A study recently linked to poor nutrition to a significant increase in the number of hospitalizations and deaths in heart patients. The study, from the University of Kentucky, analyzed the diets of 246 heart patients. The average age of the participants was 61.
Research has noted the most common deficiency was calcium. Other common deficiencies were magnesium, vitamin D and eat, zinc and vitamin C.
It’s important to note that many patients involved with the study regularly consumed the same dish for multiple meals consecutively. This is common in older adults who no longer seek to add diversity to their diets.
Most of the study participants were overweight or obese. This challenges the idea that more food means more nutrients. To avoid deficiencies, heart patients should focus on food quality, not food quantity.
Experts recommend getting a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables daily. Health and Human Services recommend making these at least half of your plate. Other suggestions include making half of the grains you eat whole grains and choosing a lean protein as often as possible.
The above video, from Nutrition Steps, reviews some of the historically significant findings in relation to deficiencies and proper nutrition.
Also ensuring you have the appropriate health insurance to avoid any surprise costs or Medicare plan if you are a senior, can help with your healthy lifestyle.
Sources: American Heart Association, Nutrition Steps