In the category of the things “they” never tell you, is that food can be your enemy. Once one starts talking about problems with food allergies, and certain foods that cause major problems, it is easy to see that many people become victims of the food they eat. I don’t mean food that is contaminated … that is everyone’s enemy. I am referring to real food, the kind that we buy everyday in restaurants and supermarkets. We all try to make “healthy” choices, but we should be more aware of the consequence of ingesting certain foods. For example, oats and soy are great for people who can tolerate them. For others, they are a poor choice.
For those who have Hypothyroidism, it is best to avoid cruciferous vegetables: Cauliflower, Broccoli, and Cabbage (that includes cole slaw). For those of us brought up on Corned Beef and Cabbage, or Boiled Dinner, or Broccoli Soup, or Baked Potato with Cheese and Broccoli, this is vexing. Those with low thyroid should avoid is seafood: Lobster, Shrimp, Clams, and all those wondrous foods that come from Nature’s Bounty, right here in New England.
Hyperuricemia causes “Gout,” a painful inflammation of joints, usually in feet. Toes can become red and swollen, and ankles sore with shooting pains, so that one can barely walk. The condition is brought on by too much uric acid in the blood plasma. One medication only treats it and is prescribed for one week. However, gout can reoccur and can be a sign of a much greater problem such as kidney disease.
To avoid getting gout, limit the amount of purines (proteins), in your diet. Purines can cause kidney stones, too. Limiting proteins translates to no Sirloin Steaks, no 1/3 pound Angus burgers at McDonald’s, no organ meats, especially liver. Meat-based soups are a no-no. Use skim milk, low-fat cheese (or no cheese), and avoid ice cream, cottage cheese, legumes, including dried beans (there go the baked beans of autumn), and mushrooms. Potatoes are GOOD if you have gout. Not only do they have a vitamin not found in any other natural source, but potatoes are recommended for those with gout. The good news is that small amounts of Chocolate are also beneficial.
High Blood Pressure is another situation encountered by many seniors that can be made worse by the intake of canned soups, and extra salt on food. Acid Reflux Disease calls for a food regimen of no tomatoes, tomato sauce on pizza, or orange juice. We have to keep in mind that our bodies respond to chemicals. Caffeine is a chemical that can cause blood pressure to go sky high.
My awareness of foods that are not ideal to eat because they cause great distress, grows daily. It is said that, “You are what you eat.” All I’m saying is that if you don’t feel well most of the time, the condition could be food-related. Some wacky diets call for no carbohydrates at all: no bread, no potatoes … It is no wonder that people cannot stay on such a plan. Carbs are great to provide quick energy and are healthy, if eaten moderately. That is the key: moderate amounts of any food item.
I’m still trying to figure out what to eat to be optimally healthy. I comfort myself in the fact that in other periods of history, people who were a bit chubby were considered to be healthier than others and apt to have longevity. In our lifetimes, we have been made aware of the health problems caused by obesity, especially Diabetes (that can lead to blindness, among other considerations). The latest statement is that two of every three Americans is overweight. Are you surprised? We should try to eat a variety of the foods we can tolerate, and try not to be too unhappy that our over 50 bodies can no longer tolerate certain foods and that if we choose to eat them, they will slowly kill us.
One never knows what wildlife lurks, wherever you walk or travel. These Geese were seen in Pittsburgh, NH.
As we age, we must adapt to our changing bodies, hormonal changes, and more sedentary ways.
One key to overall health is affordable to everyone: walking, for those who are able. With the cooler weather upon us now, the autumn seems like an ideal time to take a walk in the woods, or even just around the neighborhood. We have some nice walking trails along the Merrimack River, and many other natural areas to hike in Concord, New Hampshire. I hope that you will take charge of your lives, walk more, and give up all the excuses that lead you to live an unhealthy life. Enjoy the autumn! Take a camera and hit the trail!
Be sure to check out Jim’s Vintage Cookery Blog. He is always striving to share new recipes that are tasteful and healthy, at the same time.
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
