Drinking more dairy milk may improve brain health in older adults, KU Medical Center researchers find. Older adults who drink three cups of dairy milk a day can increase their brain's level of a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the brain from the damage that accompanies aging and aging-related diseases.
Drinking at least three servings of milk or eating dairy foods each day is a good way for seniors, like Doris, to get vitamin D and calcium, and protein.
Older adults tend to need more vitamin D and calcium, so an 80-year-old's Diet should include two to three glasses of low or non-fat milk.
Provides Calcium
Calcium is extremely important for preventing osteoporosis, especially for senior women. A single cup of nonfat milk has almost 300 mg of calcium, which is almost half the recommended daily intake for seniors.
Drinking milk is beneficial for health regardless of your age. Milk is an excellent vitamin D and calcium source to keep up muscle strength, maintain healthy bones, and prevent osteoporosis. Still, low or non-fat milk is the best choice for the elderly.
Even though many nutrients are found in milk, some seniors may not want to drink it because it makes them feel sick and bloated. Like any other food item, it's important for seniors who want to drink milk to take a balanced approach. Seniors should avoid excessive consumption and limit it to a glass or two a day.
Should I cut back on my milk intake? A Swedish study suggests that while milk may be good, more is not better. This study found that too much milk – three or more glasses a day – was not only associated with mortality but also an increased risk of fracture and hip fracture.
Full cream milk may also be the best choice for adults over 70 years, especially if they are underweight, frail or recovering from surgery or a fall. High energy, high protein diets for the elderly often recommend custards, rice pudding and hot chocolate drinks made with full cream milk.
Bananas are good for the elderly because they may relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, brighten the mood, and enhance restful sleep. In addition, bananas are typically well-tolerated by seniors who may not have an appetite if they're living with emotional health issues.
There are several studies that suggest that drinking milk every day can cut down the risk of developing chronic diseases. All you need to do is consume it in moderation. A glass of milk in a day is an ideal choice. In light of the study, it is for the best to avoid drinking more than 2 glasses of milk in a day.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recommends drinking one to two glasses of milk daily. For the six billion people around the world who regularly consume milk, that adds up to 2.4 billion liters every day – or the capacity of 960 Olympic swimming pools.
Drinking 1 litreliter of milk every day is not inherently dangerous for most people. Milk is a good source of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients that are important for bone health, muscle growth, and overall health.
You should aim for 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day. Here are some simple tips for making sure you reach your goal and get enough water. Sip on drinks throughout the day. Get a reusable water bottle with a straw and fill it with plain water.
Experts generally recommend that older adults consume at least 1.7 liters of fluid per 24 hours. This corresponds to 57.5 fluid ounces, or 7.1 cups. What are the best fluids to prevent dehydration?
Cheese is an excellent calcium and vitamin D source. Hence, pasteurized firm cheese is a perfect addition to an older person's food plan. However, soft cheeses such as brie, goat cheese, and camembert have high moisture levels and low acidity, so that they may contain illness-causing bacteria.
Seniors should eat plenty of citrus fruits to obtain enough vitamin C in their day. Vitamin C is known to produce antibodies, which boost immunity and help older adults fight off infections. Some examples of vitamin C rich foods are oranges, broccoli, tomatoes, bell peppers, tangerines, grapefruit, and strawberries.
Due to the variety of nutrients found in eggs, they are an ideal food to include in the diets of older adults. They are also economical, easily prepared and soft in texture which makes them appropriate for people of this age group.
Breakfast is a key part of senior nutrition and the benefits of this first meal of the day are vast. From improving energy levels and concentration to reducing the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Eating a healthy breakfast is a verified way to support overall health.
Lactose Intolerance
Some adults have trouble digesting lactose, a sugar that's naturally found in cow's milk. You can become lactose intolerant as you get older, but this doesn't mean that you have to stop drinking milk.
The Bottom Line. If you aren't lactose-intolerant or allergic to dairy, it's totally OK to enjoy a regular glass of milk each day. From improving bone health to helping mitigate cognitive decline, drinking milk and incorporating other dairy items into your diet can come with some health benefits.
The good news is, we know the ideal balance to support both bone health and iron levels. Research shows the ideal balance between these issues is 500ml (16oz) milk per day. This is the spot that gives them enough calcium and vitamin D to stay healthy but won't have a negative impact on their appetite or iron levels.
Drinking too much milk can cause digestive issues such as bloating, cramps, and diarrhea. If your body is not able to break down lactose properly, it travels through the digestive system and is broken down by gut bacteria. Because of this reason, gassiness and other digestive issues can happen.
In Summary
Toddlers don't need to stop drinking milk unless they have an intolerance or allergy. However, after 24 months, you can reduce the amount of milk they drink from three cups to two cups.