Important Supplements for Senior Health

Important Supplements for Senior Health

As a personal trainer for some senior citizens here in the Portland Metro area, I wanted to write this article for senior health after 65 and what supplements you need to take for overall health.

So after age 65 everything changes like digestion slows down, levels of certain nutrients plummet and the need for many others increases. Also high need in medication interactions, and finding the right combination of supplements. There are a lot of supplements elderly people need and here some examples below.

VITAMIN B-12 - Vitamin B-12 is critical in both brain health and nervous system functioning. Deficiencies in seniors are common, and studies suggest that people with Alzheimers disease have abnormally low vitamin B-12 levels. Also women with breast cancer also appear to have lower levels of vitamin B-12. As a dietary supplement, vitamin B-12 is available in several different forms, including methylcobalamin, which is the easiest to absorb. Sublingual B-12 tablets dissolve when placed under the tongue and are also easily absorbed and utilized by the body.

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES - It is produced primarily by the pancreas, digestive enzymes help the body break down food and aid nutrient absorption. As we age, digestive enzyme levels begin to decline, leading to indigestion, bloating, gas and incomplete absorption of nutrients. Additionally, pancreatic problems can lessen digestive enzymes, and taking antacids can diminish levels of hydrochloric in the stomach. A multienzyme supplement formula can help look for one that contains a number of enzymes, including amylase for carbs, protease for protein and lipase for fat.

MELATONIN - Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body. It regulates the sleep cycle and other biorythms, but unfortunately, the bodies production of this critical hormone starts to drop around the age of 40, and low levels of melatonin may be a factor in insomnia and diminished sleep quality in seniors. The effectiveness of supplemental melatonin in treating certain sleep disorders. It can help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and migraines. For sleep issues, use it only as an occasional aid, not as a long term remedy for insomnia.

As always, if you have any questions on personal training here in the Portland Metro Area, or you want additional fitness, health or nutritional tips, feel free to contact me for questions and assistance!

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