Food for elderly

Upon reaching it, some treads the path with hesitancy. Some dread the possible loneliness, worrisome health uncertainties and deteriorating senses of the mind (and body). For others with more positive outlooks to life, things to look forward to are years of free time, chances to fulfil their "Things I must see and experience before it is too late" wishes and seeing family and relatives expanding in numbers. Ah, welcome to the realm of the elderly people.

With a host of ailments and health issues to be dealt with (in the possible event of it happening), senior citizens can no longer sit back when they still have the chance to maintain their health. By all means, take medications as advised by doctors. Go to medical check-ups often. Have a balanced food intake. Exercise (yeah, it requires discipline). Or even take some herbs. Wait a minute. Herbs? Why herbs? No, why not?

Well, there are herbs that can be useful for treating a host of old-age-related ailments and diseases. Such health complaints are poor digestion, poor blood circulation, joint pains, poor bladder control, Alzheimer's disease, depression, arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis) and gout. Here are some herbs that can lend some helping hands to the elderly people. Herbs can play the part of health maintenance.

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)

A widely used herbal supplement, saw palmetto can help in treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) in elderly men. (Also refer to the article Herbs for the Alpha Male).

Ginkgo biloba

A herb that doesn't need much introduction, ginkgo-based supplement can assist in improving memory and promoting blood circulation (in turn help to ease arthritic and joint pains). A word of caution though; do not 'overdo it' by taking beyond recommended dosage. In 1994, the German government passed the sale of Ginkgo leaf extract. The active compound is ginkgolides, which is neuroprotective and has Alzheimer's-related cholinergic activities. Those who are using warfarin or any other
anti-coagulant and anti-depressant medications should avoid taking ginkgo supplements.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

It aids digestion and promotes good blood circulation. With its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger consumption have been shown to help ease joint pains, especially those having osteoarthritis, which affects those above the age of 65 years (60% in men and 70% in women).

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Popularly known as the herbal alternative to treating depression (there are no strong evidence implicating it is useful for severe cases of depression). The supplement should not be taken if you are taking other medications at the same time. The reason is that you risk getting herb-drug interaction, which can cause adverse reactions.

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)

This herb has been used traditionally among Indians to enhance memory. Malaysia as pegaga and also commonly called Indian pennywort, this herb is said to improve and increase the oxygen supply to the brain. It is taken as tonic among the elderly to improve their mental performance that could be affected by old age.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Bad for your breath, good for your heart. Used in many dishes (and of course in garlic bread), garlic contains phytochemicals that has blood-thinning properties. It helps to reduce blood clotting (atherosclerosis), which is one of the causes of major heart attack.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

A spice wonder used in many Asian cooking, turmeric contains curcuminiods (chemical derived from turmeric) such as curcumin which is the main active compound that has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally, turmeric is said to relieve arthritic pains, promote blood circulation and protect against heart attack. All these are based on animal studies. Thus, it has yet to be clinically proven of its effectiveness in humans.

As usual, some words of caution for the elderly. Herb consumption should be followed with extra care. This is because bodily systems of this age group are no more as effective as those of younger adults. This time, the body's metabolism is comparatively slower. Intake of herbal medicine over the recommended dosage is not advisable. In fact, those who are taking other medications are advised to avoid herbal supplements as one will risk having herb-drug interaction. This is due to the action of herbal ingredients of the pharmacokinetic (referring to the body systems of;
absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) interactions of the medications at the same time.