11 Foods Elderly Should Quit For Better Health

You need a healthy and balanced diet no matter what your age is. But at an old age, any deviations from the rules can lead to deterioration in health and well-being. Thus, it is important to take care of health and give up some foods for better and longer life.

Which Foods Should Elderly Quit? 

It is better for the elderly to quit eating the following foods as these foods complicate the fight against chronic diseases.

1. Soft Cheese

The creamy taste, subtle aroma, and special perforated structure of such cheese as Brie will never leave you indifferent. But due to the low acidity and high humidity of such cheese, it is an ideal habitat for listeria and other dangerous bacteria. 

They are especially dangerous for the elderly with weakened immunity, so they should definitely not eat them. However, they can use boiled soft cheese with pleasure as high temperatures kill bacteria.

2. Undercooked Eggs And Raw Seafood

Each person has their own preferences when it comes to eggs. Some like them fully cooked, while others prefer half-cooked eggs. But not many people know that raw and undercooked eggs increase the risk of contracting Salmonella-an infection. Eggs for seniors should be boiled until both the yolk and the egg white are firm. 

In addition, for people of mature age, it is better to avoid products based on raw eggs – homemade mayonnaise and other such sauces. Besides, they should also thermally treat the seafood before eating it to kill harmful bacteria that may inhabit it. 

This means that lobster, mussels, scallops, and other shellfish should only be eaten when cooked. The danger of raw fish is also that it can contain parasites that cause disease. If you or your elderly family members love to eat sushi, make sure the seafood has been frozen, pickled, or otherwise processed.

3. Alcohol

Moderate alcohol consumption is allowed at a young age. As we age, alcohol can begin to affect the body in a different way than it did before. Even if a person drinks a glass of red wine at dinner would harm the body.

Alcoholic drinks can raise blood pressure, negatively affect sleep, or provoke a relapse of a chronic illness. In addition, alcohol can really be damaging if a person is taking medication. So you really need to quit its consumption.

Not only for your sake but also for your family, you should give up alcohol. If you do not want to go to rehab at this, there is nothing to worry about. You can attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, where people gather to talk about addiction. These meetings are also held online now, so grab this opportunity to give up the addiction.

4. Raw Milk

It would seem that fresh milk with a delicate creamy taste from the cow of a familiar farmer is an excellent start to the day for a person who appreciates natural products. But at the same time, it is a serious health risk that can lead to a hospital bed.

Elderly adults are better off eating only pasteurized supermarket milk, as raw milk can contain a wide variety of bacteria, including listeria, salmonella, and E. coli. So take off raw milk from your diet today if you want to live longer.

5. Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a valuable source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, but this amazing fruit should not be consumed by people on medication. Not many people are aware that grapefruit can react with medications for high blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety.

 As many people at elderly age take these medications, so they avoid usage of this fruit. However, if you really like this citrus fruit or its juice, you should consult a doctor. At the same time, this does not mean that you can consume other citrus fruits, eat them without fear.

6. Undercooked Meat

Seniors should only eat meat that has been carefully prepared. Foods and dishes with blood (for example, steaks) are strictly prohibited for older adults. Such foods can become a source of infection with E. coli, salmonella, campylobacter, and other representatives of harmful microflora. All of them can cause food poisoning and put you in a hospital bed.

7. Unpasteurized Juices

Freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, and cocktails, which today are at the peak of popularity among bloggers and adherents of a healthy lifestyle, should not be consumed by those who are of advanced age.

The skins and pulp of store-bought fruits and vegetables can contain harmful bacteria. Therefore, the elderly are better off relying on high-quality pasteurized juices. These are no less tasty but less likely to become a provocateur of foodborne diseases.

8. Raw Sprouts

Sprouts of beans, peas, lentils, wheat, and other superfoods actively advertised by vegans and other adherents of healthy food are not the best menu for the elderly. The fact is that the conditions necessary for the cultivation of these products are also ideal for the reproduction of bacteria. Therefore, the elderly should eat only those sprouts that have been steamed, boiled, or fried.

9. Semi-Finished Products 

In old age, it can be difficult to prepare a full meal; so many people buy convenience foods from the store and simply boil or bake them. But these foods are high in fat, sugar, salt, and preservatives that can be harmful to people with high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

10. Fast Food

Fries, hamburgers, donuts, and pizza from fast-food restaurants tend to be high in calories but very low in nutrients. They, of course, will satisfy hunger, but it will be difficult for an older adult to use up these calories. At the same time, excess calorie intake will inevitably lead to weight gain, which can negatively affect overall health and well-being.

11. Products With Caffeine

The elderly who have heart disease should avoid caffeinated products as these can increase their heart rate. Plus, caffeine can increase anxiety, stress and lead to trouble sleeping. If a person notices that caffeine is doing them more harm than good, they should give it up slowly. 

We mentioned some food products that can be really harmful to the health of the elderly, and they must never consume them for better health. Eat healthy foods to live healthily!