Nifty Fifties Health Commandments
Dr Chris Fenn provides Top Tips to Combat Some
Common Over Fifties Health Issues
Now life begins at 50, according to a new survey which reveals that over fifties have more time and feel more carefree than ever before*. So there has never been a better time to take charge of your physical and mental wellbeing.
While some health problems are more common as we age, there is plenty you can do to keep your body and mind in tip top condition. Leading nutritionist, Dr Chris Fenn provides preventative diet and exercise advice as well as tips to help make health issues easier to manage:
1. Building Bones
During our lives the body is subjected to various different stresses, so a degree of wear and tear as we age - particularly in the joints and bones - is extremely common.
Peak bone mass is reached around age 25, but as we age, our bones gradually become weaker and we are at risk of developing Osteoporosis – a condition characterised by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. This makes the bones extremely fragile and at risk of fracture.
Top Tips to Reduce Your Risk
Dr Chris Fenn comments: “Diet can play a key role in helping to prevent Osteoporosis. Most of us have heard of the importance of Calcium to help maintain bone health, and it is true that a nutritionally balanced diet full of this essential nutrient can help protect your bones. But it is also important to boost intake of Vitamin D and the mineral zinc as these are needed to absorb the calcium you consume.”
Other tips include:
- Avoid fizzy drinks, especially colas. They contain phosphorous which causes calcium to be taken out of your bones, leading to a regular loss of this important nutrient
- Caffeine, alcohol, sugar and stress should also be avoided as they overstimulate adrenal glands. This ultimately has a long term effect on bone health
- Coffee also produces an acidic reaction which reduces the body’s stores of calcium
- Take regular exercise such as walking which can help to strengthen bones
- Stop smoking and reduce excessive alcohol consumption which can reduce bone density
Get More Info: Groups such as the National Osteoporosis Society (www.nos.org.uk / 0845 450 0230) or the International Osteoporosis Foundation (www.iofbonehealth.org) can offer additional advice and support.
2. Brain Basics
A sharp mind, mental focus and memory are just as important as physical fitness, and ensure a great quality of life. However, as we age our brain not only shrinks in size but its cells and tissues can become damaged.
Top Tips to Boost Your Brain Power:
Research increasingly points towards the important role than nutrition can play in maintaining youthful alertness. In particular, our brains comprise approximately 60% fat, and are therefore dependent on a healthy supply of the ‘good’ fats from our diet. Omega-3 fatty acids provide the building blocks for cells of the brain and can help transmit messages between nerves, and as such they have been linked to slowing age-related cognitive decline.
Dr Chris Fenn comments: “Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced in the body, which means that they must be obtained from Omega-rich food, such as oily fish. Eating the recommended two portions a week can sometimes be tricky so taking a high quality supplement is a convenient and easy way to boost intake.”
Other tips include:
- Boost your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids with Efalex Active 50+ - the first fish oil supplement developed specifically for the over 50’s. Available from Boots and Holland & Barrett priced £9.49 for 30 capsules, it contains ingredients known for their beneficial role in maintaining healthy brain function and performance. For further information visit www.efamol.com or call 0870 6060128
- Regularly train your brain with puzzles such as crossword and suduku to help keep your mind active and alert
- Practice memory boosting techniques – turn complication facts and figures into pictures
For more information on improving memory and maintaining brain function you can request a free ‘Guide to Boosting Brain Power’ by calling 01372 379828 or emailing info@efamol.com
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