in the news: New research is showing that eating a moderate amount of protein could benefit a person’s metabolic health as they get older.
Key Findings for you in Odessa.
The research was conducted to learn more about the role of protein at different stages of life. Especially, as it relates to metabolic health. Since we know that nutritional needs change as people age, understanding how varying levels of protein consumption affect health outcomes can provide insights into health, wellness, and longevity. This impacts you in Ector County.
The study was conducted on mice. As such, one should not draw a 1 to 1 conclusion for humans. But the findings are still important to learn from.
- As we get older, we should try to get 25% of all our daily calories from protein. Eggs, unprocessed lean meats, and fish can be good sources. Protein shakes, without excess sugar, are also good alternatives.
- Oftentimes, senior citizens neglect protein in their diets. This can lead to falls, muscle aches, and overall weakness.
- Continue exercising and keep your body moving as you get older.
“…protein requirements change through the course of life, being higher in younger reproductive mice, reducing through middle age, and rising again in older mice as protein efficiency declines. The same pattern is likely to be observed in humans.”
Next steps: Talk to your doctor or healthcare team about the different options available to increase protein in your diet. Especially, as you get older.
You should know that many insurances in Texas provide free nutrition consultations.
Silver Sneakers provides free gym memberships and online fitness options for seniors in or around Odessa. Find out if you’re eligible (Visit Resource Here)
- Did you know that 20.4% of you in living in Ector County consider yourself in poor or fair health?
Do you know this unique fact about falls? Take the quiz below to find out:
Doctor’s expert Insights about Muscle Health and Senior Health in Texas.
Know this: “Yes, identifying the optimal balance of macronutrients that promote good health at each life stage is vital for good outcomes. I like to inform my patients that it’s important to increase their protein intake as they get older. This step helps in combatting natural muscle loss and helps with mobility and mental health. Getting older does not mean that you’re destined for illness, weakness, and shortened lifespans. We’re here to help!” Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine.
Don’t start your day with processed carbohydrates.
The Health Standard Newswire
Living in Odessa, the following health facts impact your health and wellness directly!
Did you know there were 8136.0 deaths from diabetes in Texas in 2021?
40.0% of you living in Ector County are obese.
15.0% of you experience frequent mental distress.
31.1% of you don’t have time for leisure physical activities.
All of these variables impact your health as you age!
Medical terms to know: Sarcopenia.
“Sarcopenia has been defined as an age related, involuntary loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Beginning as early as the 4th decade of life, evidence suggests that skeletal muscle mass and skeletal muscle strength decline in a linear fashion, with up to 50% of masses being lost by the 8th decade of life.” (NIH Articles)
The Health Standard Newswire: Talk to your doctor about “Sarcopenia” during your next visit.
What they’re saying:
“Our results indicate that moderate-protein intake, at least beyond a certain amount, is appropriate to maintain metabolic health (liver and plasma lipid levels and blood glucose levels) during approach to old age, similar to that in young mice. Furthermore, plasma amino acid profiles, which varied with age and protein intake, were found to be associated with liver lipid content using SOM analysis, which would be an important interventional target for the control of liver triglyceride and cholesterol levels.” (Study Source)
“To investigate the appropriate ratio of nutrients, particularly proteins, for maintaining metabolic health while approaching old age, young (6-month-old) and middle-aged (16-month-old) mice were fed isocaloric diets with varying protein percentages ( 5%, 15%, 25%, 35%, and 45% by calorie ratio) for two months.The low-protein diet developed mild fatty liver, with middle-aged mice showing more lipids than young mice, whereas the moderate-protein diet suppressed lipid contents and lowered the levels of blood glucose and lipids.Self-organizing map (SOM) analysis revealed that plasma amino acid profiles differed depending on age and difference in protein diet and were associated with hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels.Results indicate that the moderate protein intake percentages (25% and 35%) are required to maintain metabolic health in middle-aged mice, which is similar to that in young mice.” (Ibid.)
TheJournals GeroScience published the findings: Moderate protein intake percentage in mice to maintain metabolic health during approach to old age (Read it Here)
Senior Health Facts and Stats for Odessa: (TuftsNow)
- There are no FDA-approved medications to treat sarcopenia, but candidate therapies are in the pipeline.
- Meanwhile, a wealth of evidence highlights the positive benefits of physical activity and proper nutrition to prevent and treat sarcopenia. All types of exercise offer benefits, but resistance or strength training works best.
- Nearly 56 million Americans are 65 years and older.
The Health Standard Newswire
