A new, unique test has been designed where it has the ability to search for more than 100 markers which could indicate the presence of a concussion, according to the authors of the research. In previous years, researchers looked for a single marker in the blood to indicate whether an individual had suffered a concussion or not.
“We were pleasantly surprised when we looked at the pattern of metabolites (or markers) and we could identify people who were injured with no other information at a greater than 90 percent certainty,” stated lead researcher Dr. Douglas Fraser, a consultant in pediatric critical care medicine at the Children’s Health Research Institute in London, Ontario.
During the research study, Dr. Fraser and his colleagues examined 29 teen hockey players for markers of concussion. Of these individuals, some had experienced head injuries while others had not. Regardless, everyone involved in the study was convinced of the test’s abilities.
“It might have potential for diagnosis of concussion but these are preliminary results with only 29 patients,” stated Dr. John Kuluz, director of traumatic brain injury and neuro-rehabilitation at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami. According to Dr. Kuluz, the test must first be validated in a lot more patients before its effectiveness can be determined.
Additionally, he stated how this type of testing isn’t necessary to utilize often. “There are only a small number of patients where the diagnosis is in doubt,” declared Dr. Kuluz. “However, in those cases, such a test could be helpful,” he noted.
Because properly diagnosing the presence of a concussion heavily relies on the observation of specific symptoms,such as dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, nausea and other overt complications, it can often be challenging to distinguish an individual’s cause of injury. In the same manner, it is similarly difficult to accurately determine when an individual has fully recovered from a concussion and if they can return to their regular activities.
“People have been searching for one or two proteins floating around in the blood which are released from the brains after experiencing an injury,” stated Dr. Fraser. “But that approach hasn’t yielded great results, probably because every patient is different and every injury is different. Therefore, it’s probably a little naive to believe one or two proteins are going to give us the answer we need,” he concluded.
The team of researchers narrowed down 174 markers to approximately between 20 to 40 specific ones which could diagnose a concussion with an accuracy of more than 90 percent.
Foremost, to accurately diagnose a concussion through this process, the blood must be tested within 72 hours after the individual has experienced a head injury. The report was published in the October 2016 issue of the journal Metabolomics.
The test was developed in hopes that it could be a widely available and inexpensive procedure to be utilized in emergency rooms. Furthermore, the test could be used to evaluate the individual’s healing process. According to Dr. Fraser, he quoted, “It looks like these patterns remain abnormal for up to three months at a time. There is a potential that following the profile for a period of time can reveal accurate information pertaining to the healing process.”
The researchers have tested the accuracy of the test in other groups, such as the military, to determine whether it functions equally in adults as it does in teens. They have also developed a machine which can run the test quickly using a single drop of blood.
The research study was funded by the Children�s Health Foundation in Canada. The authors have filed a patent application for their test.
A concussion can occur as a result of a traumatic sports injury or due to any other blow to the head. While several symptoms could indicate the presence of a concussion, symptoms can manifest differently for each individual, making it difficult to accurately determine the presence of a head injury. With the development of a new test, a concussion could be diagnosed using a single drop of blood.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Ronnie Reagan� almost 30 years ago to the day, the 40th president of the United States�signed away the rights�of Americans to sue vaccine makers, replacing them with a law that forces families who have suffered vaccine injury or death to sue the U.S. government instead of a pharmaceutical company.
As a result,�special masters�from the�United States Special Claims Court,�also known for our purposes as the vaccine court, are given full authority as judge with no jury to decide the fate of Americans who have had the unfortunate �luck� to be stricken by a vaccine injury � which can range from chronic, mild symptoms to death.
Once a year, this non-traditional court provides the public with a glimpse into its inner workings, by issuing an�annual report on its website�� a ritual that happens every January.� The report is sent to the President of Congress, otherwise known as the Vice President of the United States, where it is intended to serve as a bell weather monitoring reactions the American public may be having to vaccinations that are increasingly becoming forced by government mandates around the country.
However, the report, which is consistently ignored by mainstream media/politicians/health officials and the CDC,�lies dormant on the reports page of the U.S. Special Claims Court website. While it is most definitely at the very least a deterrent from having anybody actually sit down and analyze the report, the circle of doctors did and they found several things.
Here’s what was discovered in the thorough examination of the report:
Vaccine court settlement payouts�increased in total $91.2 million in 2015, up from $22.8 million in 2014 to $114 million in 2015 � a 400% increase.
Vaccine court settlement payments for flu shots increased the most, from $4.9 million in 2014 to $61 million in 2015 �� an increase of more than 1000%, despite autumnal onslaughts every year of media/pr/advertising campaigns urging Americans to �get your flu shot,� with total abandon for the statistical facts coming out of the vaccine court.
Varicella (chicken pox) had the third biggest increase � from $0 in 2014 to�$5.8 million in 2015.� (No surprise shingles is on the rise among the elderly population, as recently vaccinated grandchildren continuously shed live virus to their unsuspecting elders.)
Hepatitis B was the fourth largest increase in vaccine court settlements, increasing 321% in 2015 to more than $8 million in 2015 from $1.9 million in 2014.
TDap/DTP/DPT and D/T shots were the fifth largest increase, leaping 75% in 2014 from $5.5 million to $9.8.
The rest of the settlements not pictured here are:�Tetanus, $4 million; HPV $3.4 million, up from almost nothing in 2014 (one to watch in January when the 2016 report is issued); MMR, which actually decreased from the number one position last year to under $1 m � an 88%+�decrease�in payouts; pertussis, $1.7 million; thimerisol $1.5 million; HIB, $345k, menginococal $500k, HEP A $408k, DPT & Polio, $210k & rotovirus $76k.
You may have noticed we omitted the second place winner, �other.�� Here�s why.
In 2015, the �other� category was the second largest increase in vaccine settlement payments, totaling $21.5 million in payouts, up 388% from $4.4 million in payouts the year before.
Also, a hand full of settlements in the payout are based on annuities � that means that the payouts (many of which total more than $1 million) reoccur annually.� That�s because life as they knew it for some plaintiffs disappeared after their vaccine injury occurred, and the costs to care for them in perpetuity for the life of the plaintiff requires an annual sum that is often extensive. Share far and wide people, it�s time to turn the tide.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: circleofdocs.com
Insight
The U.S. Special Claims Court was assigned to settle legal cases involving vaccine injuries, issuing an extensive collective report of these for anyone who wishes to analyze it. However, after conducting a full breakdown of each case in the report, the statistics of vaccine injuries over the years was demonstrated to have indeed increased tremendously.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
As our bodies age, it becomes more and more important to stay healthy and active. While bones and muscles may weaken, it is still possible to be out and about and doing the things we love. Many senior citizens face chronic pain or other issues related to the body deteriorating over time. Luckily, chiropractic care has been to shown to have multiple benefits for the elderly, from increased mobility to decreased risk of falls and other injuries.
Some seniors may be concerned about receiving spinal manipulation due to the delicate nature of their bodies. However, chiropractic doctors have been specially trained to treat the sensitive needs of the elderly in a safe and effective way. The first step is to examine the spine in order to find any vertebrae that are out of place. These subluxations can lead to many problems, from pain due to the misalignment to immune systems because of nerve blockage.
For seniors who are struggling with decreased mobility, chiropractic care has been show to help restore this deficit. Results will vary due to the nature of the patient�s individual needs. Some seniors may find themselves able to bend over again and play with grand-kids or garden. Others who enjoy golf may find an increase in their drive distance. These small improvements can lead to a large increase in overall quality of life for all patients. People with more severe mobility issues may be able to regain strength through a mix of chiropractic and physical therapy.
Many seniors also suffer from balance and coordination issues. These problems are often caused by previous injuries or degenerative changes in the cervical spine (the neck area). Studies have shown that chiropractic care can help to restore decreased coordination by stimulating joint receptors in the neck. This stimulation helps normalize joint receptor functioning, which controls balance and coordination.
In addition to the above issues, seniors also see chiropractors to find relief from chronic pain, decreased energy, and to avoid the need for additional cares. A recent study found that seniors who received chiropractic care were far more likely to remain in their homes versus seniors that did not receive care. Chiropractic can be a safe and effective way for seniors to stay healthy, active, and independent. Speak to your primary care doctor about how chiropractic can help you today!
When a proper nutrition and physical activity has ensured a healthy aging process, the development of degeneration complications may still occur, however, chiropractic care can help. Chiropractic is an alternative, treatment option which can be utilized by seniors to maintain a healthy body and overall wellness.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
As people age, there are some physical changes taking place. Skin changes to become thinner and less elastic and wrinkles appear in greater numbers. We may lose out hair or it can change to shades of gray or white. These are processes that everyone who lives a long life will go through naturally. Barring cosmetic changes, we can’t control the aging of our looks much.
The good news is that we can control the aging of other body physical aspects such as posture and weight.
Other physical changes we face as we age include the following:
Body weight is usually less in late adulthood because we lose muscle tissue.
Muscle strength, along with mass, is reduced, causing loss of strength in the legs, arm, and other part of the body. In late adulthood the most apparent loss of strength is usually in the legs.
Bone loss, or loss of bone calcium, occurs. This will cause changes in the body that are visible. Bone loss is responsible for some weight loss and possibly a stooped posture. A decrease in bone density or osteoporosis may also result.
Other body functions slow down due to a loss of organ reserve.
The Importance of Exercise for the Elderly
Reducing the effects of physical changes due to aging is the major reason behind the importance of exercise for the elderly. Exercise is an important tool for improving a large part of the process. Research indicates that many factors can be improved with regular exercise. Benefits of regular exercise include:
Increased exercise and activities promote well-being and a sense of feeling younger. Feeling younger and more self-confident has been shown to promote good psychological health.
Exercise is often a social activity, which many experts believe contributes to a healthy state of mind and reduced depression. Exercising is a great way to spend time with friends either at the gym or on a walk at the park.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources has research that indicates exercising helps people in late adulthood avoid disabilities that may be caused by chronic disease and other illnesses.
Other studies show that exercise during late adulthood will help decrease the risk of diabetes and increase body function abilities.
Get Started With an Exercise Program
No matter what your age, if you want to begin exercising, the first place you need to stop is your doctor’s office. As a senior, it can be even more important to have a physical exam before starting an exercise program. Also, some medication use is affected by exercise, which your doctor can talk with you about.
There are also other special considerations. For example, it’s important to learn about stretch exercises for seniors because in late adulthood, it’s best to have a long stretching period before your exercise time and a proper cool-down. The best way is to warm up the body with light cardio activity for five minutes, stretch for about five minutes, then begin your exercise routine.
After discussing your exercise options with your doctor, narrow down your exercise plan to ideas you’ll be sure to use. Because of the importance of exercise for the elderly, choose an activity you’ll actually do. If you get dizzy on an exercise bike, switch to something else. If walking is boring to you, try swimming or even walking with a buddy-pairing up can make any activity seem more like fun and less like exercise.
The body naturally begins to change with age, often causing the degeneration of bones and joints, as well as other structures. While this process is inevitable, physical activity can help slow down the changes and ensure they happen much more smoothly. Research has demonstrated how exercise can improve other factors of aging.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Inflammation is generally identified as a symptoms accompanied by pain and discomfort, however, this symptom is often necessary for�for preventing illnesses, treating injuries, and healing wounds. To a larger extent, inflammation is necessary to keep us healthy. However, occasionally, an individual’s own immune system can cause inflammation when there’s no apparent cause for it. From an improper diet to increased levels of stress and even environmental factors, inflammation can develop without any of the previously mention complications.
Fortunately, if this is the case, following a properly balanced diet, focusing on a variety of anti-inflammatory foods, an individual can reduce their inflammation and experience relief once more. The following 10 foods are some of the top, recommended anti-inflammatory foods which can help fight the symptoms.
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1. Leafy green vegetables
Dark, leafy greens like kale, spinach, bok choy, and Swiss chard are rich in flavonoids (powerful, plant-based antioxidants) that restore cellular health, which is essential to stopping inflammation.
In addition, they provide vitamins A, C, and K, which protect your brain against the oxidative stress caused by free-radical damage � the same process that causes aging and disease development.
A very large portion of your immune system actually lives within your gut and is run by bacterial organisms � what you can think of as �your gut�s bugs.�
Microbial imbalances (when the bad bacteria outnumber the good) have been associated with heightened inflammation and increased risk of various diseases, but probiotic foods like sauerkraut and kimchi can help rebalance and heal your gut.
Probiotics are also linked to improvements in immune, cognitive, digestive, and endocrine system functions, and taking probiotics can even cheer you up!
3. Bone broth
Bone broth � the rich liquid that results from boiling the bones of organic, grass-fed beef or poultry for hours � comes packed with a number of nutrients, including collagen. Collagen and the amino acids proline and glycine work in unison to heal the lining of an inflamed gut, which quickly stops your immune system from acting on overdrive and attacking the body�s healthy tissues, from the skin to the brain.
Bone broth is also a great natural source of chondroitin sulphates and glucosamine � the same compounds sold as expensive over-the-counter supplements used to limit arthritis and joint pain caused by inflammation.
4. Walnuts
As a great source of omega-3s and trace minerals, walnuts are known for being a �brain food� because they supply special phytonutrients that help protect against cognitive decline.
An imbalance between oxidants (bad) and antioxidants (good) can eventually lead to oxidative stress, but walnuts help to calm an overactive immune system and reduce widespread inflammation.
5. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a special kind of saturated fat that has built-in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Benefits of this miracle oil include being both easy to digest and helpful in restoring gut health, thanks to its ability to cause a thermic, warming response in the body.
Because coconut oil contains essential fatty acids that can fight bacteria, yeast, and infections within the digestive tract � where most illness and disease begins � it�s beneficial for both preventing and treating inflammation.
6. Beets
As their deep pigment suggests, beets contain the antioxidant betalain, which works to repair cellular damage caused by inflammation. Beets can also help improve blood flow and supply high levels of inflammation-fighting potassium and magnesium, two important nutrients many people are deficient in.
7. Broccoli (and other cruciferous veggies)
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are packed with antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids, and key vitamins like vitamin C. These nutrients work together to lower oxidative stress in the body and help battle chronic inflammation and reduce the risk of developing cancer.
8. Berries
The stars of the fruit world, berries stand out because of their high content of both fiber and antioxidants like quercetin, a flavonoid compound that supports healthy bacterial growth in the gut and prevents colon damage.
Berries have also been shown to slow cognitive decline and improve memory and motor function.
9. Salmon
Consuming the ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 essential fatty acids is one of the keys to fighting inflammation. Omega-6es are �pro-inflammatory� while omega-3s are considered potent anti-inflammatory substances.
Wild-caught salmon and other oily fish (including mackerel and sardines) are the best food sources of omega-3s. They naturally lower the risk for developing many inflammatory diseases, especially heart disease, arthritis, depression, and cognitive disorders.
10. Super seeds (chia, flax and hemp)
Super seeds like chia, flax, and hemp offer both omega-3 (in the form of plant-based alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-6 fatty acids, which help stop our immune system from overproducing cytokines and oxidant molecules that can lead to inflammation.
They�re also full of fiber, antioxidants, protein, and numerous trace minerals that help regulate cholesterol and lower blood pressure levels before they cause further damage.
Inflammatory symptoms can create feelings of discomfort among those affected. Inflammation is a natural response to a harmful stimulation in the body, where even certain foods can cause it. Fortunately, several types of foods can have wonderful anti-inflammatory effects on the body as well as disease-fighting benefits.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Your immune system attacks anything in your body that it recognizes as foreign�such as an invading microbe, plant pollen, or chemical. The process is called inflammation. Intermittent bouts of inflammation directed at truly threatening invaders protect your health.Foods that fight inflammation
However, sometimes inflammation persists, day in and day out, even when you are not threatened by a foreign invader. That’s when inflammation can become your enemy. Many major diseases that plague us�including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer’s�have been linked to chronic inflammation.
One of the most powerful tools to combat inflammation comes not from the pharmacy, but from the grocery store. “Many experimental studies have shown that components of foods or beverages may have anti-inflammatory effects,” says Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.
Choose the right foods, and you may be able to reduce your risk of illness. Consistently pick the wrong ones, and you could accelerate the inflammatory disease process.
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Foods that Cause Inflammation
Try to avoid or limit these foods as much as possible:
refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries
French fries and other fried foods
soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages
red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage)
margarine, shortening, and lard
Inflammation-promoting Foods
Not surprisingly, the same foods that contribute to inflammation are generally considered bad for our health, including sodas and refined carbohydrates, as well as red meat and processed meats.
“Some of the foods that have been associated with an increased risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease are also associated with excess inflammation,” Dr. Hu says. “It’s not surprising, since inflammation is an important underlying mechanism for the development of these diseases.”
Unhealthy foods also contribute to weight gain, which is itself a risk factor for inflammation. Yet in several studies, even after researchers took obesity into account, the link between foods and inflammation remained, which suggests weight gain isn’t the sole driver. “Some of the food components or ingredients may have independent effects on inflammation over and above increased caloric intake,” Dr. Hu says.
Foods that Combat Inflammation
Include plenty of these anti-inflammatory foods in your diet:
tomatoes
olive oil
green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards
nuts like almonds and walnuts
fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges
Anti-inflammation Foods
On the flip side are foods and beverages that have been found to reduce the risk of inflammation, and with it, chronic disease, says Dr. Hu. He notes in particular fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, apples, and leafy greens that are high in natural antioxidants and polyphenols�protective compounds found in plants.
Studies have also associated nuts with reduced markers of inflammation and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Coffee, which contains polyphenols and other anti-inflammatory compounds, may protect against inflammation, as well.
Anti-inflammatory Eating
To reduce levels of inflammation, aim for an overall healthy diet. If you’re looking for an eating plan that closely follows the tenets of anti-inflammatory eating, consider the Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils.
In addition to lowering inflammation, a more natural, less processed diet can have noticeable effects on your physical and emotional health. “A healthy diet is beneficial not only for reducing the risk of chronic diseases, but also for improving mood and overall quality of life,” Dr. Hu says.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to a specific, often general, harmful stimulation. While there are many things which can cause the body to experience symptoms of inflammation, the foods people consume can also lead to these type of symptoms. Therefore, a proper nutrition is essential for the body’s overall health and wellness, and various types of foods can even help reduce inflammation in the body.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Hydration is key to staying and feeling healthy. Your body has an intricate system of keeping fluids and electrolytes balanced, and proper hydration is a main component of this process. If this system is not functioning properly, you may suffer the dangerous consequences of dehydration. In the elderly, this regulation system may no longer function properly on its own, making dehydration more common — making adequate hydration even more important.
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The Importance of Hydration
Dehydration is a risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality, especially in the elderly. This condition can lead to hospitalization, infection, loss of cognitive function, and even death if not treated immediately. Due to changes in the body during aging, such as a decrease in total body water as well as a decrease in being able to sense thirst, dehydration can happen quickly in the elderly. Staying hydrated every day is the best way to prevent this.
Symptoms of Dehydration
Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, no urine or very concentrated urine, sunken eyes, lethargy, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate and dry skin. Symptoms of dehydration should not be overlooked. If you suspect that you are dehydrated, try drinking small, frequent amounts of fluids such as water. If your symptoms do not improve, call your doctor or go to the hospital, as severe dehydration may requires medical attention.
Daily Hydration Requirements
Water needs vary from day to day and from person to person. However, the general recommendation for fluids is at least 6 to 8 cups, or 48 to 64 fluid ounces daily. Your fluid needs may be increased if you are losing excess water through sweat or urine. As a rule of thumb, you should drink 4 ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes during periods of excess loss.
Hydration Tips
Because the thirst mechanism in the elderly may be dysfunctional, focus on drinking small, frequent amounts of fluid throughout the day rather than waiting to feel thirsty. Water is the best option for hydration, but any fluids count toward the daily requirement. If you are drinking juice or soda, try mixing it with half a glass of water to cut down on the sugar and calorie content. Additionally, you can get fluids through foods such as soups, fresh fruits and vegetables, and ice pops.
Hydration is important to ensure the proper function of all the structures in the body. When people age, the body’s normal amount of water decreases naturally, making dehydration more likely to occur. As a result, the proper hydration is much more important in older adults. By following several hydration tips, elderly patients can maintain the correct levels of water in their body to ensure their overall health.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
As we get older, body water content decreases, the risk for dehydration increases, and the consequences become more serious. Dehydration has been associated with increased mortality rates among hospitalized older adults�and can precipitate emergency hospitalization and increase the risk of repeated stays in hospital.
Dehydration is a frequent cause of hospitalization of older adults and one of the ten most frequent diagnoses responsible for hospitalization in the United-States. Evidence suggests high dehydration rates of elderly patients within hospitals and other health care institutions. Dehydration has also been associated with various morbidities, such as impaired cognition or acute confusion, falling or constipation.
The cost associated with dehydration may be very high: a study conducted in 1999 in the United States evaluated the avoidable costs of hospitalizations due to dehydration at $1.14 billion.
Why are the elderly more susceptible to dehydration?
The amount of body water decreases by approximately 15% (about 6 L) between the ages of 20 and 80. With this decrease, the body becomes more susceptible to dehydration from the loss of a small amount of body water.
Moreover, the elderly often experience diminished thirst sensation which leads to a reduced fluid consumption. Also as a consequence of aging, the kidneys have a reduced ability to concentrate urine and retain water during water deprivation.�In addition, aging kidneys are less able to conserve or excrete sodium.
Insufficient fluid intakes can also be the result of limitations such as reduced swallowing capacity, decreased mobility, or comprehension and communication disorders. Disease-related factors, such as incontinence can increase water losses. Dehydration may also be caused by warm temperature, inadequate staffing in institutions, or use of laxatives or diuretics.
Preventing Dehydration in the Elderly
Prevention is primarily based on ensuring adequate fluid intake. Raising awareness of the elderly, their families and caregivers on the risks of dehydration and its consequences is fundamental for dehydration prevention, and can lead to cost-savings in geriatric institutions.
SOME STRATEGIES FOR ENCOURAGING FLUIDS CONSUMPTION
Offer fluids regularly during the day
Make liquids readily available all day (at bedside or chairside in geriatric institutions) by placing containers such as small bottle of water or sippy cups
Encourage consumption of fluids with medication
Provide preferred beverages
Prescribe and safeguard a minimum intake of 1.5 L in periods of increased risk for dehydration
Water is the substance of life and as important as it is for every organism, older adults are required to drink more water than the average adult. Because the body’s water content decreases with age as the structures and functions of the body change and degenerate naturally, staying hydrating is ultimately essential. In fact, dehydration in older adults can lead to complications.
Chiropractic for Older Adults
Additionally, seeking medical care from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, can help determine the presence of other complications. Spinal degeneration may begin to occur with age and chiropractic treatment can help both prevent further issues and relieve symptoms of back and neck pain. Also, a chiropractor can instruct the individual on other nutritional plans.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
As the body ages, changes in the gastrointestinal tract occur, reducing the absorption of nutrients and slowing down intestinal motility. As a result, malabsorption, nutrient deficiency and constipation are relatively common health problems that affect elderly people of both genders.
A high-fiber diet helps to stimulate intestinal motility and prevent constipation. There is also evidence dietary fiber helps to lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood glucose levels. Ask your doctor about the benefits of adding more fiber to your diet.
Dietary fiber is common in plant foods such as fruits, vegetable and legumes. Although dietary fiber cannot be digested or absorbed, it still contributes to health in a variety of ways. Dietary fiber comes in two types: soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and becomes gel-like, causing it to stick to bile, toxins and other debris and drag them from your body. Insoluble fiber attracts water like a sponge and acts to clean your intestines, increase intestinal motility and stimulate regular bowel movements. Constipation is more common in the elderly due to reduced intestinal peristalsis or rhythmic contractions, inactive lifestyles and diets low in fiber.
The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recommends that total fiber intake for adults older than 50 should be at least 30 grams per day for men and 21 grams for women. Because insoluble fiber absorbs water, you need to drink plenty of water, too, or a high-fiber diet can lead to constipation and compound existing problems with bowel movements. Elderly people sometimes have difficulty regulating fluid levels because their thirst mechanism may be suppressed, so a conscious effort to drink a total of eight to 10 glasses of water is a good idea. Purified water, fresh juice, herbal tea and other non-caffeinated liquids are best.
Most whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes are sources of insoluble and soluble fiber. For example, multi-grain bread, wheat germ, brown rice, broccoli, spinach, celery, carrots, zucchini, apples, pears, most berries, chickpeas, lentils and virtually all beans are especially good sources of dietary fiber. Furthermore, psyllium is a high-fiber compound you can mix into water or fruit juice. Nut and seeds contain fiber also, but you may find it difficult to properly chew them if you have dental problems or dentures. Consequently, softer sources of fiber, such as beans and whole-grain bread, are not only easier to chew, but are usually much more affordable.
In addition to combating constipation, dietary fiber may help reduce high cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels, thus lowering your risk of heart disease and type-2 diabetes, according to the book �Human Metabolism: Functional Diversity and Integration.� High-fiber diets also make you feel full for longer periods of time, which may help you reduce your calorie consumption and lose excess weight.
As previously discussed, with age, the body begins to change, especially the digestive system, where it’s normal function slows down, requiring additional care to optimize health. Fiber is an essential part of our diet, and for seniors, an intake of the proper amount of fiber can ensure the digestive system is functioning to its fullest.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
As you grow older, individuals are more likely to suffer from indigestion, constipation and other ailments of the digestive system, mainly due to the fact that age can indeed affect the structures and their function. Although a natural process, several issues and conditions may develop as a result.
Sacramento gastroenterologist Roger Mendis, M.D., of Sutter Medical Foundation quoted this exact theory �Aging doesn�t necessarily mean you will start to have GI problems, but it definitely increases the odds that you might. Everything changes as our body ages, and some of those changes do impact your GI tract.� Because of this, the health of an individual’s digestive system is essential, and learning to identify these specific complications can be the first step for taking action.
Below are some of the reasons that problems with digestion might begin after the age of 60, even in healthy adults.
Sluggish Metabolism
A slower metabolism can trigger constipation. The work of the colon involves the coordinated contraction of smooth muscle in the gut. Activity level, diet, water intake and metabolism all play a role in digestive health. As we age, our metabolism may slow, as does our activity level, resulting in harder, drier stools that are more difficult to pass. Drinking more water, modest activity (walking) and incorporating fiber into the diet may be beneficial in maintaining healthy bowel habits.
Susceptibility to Diverticulosis
Almost half of older adults will have this condition, in which small pouches develop in the lining of the colon. Most adults remain symptom free, but these diverticula pouches can also cause constipation and discomfort. If the pouches become inflamed (diverticulitis), they can cause pain, fever and abdominal tenderness. Bleeding may occur in a minority of individuals.
Seemingly Unrelated Conditions
Health problems like diabetes or thyroid conditions can impact your metabolism and your digestive system, causing constipation or diarrhea. Diabetes may cause slowing of the stomach emptying or �gastroparesis.�
Medications
As we age, we are more likely to take medications for other conditions, such as heart disease or arthritis. Calcium channel blockers, often prescribed for heart conditions, can cause constipation. Pain relievers, particularly narcotic pain relievers, are well known to cause constipation. And aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) pain relievers, sold over-the-counter, can upset the stomach and cause GI bleeding.
Being Overweight
As your metabolism slows, it takes more effort to keep the pounds off. Increased weight can lead to increased acid reflux and heart burn, as abdominal fat pushes the stomach into the chest.
Inactivity
Painful arthritis can cause us to become more sedentary as we age, and that too can slow digestion. Your digestive system works best when you are active and mobile. If aging means you spend more time sitting and less time moving, your GI tract may become sluggish.
Increased Sensitivity
Aging may impact your �iron stomach.� While Dr. Mendis says it hard to pinpoint exactly why, older adults commonly find they can no longer tolerate the spicy foods, alcohol or coffee in the quantities they used to love. Complaints of being more �gassy,� more apt to have heartburn or dyspepsia are common, but generally not serious issues.
While age can alter several functions of the body, most commonly slowing down the digestive system, not many individuals understand the impact aging can have on their overall health if they do not follow specific guidelines to maintain their function. When it comes to digestive health, it’s essential to be aware of the natural changes which affect the digestive system.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
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