Doctors and nutritionists often talk about foods to add to your diet to live a healthy and vibrant life, but what about those foods to avoid for seniors? Even some healthy foods may not work with your specific nutrition plan, so it’s important to know what not to eat after 65 for optimal health. In this blog, we’ll answer the question, “What foods should older people avoid?” with some of the reasons these foods can be problematic for seniors.
Talk to your physician about foods to avoid for seniors
Always talk to your doctor before changing your diet. This blog will list some common foods to avoid for seniors, but everyone has their own health and nutrition needs. Your primary care physician can help customize your diet plan to ensure your meals best suit your health situation. Your doctor can also give you a list of “what foods should seniors avoid” based on your medications, lifestyle, and overall wellbeing.
1. Raw or unpasteurized foods
Our immune systems weaken with age, so older adults are at a higher risk of foodborne illnesses. Raw foods can harbor harmful bacteria – like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria – that can pose serious health risks for seniors and those with weakened immune systems, like individuals undergoing treatments for cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other conditions. Raw foods on the list of what not to eat after 65 include:
- Raw fish
- Raw eggs and egg products like certain eggnog, hollandaise, and mayonnaise
- Raw cake batter or cookie dough
- Unpasteurized milk and dairy products
- Raw bean sprouts
- Unpasteurized honey
- Raw nut butters
2. Soft cheese
Like other raw products, soft cheeses may also harbor bacteria that can cause infections. Brie, Camembert, Gorgonzola, and other cheeses may have to go on your list of foods to avoid for seniors. Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Manchego are typically safe to eat, but it’s best to check with your doctor about which cheeses and foods to avoid for seniors.
3. Undercooked meats and eggs
Beef doesn’t necessarily need to be on the list of “what food should seniors avoid” unless your doctor recommends it, but you may want to cook your beef a little longer than you used to. Undercooked meats contain bacteria like campylobacter, E.coli, salmonella, and other microbes that can cause infections in those with weakened immune systems. These bacteria generally get cooked off in the pan, which is why cooking meat fully is important. Even if you like your steak rare or medium rare, it’s a good idea to cook all cuts of meat – including beef – until the flesh is no longer pink.
Sometimes, the more important question than “What food should seniors avoid?” is “What cooking techniques will keep me healthy?” Food safety is health safety; properly cooking foods and good kitchen hygiene can make a world of a difference in your health. Always thoroughly wash kitchen utensils, tools, and hands that touch any raw meat.
4. Grapefruit
Grapefruit can have negative health impacts when combined with certain medications. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice block the CYP3A4 enzyme, which is the enzyme that metabolizes many pharmaceutical drugs. Without this enzyme working properly, medications can back up in the system and accumulate in the blood, causing serious side effects.
Grapefruit can interact with certain corticosteroids, antihistamines, antihypertensives, anti-anxiety medications, statins, transplant rejection formulas, anticoagulants, and cancer treatments. Ask your doctor how your medications and diet interact so you know what not to eat after 65 with your specific health conditions.
5. Excessive salt and sodium
Consuming too much salt can lead to increased blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Salt is often put on the list of “what foods should older people avoid,” but salt itself isn’t bad. We need salt and electrolytes to survive – but too much salt is the problem. Chat with your doctor about which sodium-rich foods to avoid for seniors, and opt for low-sodium or no-sodium options when possible. Processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks generally have the highest levels of salt and are typical foods to avoid for seniors.
6. Sugary snacks
Foods high in added sugars can lead to weight gain, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and other health issues. Sodas, sugary treats, and desserts should be consumed in moderation. But dessert doesn’t have to go on the list of no-no foods to avoid for seniors. If you have a sweet tooth and want to enjoy your nightly dessert, consider switching to treats with natural sugars from fruits, honey, agave, or maple syrup to satisfy your cravings in a healthier way.
When considering what food should seniors avoid, salt and sugar usually make the list. However, some seniors are encouraged to consume salt or sugar due to their weight or current health requirements. So always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol is usually on the “what not to eat after 65” list. Excessive alcohol consumption can adversely affect the liver, interact with medications, cause balance issues and falls, and lead to negative physical and mental implications. Reducing your weekly consumption can help improve your physical and mental health. Learn more about the facts of aging and alcohol here.
What foods should older people avoid?
The foods we eat are the building blocks for health. Your diet plan should support your physical wellbeing, energy levels, and brain health. Talking with your doctor and recognizing the foods to avoid for seniors will help you reduce your risk of chronic health conditions, enhance your overall wellness, and lead to a more robust, energetic lifestyle.
Get healthy foods delivered with GoGo
It can be overwhelming to read a list of foods to avoid for seniors if you don’t have easy access to healthy foods. That’s where GoGoGrandparent comes in.
With GoGo Groceries, you can get groceries delivered right to your door. Just call our operators and tell us the groceries you’d like, and we’ll handle the rest. We connect with shoppers to ensure any necessary replacements will work with your diet plan, so you don’t have to constantly worry about what food should seniors avoid when getting your groceries delivered.
GoGo Meals delivers fresh, delicious meals from your favorite local restaurants and chains. We note your meal preferences and specific diet plans, so our operators can collaborate with you to find restaurants and meals that best suit your nutrition goals. Our GoGoGuardians will share any food allergies or preferences with restaurants on your behalf, so you can feel confident that you’re getting your favorite foods delivered – and nothing from your doctor’s “what not to eat after 65” list. Don’t focus on all the foods to avoid for seniors. Instead, get tons of healthy, delicious, nutritious foods delivered to your door right now by registering with GoGoGrandparent.
