Pharmacist Toma Gečienė talks about how to help the body adapt, while well-known television show director, host, and screenwriter Vytenis Pauliukaitis shares his experience and unexpected household tips.
Read more Russians go to vote and look out for incoming Ukrainian drones
Fibers, fluids, and fermented products – the guarantee of a healthy gut
According to T. Gečienė, digestion naturally slows down with age – the production of digestive enzymes decreases, and the muscles of the digestive tract weaken. “The body absorbs some nutrients less effectively,” says the pharmacist, as reported in the “Eurovaistinė” press release.
She explains that changes begin already in the mouth: saliva production decreases, the sense of smell and taste weakens, which can reduce appetite. Stomach function also changes – it empties more slowly, stomach acid production decreases, which can cause a feeling of heaviness after eating.
These observations are confirmed by V. Pauliukaitis himself. “I really notice – and I know from colleagues’ stories – that the stomach works, I would say, worse: digestion is harder, and the feeling of heaviness lasts longer,” he says.
According to the host, in his youth he had to deal with stomach problems with medical help, but now he has to adapt to what the years dictate: “Both the menu and meal times change – so I adjust as much as my schedule allows. I still work and spend my days actively, so I often have to coordinate food around my routine.”
According to T. Gečienė, to maintain smooth digestive system function, it is important to start with a balanced diet and include more fiber-rich foods – the recommended daily amount is 25–35 g, which are abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products.
“Fiber helps maintain regular bowel movements, it also serves as food for good bacteria and provides a longer feeling of fullness,” the pharmacist notes. Fermented products – kefir, natural yogurts, sauerkraut – also help gut function, and an adequate amount of fluids (1.5–2 liters of water per day) facilitates digestion and reduces the risk of constipation.
In the evening – keep it simple
The host admits that in his youth there was everything, but for some time now he has been strict about his menu – he never liked potato chips and limited sweets and alcohol.
Read more Firefighters in Gargždai rescued a child stuck in the fountain grate
However, when asked if the pantry holds pharmacist-recommended preserved vegetables for autumn, V. Pauliukaitis says he does not see himself as a big fan of fermented dishes. In the evenings, although he often has to come home late from work, he tries to avoid heavy food so he can sleep peacefully: “I think many people my age do the same.”
Pharmacist T. Gečienė adds that if needed, medicinal plants can also help gut function: chamomile helps relax the muscles of the digestive tract and reduces spasms, calendula has anti-inflammatory effects and can soothe the digestive tract, while caraway, lemon balm, and fennel stimulate gas expulsion from the intestines and ease bloating.
There is a lot of information, but selecting it properly is difficult
Although there is plenty of information about proper and healthy nutrition in the public space, V. Pauliukaitis notes that some of his peers are not inclined to follow specialists’ advice.
“I hear that people my age, fearing obesity, unnecessarily limit protein intake – and at the same time, probably destroy their muscle mass,” he says, adding that this usually happens due to information overload or not knowing how to select it.
From September 28 to October 3, the “Senior Week” will take place in Palanga for the third year, the largest festival in Lithuania and the Baltic countries dedicated to seniors. During the festival, visitors will be invited to discuss financial literacy, nutrition, health, and other everyday relevant issues.
Last year, the festival hosted 100 events, each attended by over 300 seniors. Most of this year’s events will continue to be completely free, and concert ticket prices for seniors will be symbolic. Some events require registration.
Read more North Korean leader’s sister threatens even more aggressive response to the US
