As people grow older, it is completely normal for their sense of taste to change gradually. Research has shown that by the time people reach 70 years old, many would have already lost about 63% of their taste buds, which can impact their sensitivity to certain tastes like sweetness and saltiness. Some types of medical conditions or medications can also cause an aging adult’s taste buds to diminish gradually, which means that some food may seem more bland. This is one of the reasons why the elderly tend to overcompensate by opting for sweeter and saltier food. It is important to moderate ingredients like salt and sugar in order to maintain the pink of health and to lower the risk of other diseases. At senior living communities like The Trace, we provide healthy meals that are nutritious and delicious for our residents staying with us. Read on to find out more about how you can manage salt and sugar intake as you grow older.
Do Not Skip Meals
When you skip meals, it could result in insufficient carbohydrates in the bloodstream and could cause you to crave more sugar. One of the things you can consider doing is to plan your meals beforehand and use ingredients that are natural and fresh in order to curb these cravings. If you are feeling hungry between meals, you can opt for healthier snacks. When you plan ahead, there is a lower chance that you will need to turn to unhealthy food options loaded with salt and sugar.
Remember to Drink Water
Saliva production generally decreases with age, and this results in a dry mouth that can interfere with taste. By drinking sufficient water and fluids throughout the day, you can avoid worsening the problem. Furthermore, drinking lots of water can help your body deal with the negative impacts of sugar and salt in your bloodstream, and prevent salt cravings.
Know the Macros You Need to Consume
Generally, dietary guidelines recommend the consumption of less than 2,300 mg of sodium every day, and no more than 10% of calories from other added sugar. If you are not sure about how much you should be consuming, check with your doctor what amount of sugar and salt you should be eating in your diet, and be mindful about keeping to these numbers.
Read Labels on Packaged Foods
A lot of commercially packaged foods contain lots of salt and sugar, especially processed foods. This includes sauces, condiments, and spreads. It is important to read labels on these packaged foods to understand how much sugar and salt you are consuming when you eat these foods, and try your best to swap out packaged foods for freshly prepared food whenever possible.
It becomes increasingly important for people to be mindful of their salt and sugar intake as they grow older. At The Trace, our chefs prepare delicious and nutritious food that nourish both the body and the mind, which means that residents do not have to worry about their meals. Feel free to contact us to find out more about what our senior living community has to offer today!
