide range of nutrients that help maintain a good overall health and vitality is observed. Although a balanced diet is crucial, dietary supplements that contain key nutrients can help to meet the specific nutritional requirements of this age group. It is worth noting that as we age our metabolism drops and therefore the intake of food with high fat and sugar should be minimized in order to avoid a large increase in body weight.

Problems and Diseases after 50
• Weakening of the senses: smell, taste, hearing, vision

• A decrease in glucose tolerance

• Reduction in the volume and muscle strength

• Memory loss, confusion, fatigue and dizziness

• weakened immune system

They also display several diseases such as:
• Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis is a condition that primarily affects the joints that support the weight of the body (hips, knees and spine). Osteoarthritis affects one in three people aged 45-65 years and can affect up to three quarters of people aged over 65. The symptoms of osteoarthritis appear as occasional pain or stiffness in pligmeni joint (usually the hip or knee) and are caused by degeneration of cartilage in joints. People who already have some joint problems such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis, may be prone to secondary osteoarthritis.
• Osteomalacia - vitamin D levels in the body decline with age, mainly as a result of limited sun exposure, reduced capacity of skin to produce vitamin D and reduced dietary intake of vitamin D. This affects the absorption of calcium in bones and foods can lead to osteomalacia, which is characterized by demineralization leading to very soft and weakened bones.
• Osteoporosis – this is characterized by porous bones. It is a condition of the lack of normal bone density, thus increasing the likelihood of fractures. The whole skeleton are at risk, but the spine, hips and ribs are more likely to plichthoun.
• Arteriosclerosis - hardening of the arteries that occurs with age and decreases the ability to pass blood in the body. It leads to high blood pressure and increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Arterosclerosis is the progressive occlusion of the arterial wall by the deposition of lipids such as cholesterol, fatty acids and blood clots. This can lead to increased pressure (due to obstruction of blood flow) and increased risk of stroke or heart attack. It is more common in men, smokers, overweight or sedentary people.
• Urinary Problems - filtering mechanism of the kidneys becomes less efficient with age. The infections of the urinary tract and incontinence are two common problems associated with age.

Food and Environment
There is considerable evidence that the carotenoid lycopene has significant antioxidant activity and may play a role in preventing prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene (the pigment which is in color). To maximize the availability of lycopene from tomatoes, it is best cooked before consumption. Active older people may need as much food as needed when he was younger, if you are well.
Studies show that the rate of stroke in immigrants coincided with the rate of stroke in the country in which they live and not the country of origin. This suggests that diet and environmental factors may be contributing factors in causing stroke.
These studies suggest that high intake of sodium by eating fruits and vegetables are likely to be beneficial. The intake of excessive amount of salt has been shown to affect the likelihood of stroke.
It is proposed to follow a diet:
• rich in complex and non-refined carbohydrates such as pasta, brown rice, whole grains with a few simple and refined carbohydrates, such as sugar, sweets, cakes, biscuits, jams, etc.
• rich in soluble fiber from fresh fruits, vegetables, oat bran and flaxseed
• low in saturated fats from butter, lard, prepared pies, cakes and biscuits
• rich in water and liquid
• low in salt
• Include adequate amounts of protein, preferably from cheese, eggs and soy products
• white meat and fish will provide beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids

The moderate exercise helps the metabolic function
The breathing, muscle relaxation, sleep, digestion and bowel activity can all be improved by regular moderate exercise. This can be a brisk walk for half an hour each day, gardening, swimming, cycling or ideally a combination of all these during the week.

Supplements for Good Health after 50
Those aged over 50 should choose the supplement to be used according to their specific needs and of course depending on the system of their organization that needs support. A wide variety of supplements that can be used in this age group, ranging from simple multivitamins for general strengthening of the body, antioxidants to reduce free radicals and probiotics for good bowel function until garlic supplements for good immune function and circulatory and herbs with different uses.

Examples of supplements that can be used:
* Composite supplementation with vitamins and minerals can supply the body with vital nutrients and is especially useful when food intake is reduced to keep pace with the new lifestyle. Studies have shown that complex supplements with vitamins and minerals can boost immunity and reduce the risk of infections, especially in older people.
* Antioxidant nutrients are crucial for increasing the activity of enzymes that protect the body from the toxic effects of free radicals. This can contribute to heart health and good immune function.
* The low take folic acid can lead to elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood, a factor that increases the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. There are studies that have demonstrated the importance of supplementation with folic acid to reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood, and studies show that folic acid, B6 and B12 have been associated with reduced likelihood of stroke by lowering homocysteine in the blood.
* The L-lysine may enhance calcium absorption in the gut and improve the retention of absorbed calcium in the kidneys. The combined results can contribute to a positive balance of calcium, suggesting a possible role of L-lysine supplementation in the prevention and control of osteoporosis.
* Magnesium with fish oil has a protective effect on the heart by lowering blood pressure and LDLs (low density lipoproteins).
* Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin that may protect LDLs from oxidative modifications and thus contribute to the prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). It is observed that a significant number of adults do not eat enough fruits and vegetables to take enough vitamin C from food . Vitamin C is essential for the action of an enzyme used in the production of collagen, the basic building blocks of cells.
* Enrichment of diet with vitamin D, either through diet or supplements, should be the subject of thought during the winter months.
* Supplements with garlic that has been cold-curing process can contribute to strengthening the immune and circulatory system.
* There are numerous studies of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and its action on eye health. It works through anthokyanosidon have antioxidant protecting the sensitive eye tissue from damage caused by free radicals.
* The Cranberry can help prevent urinary tract infections because of the high content of fructose can prevent the adhesion of E. coli in the walls of the urinary tract.
* Ginkgo biloba extract has been shown to have benefits for those who suffer from inefficient blood flow to the brain. Symptoms can include memory loss, confusion, fatigue, dizziness and ringing in the ears. The Ginkgo biloba has also been used in cases of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is this antioxidant in the eye and can help prevent damage caused by free radicals in the retina and the macula.
* The Saw palmetto is considered to have urinary antiseptic action and has been used for chronic and acute cystitis. Studies on prostatic hyperplasia have found that saw palmetto statistically reduce the frequency of urine output and pain during urination.
* The Uva ursi has been used effectively in the treatment of painful urination and incontinence. In one study, 70% of the 915 participants noted improvement after taking uva ursi.