5 causes anorexia and the simple way to overcome

Proper nutrition is important for health at any age. In particular, the elderly tend to eat less due to the slowing down of their metabolism, making sure that they have all the nutrients they need.

Although the tendency to eat less in the elderly is completely normal, but if the state of anorexia (or not wanting to eat) lasts for a long time, it will have a significant impact on health. Elderly anorexia, in addition to losing weight also encounter problems such as malnutrition, dry skin, constant fatigue, dizziness, fainting, irritability, .

Here are 5 reasons why an elderly person may not be able to eat, eat and drink, and how to fix it.

1. Dental problems

Some dental problems, such as inappropriate dentures, mouth sores or weak teeth, can cause discomfort in eating and make older people anorexia.

Regular dental checkups can prevent serious problems from growing and help older people eat and drink normally.

Drinking milk or eating liquid foods will make it easier for older people to experience dental problems.(Illustration).

Besides, pay attention to adding soft foods, cut into small pieces so that the elderly can easily consume them if they are having an uncomfortable oral problem.

Or you can cook soup, porridge, soup or use liquid foods such as Boost Optimum milk, which helps the elderly to eat easily and remains nutritious.

2. Decreased sense of smell and taste

Eating is closely related to the senses. Taste, taste, and smell have a direct effect on appetite.

Many elderly people suffer from a loss of smell and taste. This greatly affects the way food is perceived, thus reducing hunger.

To help improve the feeling of eating for the elderly, you can change your recipes by adding spices, herbs, and flavored vegetables.

Note that adding sugar and salt to the diet of the elderly is an easy way to change the taste of food, but it is unhealthy if the dosage is inappropriate.

Feelings of taste, smell have an effect on the appetite of the elderly.(Illustration).

3. Visual impairment

The higher the age, the more likely the elderly will experience eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. From there, change the visual perception of the elderly with food. If they cannot see clearly the food will reduce interest in food. Anorexia becomes more pronounced if the elderly suffer from impaired vision, smell, and taste.

To improve this problem, use colorful, healthy foods for the elderly. Order each dish separately to help them identify the correct dish. If possible, change the menu often to make the meal more appealing.

4. Constipation

Elderly people often experience constipation due to deteriorating health as well as the influence of some medications. One of the uncomfortable symptoms of constipation is a feeling of fullness and bloating that can make older people afraid to eat more or not to eat.

Elderly people who are constipated, will create a feeling of fullness which leads to anorexia.(Illustration).

Increasing fiber and fluids, such as Boost Optimum milk, can improve constipation. Since then help the elderly no longer feel full and more likely to crave.

Also, encourage older people to engage in physical activities as often as possible.

Try to avoid using laxatives and not abuse them because they can make constipation worse.

5. Medicine

Certain medications such as Alzheimer's medicine, antidepressants and stimulants have side effects that affect the eating habits of the elderly.

Therefore, ask your doctor if any prescription or medical treatment can reduce your loved one's appetite or cause symptoms such as constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, odor. unpleasant taste in the mouth or dry mouth.

Consult your doctor to adjust the diet of the elderly to minimize these negative effects.

In addition to changing the diet, the encouragement of physicians, family, and friends also has a lot of impact, helping the elderly to have a relaxed spirit, will try to eat better.