The Progression of Men’s Nutritional Needs As They Age

June is Men’s Health Month and a great time take a look at the progression of men’s nutritional needs over the years. As men age, experts from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explain that their nutritional needs change and therefore their nutritional focus should be adjusted over the years to better correlate with their changing nutritional needs. Celebrate Men’s Health Month by taking an active role in your health. A great place to start is following the guidelines below, which will help lead to longer, healthier, and higher quality of life.

Changing Nutritional Needs as Men Age:

Men in their 20s – During their 20s men set the ‘base’ for their nutritional health in the future. Start yourself out right with well balanced meals and routine exercise. Your body will thank you later on for opting for heart healthy and protein-rich foods instead of junk food and fast foods. Lean meats, eggs, chicken, fish, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits are some great options.

Men in their 30s – As men reach their 30s their metabolism tends to slow down some, as such, men in their 30s should consider eating smaller but more frequent meals.

Men in their 40s – Heart health is especially important for men during their 40s, which is why experts recommend diets centered on cholesterol-fighting heart-healthy and fiber-rich foods, like peas, beans, oats, apples and citrus fruits, as well as bone strengthening foods fortified with calcium, like milk and cereals.

Men in their 50s – As men enter their 50s they should start filling their diets with more cancer-fighting foods that are rich with antioxidants, like berries and colorful vegetables.

Men 60 and over – From 60 and on maintaining muscles mass gains increasing importance, and as such it becomes important to shift towards a diet plan filled with low-fat/high protein foods, like salmon, tuna, and beans.

Another great way to ensure that men receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals that they need to live a long and healthy life is to take a multivitamin, like One-A-Day for Men’s Health, which features two different compositions, one of which is specially formulated for men under 50 and one that is specially formulated to meet the needs of men over 50. To help ensure that men are able to maintain stronger and healthier bones and joints as they age experts also recommend that men over the age of 18 consider using a dietary supplement, like the Osteo Bi-Flex Joint & Bone Caplets, which contain a highly effective combination of ingredients for strengthening the bones and joints and promoting mobility.

In addition to adjusting their meal plans as they age, it is important for men (as well as women) to maintain an active lifestyle. Numerous studies have illustrated that there are countless benefits to staying active as we age, including maintaining a healthier weight, fighting off a wide range of diseases and conditions, preserving a higher quality of life, and living longer.

Sources:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/videos/news/Mens_Health_060614-1.html

http://www.mountainside-medical.com/blog/national-mens-health-month/

http://www.mountainside-medical.com/top-10-health-risks-for-men.html/