Food to avoid as you age

For many women, aging is not always an easy process, but it can be made easier by taking some simple steps. This includes diet, and good diet includes knowing what to eat and the right time to eat it and also knowing what to avoid.

For aging women, there are particular foods to avoid; they include:

Alcohol: Moderate drinking may reduce your risk of heart attack and some types of strokes. But as you age, alcohol may affect you differently, even if you are used to a glass of wine with dinner or a beer with TV. Alcohol disrupts sleep and can raise your blood pressure, too. Alcohol can also cause hypoglycemia in people with diabetes. It even affects the way medicines work. Talk to your doctor about your alcohol use.

Dairy: You may have trouble digesting milk or dairy products as you age. But you may not have to give up all dairy products and the calcium and protein they provide. Many people can have small amounts of dairy with no stomach upset. And some dairy products are better tolerated than others. Non-fat plain yogurt and low-fat cheeses are especially nutritious choices. Or try lactose-free dairy products.

Grapefruit: While this may be surprising, some foods can affect how your medicine works. That’s why it’s always best to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should avoid any foods. For example, if you take medicine for high blood pressure, anxiety, or insomnia, grapefruit juice may interact with your drugs. Don’t miss out on the vitamin C and potassium that grapefruit holds. Instead, enjoy other citrus fruits like oranges and limes.

Raw vegetables: If you have sensitive, decayed or missing teeth, raw vegetables may be high on your list of foods to avoid. Instead, try cooking vegetables until they are softer. Or use pureed vegetables — such as carrots, pumpkins, and beets in soups or stews. You can also try canned vegetables.

Caffeine: While caffeine may not be a problem for everyone, it can make some people feel anxious or jittery. Caffeine can also increase your heart rate and cause sleeping problems. If you’re trying to cut back, be sure to taper off slowly. Stopping caffeine too quickly may cause headaches, nausea, or vomiting. Slowly replace caffeinated drinks with water, herbal tea or decaf.

Meats: Some of the healthiest cuts of meat, such as lean steak, can be the most difficult to chew. Instead, look for lean ground beef with no more than 10 percent fat or for a healthier protein source that’s easy to chew, you can try fish.

High-salt foods: If you are above 51 years, it is recommended you watch how much sodium you get. And if you are in a high-risk group, make sure you get no more than 1,500 mg of sodium each day. Too much sodium can raise your blood pressure and put you at higher risk for a heart attack and stroke.

Fruit: Fresh fruits contain an abundance of vitamins, fiber, and other important nutrients. But it may be hard to eat your “apple a day” if you have trouble chewing. Instead, try canned fruits with no added sugar or syrup, or eat softer fruits such as berries, bananas, and melons.

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