It’s shocking that a number of people over their 40’s don’t realize how many diseases and conditions can be caused or even exacerbate by vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
I mean, in your 40’s, it’s pretty easy to give up. It’s always easier to choose fast food rather than make up complicated nutritionally-balanced meals. This won’t be about making the best possible meal combination for you; this article is about how to help yourself.
Free radicals, when left unchecked, cause oxidation damage, which, in turn causes damage to healthy cells in the body. For that, eating fruits and vegetables are the best. They contain beta carotenes plus vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins are crucial in helping to keep the cells healthy. Take note of daily recommended dosages for your age on these three vitamins --- they’ll help you feel and look younger. When you stop cell damage, you reduce the risks for developing heart diseases and some cancers.
Vitamin D is also important --- this is the vitamin that assists the body in the absorption of calcium. Rather than stay out in the sun to catch some rays of it, you could consume dairy products instead.
There are studies that have found that a lack of Vitamin K is linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Before you forget, grab a few leafy green vegetables to get your dosage of Vitamin K. These include: spinach, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli and brussels sprouts. Avocado and kiwi are also great sources.
Dr. Linus Pauling, two times Nobel Laureate, said "one could trace every sickness, every disease and every ailment to a mineral deficiency".
As important as vitamins are, there are also several minerals that are crucial for people our age.
Calcium --- as milk commercials would have you believe, it strengthens the bones and teeth and helps nerves function correctly. A glass or two of milk, or a bowl of your favorite cereal would give you what you need.
Zinc is also important --- it helps keep the immune system working well. Without zinc, the carbon dioxide outflow won’t happen fast enough to keep humans functioning properly.
Potassium regulates the body’s water balance and sodium. As anyone would tell you, too much salt is bad --- having a less than optimal amount of potassium can and will result in fluid retention, which is bad for the body overall.
There you have it --- the most important vitamins and minerals for people in their 40’s. As they say, prevention is better than –insert-cliché-here. If meal planning is beyond your means, try and get a health regimen figured out with a physician. There’re usually all-in-one supplements that help keep these things in check.
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Nutrition and Age-Related Diseases
