Page 52 - FoodFocusThailand No.235 October 2025
P. 52
STRATEGIC R & D
Obesity or Overweight is a relatively common Hyperlipidemia Elderly individuals should pay
condition among the elderly and serves as a major close attention to their fat intake, particularly by
risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) avoiding saturated fats and trans fats, which
such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
cardiovascular disease. Nutritional care should focus on Saturated fats are commonly found in fatty meats, poultry
controlling daily energy intake, with a recommended reduction skin, butter, palm oil, and full-fat dairy products. Excessive
of approximately 300–500 kilocalories per day from the consumption of these fats can raise blood cholesterol levels.
individual’s normal requirement. This strategy supports safe Trans fats, often produced through food processing, are
and gradual weight loss at a rate of about 0.5 kilograms per found in margarine, baked goods, and fried foods that use
week. Food choices should emphasize low-fat, low-sugar, and oil repeatedly. These fats are especially harmful because
high-fiber options, including vegetables, less-sweet fruits, they increase LDL (bad cholesterol) while reducing HDL
whole grains, and lean protein sources. In addition to dietary (good cholesterol), making them a major contributor to heart
management, appropriate physical activity—such as walking, disease. To reduce these risks, healthier oils such as rice
stretching, or light to moderate aerobic exercise—should be bran oil or olive oil should be used, as they contain beneficial
encouraged based on the individual’s physical condition. This unsaturated fats. Additionally, increasing dietary fiber from
combination of balanced nutrition and exercise helps burn natural sources—such as vegetables, fruits, and whole
calories, control body weight, and support overall long-term grains like brown rice, oats, and legumes—can help reduce
fat absorption in the digestive tract and support better
health.
cholesterol control.
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic Kidney Disease Elderly individuals with kidney
diseases among the elderly, particularly when disease must pay careful attention to nutrition, as
accompanied by insulin resistance, which makes blood dietary intake directly affects kidney function.
sugar control a critical concern requiring close attention. Protein control is particularly important and should be
Nutrition plays a central role in managing this condition, and reduced or adjusted according to medical advice, in order
proper meal planning is essential for maintaining blood glucose to slow kidney deterioration. However, it remains essential
within a safe range. Nutritional management should focus on to consume adequate amounts of high-quality protein, such
selecting the appropriate type and amount of carbohydrates, as fish, egg whites, or tofu, with the recommended intake
while avoiding high-sugar foods such as desserts, soft drinks, varying depending on the stage of kidney disease. For
and very sweet fruits, as well as refraining from adding sugar patients not yet on dialysis, the recommended protein intake
to foods and beverages. Instead, elderly individuals should opt is about 0.6–0.8 g per kilogram of body weight per day. For
for complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, such as those undergoing dialysis, protein requirements are higher:
brown rice, whole wheat bread, and unrefined grains, which about 1.2–1.3 g/kg/day for peritoneal dialysis and 1.2–1.5
help regulate blood sugar levels more effectively. Additionally, g/kg/day for hemodialysis. In addition, foods high in sodium
incorporating fiber-rich foods—including fresh vegetables, and phosphorus such as processed foods, pickled products,
legumes, and less-sweet fruits—can slow the absorption of milk, cheese, and salty condiments should be avoided, as
sugar into the bloodstream, promoting better glycemic control they increase the burden on the kidneys. Foods rich in
and supporting long-term health. potassium, such as bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, and
certain fruit juices, should also be consumed with caution.
Hypertension is a common health issue among If the kidneys cannot excrete potassium effectively, it may
the elderly and a significant risk factor for accumulate in the body and cause serious complications.
cardiovascular disease. Dietary control—particularly Another important factor is fluid management ensuring that
with regard to sodium intake—is essential in managing this water intake is neither excessive nor insufficient, but instead
follows medical advice. This helps prevent fluid overload,
condition. Older adults with high blood pressure should limit which can lead to swelling and hypertension, as well as
sodium intake to no more than 2,000 milligrams per day dehydration, which can impair overall body function.
(approximately 1 teaspoon of salt). To meet this recommendation, Overall, nutritional recommendations for elderly
individuals should avoid adding salt, fish sauce, soy sauce, individuals should be flexible and tailored to each
and seasoning sauces to food, and limit consumption of person’s specific health condition—particularly for those
processed products such as sausages, meatballs, instant with chronic diseases. A personalized dietary approach can
noodles, and pickled foods. Instead, meals should focus on help prevent complications and effectively support a better
fresh, minimally processed ingredients with reduced seasoning. quality of life.
Herbs and natural spices can be used to enhance flavor without
relying on salty condiments, making meals both heart-healthy
and enjoyable.
More Information Service Info C009
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