Seniors and Supplements-Important Guidelines

My Mom came to visit this summer. She's been with us for two months and will stay one more. It's been a blessing and a privilege to have her here with us. She has taken us through so much in our life and she deserves respect, honor, and love. I thank God for her every day of my life. She is one of the reasons I decided to launch this hub.

Mom is the most important senior in my life and after living with her over these summer months and watching her take her medications, moderate her eating, and take her supplements. It became very apparent to me that seniors are a very wonderful, unique, vital part of my life. I'm sure you can say the same thing as you look around at the people you love. They are valuable beyond measure as they share their wealth of wisdom, learning, and love.

Something I've noticed is that they have some very special and distinctive needs. Often times, because of these needs they have very unique diets and medications. My Mom often adds supplements to her regimen in order to build her body's more "needful" state.

I began to wonder about the potential side effects of the supplements as they interact with her prescriptions. I did a little research and this is what I found.

As we get older our nutritional needs change. We don't eat the same, our caloric intake is reduced, which often means we are nutritionally deficient. We don't absorb some of the essential nutrients the same way. Seniors are less efficient at absorbing Vitamin D and some B vitamins. Women require more calcium and iron in latter years. Not to mention, taking prescriptions can often affect our vitamin and mineral levels.

Here are some of the essentials that our seniors may be lacking:

• Thiamin
• Riboflavin
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin D
• Magnesium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Antioxidants
• Zinc
• Vitamin A
• Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3's)
• Melatonin, Tryptophan, or 5-HTP

The first four are essential for having a robust metabolism (we all know how important that is)! The Vitamin D and magnesium are important for strong bones. Often times in our latter years are bones become brittle and break easily. We need to pay close attention to doing what we can to strengthen our body.

Seniors should pay attention to their Vitamin C and Vitamin E intake. These wonderful supplements work with our bodies DNA to protect cells from damage, and provide the nutrients for healthy skin, and gums.

The antioxidants fend off disease and infection. Vitamin A is taken for eyes and the Fatty acids aid the heart. Last but not least, the last few on the list aid in sleep. If you're a senior or have someone you love that has a hard time sleeping; foods or supplements with melatonin, tryptophan or 5-HTP can help.

It's important to note that with all the benefits in taking supplements; we need use some important guidelines.

1)  Do your homework.  Read up on the supplements you're considering.  Be informed of the potential side effects and drug interactions.

2)  It's important that you don't try to treat your own illnesses through supplemental use.  Always talk to your physician or care provider if you have a condition that needs to be treated.  With that said, often times supplements can aid in that process.

3)  Make sure your doctor knows about your supplements and vitamins.  Especially, if you're heading in to surgery.

4)  Always stop taking supplements a week before and a week after surgery.  Some supplements could contribute to excessive bleeding.  When in doubt, stop taking your supplements.

5)  Eat a balanced diet.  Supplements are not a substitute for a well balanced diet.  Although essential for taking up the slack and providing additional aid; they should never be considered a replacement for healthy eating.

Taking supplements is empowering.  It's a way for us to take better care of ourselves as we reach the twilight years and it's vital that we take responsibility for our health.  Please remember to use caution and call your doctor when taking supplements and prescription medication. 

We want you healthy, safe, and thriving!