Has your doctor advised you to start eating more fiber? Fiber is a vital nutrient for people of all ages, and it does much more than just aid digestion. It’s time to learn why fiber is so important for seniors and how to get more fiber in your diet.
Do You Know How to Get More Fiber in Your Diet?
Most seniors know that getting more fiber in their diets is a good idea. Some seniors even take extra steps to get more fiber, like taking fiber supplements. But why do seniors need more fiber than other groups, and why is fiber so important to senior diets?
The Health Benefits of Fiber
To understand the importance of fiber to senior diets, it’s helpful to learn how your digestive system naturally changes as you age. As we get older, our metabolism and digestive systems slow down. As a result, seniors can find themselves carrying extra weight or struggling with health issues exacerbated by their diet. Fiber helps by moving waste through your digestive system quickly, allowing it to function more effectively. As a result, increasing your fiber intake can help you lose weight and manage problems like high blood pressure and diabetes. It’s a simple change to your diet that can greatly impact your overall health.
Increasing Your Fiber Intake
Getting more fiber is a smart idea for any senior. Unfortunately, most Americans eat far less fiber than is recommended. Adult men should consume 28 grams of fiber daily, and adult women should consume at least 23 grams daily. If you aren’t getting enough fiber, that might sound like a considerable amount, but we’re here to help. How can you make sure you’re getting enough fiber on your plate every day?
- If you know you need to increase your fiber intake significantly, be sure to take it slow. Introducing too much fiber to your diet at once can lead to digestive problems and discomfort.
- Adding fiber to your diet doesn’t have to be unpleasant. Delicious foods with a lot of fiber include fruits and vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Take a look at this list of fiber-rich foods. Do you have any favorites on the list to add to your daily diet? If you aren’t sure where to begin, talk to your doctor for some dietary advice.
- If you’re looking for clever ways to sneak fiber into your diet, consider ways you can substitute fiber-rich foods for other ingredients in your meals. For example, swapping white rice with brown rice can add a massive punch of fiber to your dinner.
- As you increase your fiber intake, it’s also essential to increase your water intake. Water helps flush your digestive system out and can help you avoid gastric discomfort.
- If managing your daily diet alone is becoming challenging, consider the ways that an assisted living community could make your life easier. In assisted living, balanced and nutritious meals are provided to residents every day!
Now that you know how to get more fiber in your diet, it’s a good idea to think about other things you can do to improve your overall health. If you’re looking for a senior living community that puts your health first, we hope you’ll join us at Springhouse Village.
Are you interested in retiring in Springfield, Missouri? At Springhouse Village, we know how important it is to enjoy your retirement in a lively and welcoming environment. We make it easy for our residents to participate actively in our community. Whether that means encouraging residents to join an exercise class or assisting them in starting a garden club, we strive to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the amenities and services that we offer, contact Springhouse Village today by sending us a message online or calling 417-708-3403. We look forward to hearing from you!