Today, modern medicine is rediscovering what our ancestors knew and followed for millennia – our food can be our medicine or our poison. Nature is abundant with edible plants, fruit, vegetables, and animals, providing us with everything we need to maintain our health and energy. The closer to nature we feed ourselves, the healthier we are.
Unfortunately, since the industrial age, processed food has taken a central place in our diet, and today, we suffer the consequences of it. Yes, it is convenient, easily accessible, delicious, filling, and cheap, but we are asked to pay a much higher price with our health later in our lives.
Good quality food, grass-fed meat, organic produce, fresh herbs, and cold-pressed vegetable oils are the foundation of a healthy diet. The role of nutrition becomes even more important with age as we begin suffering from various ailments due to our lifestyle, diet, genetics, and other environmental factors. Older adults often have unique dietary needs and nutritional challenges due to the aging process.
A diet adjusted to their needs can significantly impact seniors’ overall health, their quality of life, and their bodies ability to manage chronic conditions.
There are plenty of reasons why good nutrition is essential for older adults. They include:
1.Maintaining Health and Well-being
Good food is essential for maintaining older adults’ overall health and well-being. Adequate intake of important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber helps support bodily functions, maintain muscle mass, and promote a strong immune system.
2. Managing Chronic Conditions
Chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and osteoporosis become common as we age. Nutrition, adjusted to these medical problems, can help keep them at bay by controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure, and supporting heart health.
3.Preventing Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a frequent issue among older adults. It is often caused by decreased appetite, problems with their teeth, and difficulty swallowing. An appropriately adapted diet can help prevent malnutrition by ensuring seniors receive enough calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
4.Supporting Bone Health
Calcium and vitamin D are two elements essential for maintaining bone health, and their deficiency can mean an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures in older adults, especially as they are prone to falls. Adequate intake of these nutrients and a balanced diet can help prevent bone loss.
5.Contributing to Cognitive Health
Antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, microelements, and certain vitamins play a role in cognitive health. A diet rich in these nutrients may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s.
6.Promoting Digestive Health
Our digestive system is essential for our overall health. Many medical professionals now believe that it is also responsible for the adequate functioning of our immune system. As we age, it is not uncommon to start experiencing digestive issues such as heartburn, bloating, constipation, or difficulty absorbing nutrients. Following a diet rich in fiber, probiotic foods, and adequate hydration can help promote healthy digestion.
7.Boosting Hydration
With age, we are at a higher risk of being dehydrated as we tend to feel less thirsty. Consequently, we end up not drinking enough water during the day. Additionally, our kidneys might not often function as efficiently as before, creating a liquid deficit in our bodies. Since dehydration can lead to a range of health problems, such as a sudden drop in blood pressure, a urinary tract infection, or kidney failure, proper liquid intake, with or without food, is crucial.
8.Awareness of Medication Interactions
Older people are often prescribed drugs, some of which can interact with certain nutrients or affect their appetite. If you think that medication interactions are the reason for a diminished appetite, you must consult with your healthcare provider and/or a nutritionist who can help you modify your diet accordingly.
9.Supporting Social Interactions
Sharing meals can be a social and enjoyable activity for seniors, which can help combat loneliness and depression. You can use mealtimes as an opportunity for companionship and emotional support.
Each senior may have diverse nutritional needs according to their age, gender, activity level, and overall health. Therefore, it might be a good idea to invest in developing an individualized dietary plan with the help of a healthcare professional or dietitian to ensure that you or your beloved senior receives the right balance of nutrients.
In senior care, it’s essential to consider each individual’s unique nutritional requirements and monitor their dietary intake regularly.
Protein, vitamins, and minerals are all crucial components of a healthy diet for seniors, as they play various essential roles in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Naturally, a well-balanced diet includes optimal amounts of all nutrients. However, some of these carry more importance for aging people and should be added to the meals in adequate quantities.
Naturally, the nutritional needs of every aging adult will vary based on factors like age, gender, activity level, and underlying health conditions.
As we age, our bodies’ ability to absorb certain nutrients from the food may decline, which can necessitate adjustments in our diet and boost the supplements we take.
Nutrition supplements may fill nutrient gaps, but dieticians and healthcare professionals recommend obtaining these nutrients from a varied and balanced diet when possible.
Such a supplement is Ensure – a brand of nutritional drinks and shakes that are designed to provide a convenient and easily digestible source of essential nutrients.
These products are often used to supplement the diets of individuals who may have difficulty meeting their nutritional needs through regular food alone.
Ensure drinks manufactured by Abbott Laboratories come in various formulations to meet different dietary and medical requirements.
Ensure products are suitable for individuals with increased nutritional requirements, such as
While Ensure products can be used without a prescription, if you have a specific medical condition or dietary restriction, you should talk to a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before incorporating Ensure into your diet.
In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend a specific Ensure formulation or an alternative nutritional supplement.
Ensure drinks are not intended to be used as a sole food source unless under the guidance of a medical professional.
Their role is to complement a balanced diet and help meet specific nutritional needs when food cannot supply them.
You should buy the Ensure product that aligns with your dietary requirements and use them as directed.
Ensure products are formulated to provide a wide range of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fats. This nutrient density ensures that people receive a balanced and comprehensive source of nutrition by consuming them.
Some Ensure formulations are available in clear liquid form, which can be great if you have digestive issues and need a gentle, easily digestible option. All Ensure drinks are easy to consume and digest, making them convenient for seniors and others who have trouble chewing, swallowing, or preparing regular meals. They are also suitable for those with a limited appetite or difficulty with solid foods, such as people with Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
High in protein, a nutrient essential for maintaining muscle mass, Ensure drinks are particularly beneficial for seniors, as muscle loss can occur with age (sarcopenia). Adequate protein intake can help slow this process, supporting mobility and strength.
Ensure products often contain the recommended daily intake quantities of calcium and vitamin D, nutrients that can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Some Ensure formulations include vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and zinc, which are important for immune system function. A robust immune system is vital for preventing and fighting infections and illnesses.
Ensure drinks can support wound healing and skin repair, which can be especially helpful to those recovering from surgery or dealing with injuries.
If you need to manage your calorie intake, Ensure products provide controlled and predictable calories, allowing for easier weight management. Additionally, as a supplement, they do not add excessive calories.
Many Ensure drinks contain a significant amount of water, helping maintain proper hydration, a key aspect of overall health.
Since they are rich in fiber, Ensure energy drinks can help you maintain a regular bowel movement and prevent constipation.
Ensure products are often used as supplements to help meet specific nutritional needs, especially in cases where dietary intake may be inadequate due to illness, surgery, or other
They are formulated to address common nutritional deficiencies in seniors by providing a concentrated source of essential nutrients in a convenient and easily digestible form.
While a well-rounded diet that includes a variety of whole foods is ideal for meeting nutritional needs, there are situations where older adults may have difficulty getting all the necessary nutrients from their meals alone. In such cases, Ensure drinks can serve as a helpful addition to their diet because
1.Ensure drinks have a comprehensive nutrient profile
Ensure products are nutrient-dense which means that they are formulated to provide a wide range of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
2.They are practical
Preparing and consuming meals can become challenging as we age because we may have less appetite, difficulty swallowing, or just be lonely and not feel like we should bother to cook for ourselves. Ensure drinks are either ready to consume or you just need to add liquid to the powder form and stir the mixture.
3.They contain an adequate amount of protein
Many older adults find it difficult to meet their protein needs through food alone, so Ensure can provide an additional source of this essential element.
4.They have specialized formulations
Ensure drinks come in various formulations to meet specific dietary and medical needs. For example, Ensure Plus offers additional calories and protein for individuals who need extra support, while Ensure Enlive contains nutrients to support muscle health. You can choose the type that best aligns with your individual nutritional requirements.
5.It is easy to control your portions and liquid consumption
Ensure products come preset, portion-controlled, and provide a predictable number of calories. This makes it easy to manage your calorie intake, especially if you need to control your weight. Ensure drinks contain a significant amount of water, which can help you stay well hydrated.
Ensure Plus and Ensure Complete are products within the Ensure lineup designed to provide a higher calorie content compared to the other Ensure drinks.
As you can see from the table here,
Content Per serving | Ensure Plus | Ensure Complete | Ensure Original |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350 | 350 | 220 |
| Protein | 16 g | 30 g | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g | 42 g | 30 g |
| Fat | 11 g | 8 g | 6 g |
| Flavors | Milk and Dark Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Butter Pecan | Milk Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry | Milk and Dark Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Butter Pecan, Coffee Latte |
The primary difference between Ensure Plus, Ensure Complete and Ensure Original drinks is the calorie content.
Both Ensure Plus and Ensure Complete are formulated to provide 350 calories per serving, while Ensure Original supply between 220 calories per serving. As such, they are ideal for seniors who need additional energy and nutritional support, such as those recovering from illness, surgery, or malnutrition.
They also contain a similar or higher amount of protein compared to the other Ensure drinks. The higher protein content in Ensure Complete can help aging adults meet their protein needs.
However, Ensure Plus and Ensure Complete have a higher carbohydrate content than Ensure Original drinks. The reason for this is that carbs provide energy, and the increased carbohydrate content contributes to their higher calorie content.
Ensure Plus and Ensure Complete also contains slightly more fat compared to Ensure Original. Fat is another source of calories that delivers the higher energy content of the formulations.
Due to their contents, Ensure Plus and Ensure Complete are often recommended for individuals who have specific calorie goals to meet, such as those recovering from surgery, injury, or illness. These drinks can also be suitable for individuals with increased energy needs due to a medical condition.
The different Ensure drinks are intended for people with specific dietary and health needs and may not be suitable for everyone. The decision to use Ensure Plus or any other nutritional supplement should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian who can assess your unique nutritional requirements and recommend the most appropriate product based on the specific circumstances.
While Ensure drinks can be an extremely useful nutritional supplement for individuals who need additional calories and nutrients, there are several aspects to keep in mind when consuming them.
Before incorporating Ensure Energy or any other nutritional supplement into your diet in the long term, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. They will be able to evaluate your nutritional needs and determine whether and which Ensure drinks are appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Ensure drinks are designed to supplement your diet, not replace whole meals. As such, they should be used in addition to a balanced and varied diet whenever possible.
Although all Ensure drinks are gluten-free and kosher, they contain milk protein, which makes them unsuitable for lactose-intolerant people. Check the ingredient list for potential other allergens or ingredients that you may need to avoid due to dietary restrictions. Ensure products may contain common allergens in addition to milk, such as soy and tree nuts.
Ensure Plus and Protein Max are higher in calories than regular Ensure drinks. It’s crucial to consume them in accordance with your physician’s prescription or recommendation. Using Ensure Plus and Protein Max without proper guidance can lead to excessive calorie intake.
Some older adults experience stomach discomfort when consuming nutritional supplements or high-calorie drinks. If you suffer from acid reflux, bloating, or other gastrointestinal problems, discuss your concerns with your doctor to determine the best strategy.
Ensure energy drinks may interact with certain drugs, affecting how medications are absorbed in the body. If you are taking, for instance, blood thinners, as a lot of older adults, you need to watch out for the levels of vitamin K in your body, as if they get too high, this may sap the effect of the medication. Therefore, it is essential to keep your healthcare provider up to date with all the medications and supplements you are taking to confirm there are no potential interactions.
If you are using Ensure products to help you gain weight or maintain your current weight, it’s important to monitor it regularly and make adjustments as needed. Rapid or unintended weight changes should be conferred with your healthcare provider.
Even though they are often recommended for individuals with specific medical conditions or those recovering from illness, surgery, or injury, if you have galactosemia, an inherited condition in which the body can not process galactose (a type of sugar), for example, you should not consume any of the Ensure drinks. That is another reason you should discuss it with your doctor.
While Ensure Energy products provide additional calories, they can not beat a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods to ensure you receive a wide range of nutrients. Nutritional supplements can not provide the diverse microelements and vitamins that a healthy diet can. Additionally, Ensure drinks can contribute to hydration, but they can not be the sole source of fluids. Continue to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to stay well-hydrated.
Ensure Energy is typically intended for short-term use to address specific dietary and medical needs. If you intend to consume it for a long time, use it as a supplement but not the main source of food, and consult with your healthcare provider.
Ensure drinks can be consumed in various ways to suit individual preferences and dietary needs. You can shop for your preferred type from online or physical stores. Here are some different ways to consume Ensure drinks:
You can choose the flavor and formulation of Ensure that suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Complement a balanced diet and do not use it as the sole source of nutrition unless directed by a healthcare professional. Always follow the product’s label instructions for proper serving size and use.
With age, our nutritious needs may and will change. It is paramount to allow for these changes in your diet to ensure you supply adequate fuel for your body.
Various health conditions and the medications we have to take for them may affect our appetite and our ability to prepare food, feed ourselves, chew, and swallow.
Ensure, together with other supplements, are great products designed to support overall health and well-being, particularly in situations where we may have difficulty meeting our nutritional needs through regular food alone.
None of these additions to your diet should be a substitute for any of the daily main meals, and it is a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian or your doctor in order to prevent any unwanted effects of the use of Ensure beverages.
Amy’s Eden works with experienced professionals – registered dietitians and nutritionists. We are ready to assist you in evaluating your nutritional needs and provide valuable advice about supplements in accordance with your preferences and lifestyle. On the other hand, if you need a caregiver to assist with daily activities and personal care, contact us today to find the perfect fit.
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