Healthy eating can be challenging for some older adults. Caregivers, family members, and senior living communities can help provide a healthy, well-balanced diet for older adults. Many people also consider specific diets, such as the keto diet for boosting health and well-being. But is it healthy for older adults?
While a keto diet can help with weight loss and control blood sugar, it can pose some risks and isn’t recommended for older adults with certain health conditions. Always get the go-ahead from your healthcare provider to help you understand the keto diet, its potential benefits, and the associated risks. Your healthcare provider can offer practical advice for safely adopting it.
What Is the Keto Diet?
The keto or ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan. With moderate amounts of protein, reduced carbohydrates, and an increased fat intake, the body enters a metabolic state called ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose, which can lead to weight loss and other health benefits.
A standardized keto diet contains 70% fat, 20% protein, and only 10% carbohydrates. Suitable food choices in a keto diet are:
- Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
- Low-carb vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini.
- Protein sources: Lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy.
Foods to avoid on a keto diet include:
- Sugary foods
- Grains or starches such as breads, cereal, pasta, rice
- Fruits, except for small amounts of berries
- Beans or legumes
- Root and starchy vegetables
- Processed foods
Potential Benefits of Keto for Seniors
For older adults, the keto diet may offer several benefits:
- Weight management: Since metabolism slows down with age, maintaining a healthy weight can become challenging. The keto diet can help by promoting fat loss.
- Cognitive health: Ketosis can improve brain function, potentially lowering the risk of cognitive disorders.
- Blood sugar control: Keto diet can benefit people with diabetes as it can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote metabolic benefits.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Before starting any diet, especially one as restrictive as a keto diet, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider. They can assess older adult’s health needs and determine if the keto diet is suitable.
Common Concerns About Keto for Seniors
While a keto diet can have many benefits, staying on a long-term keto diet raises some concerns or risks that you should be aware of.
Nutritional Adequacy
One concern about the keto diet is whether it provides all the necessary nutrients. Since older adults have unique dietary needs, such as increased calcium and vitamin D requirements for bone health, a poorly planned keto diet could lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Medical Supervision
Given the nature of the keto diet, medical supervision is crucial. Older adults can have multiple health conditions and take medications that require careful management. If an older adult is on a keto diet, a healthcare provider must monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to avoid complications.
Increased Risk of Health Problems
A keto diet can increase the risk of:
- Excess protein in the blood
- Fat build-up in the liver
- Kidney stones
For these reasons, a keto diet is not recommended for people with
- Pancreatic disease
- Liver conditions
- Thyroid problems
- Eating disorders
- Gallbladder disease
Side Effects of a Keto Diet
Adverse side effects that can occur at the beginning of the keto diet include:
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Low blood sugar
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Low tolerance for exercise
Practical Tips for Adopting the Keto Diet
For older adults and caregivers looking to adopt the keto diet, here are some practical tips:
- Start slow: Gradually reduce carbohydrate intake to allow the body to adjust.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a common issue with the keto diet, so it’s essential to maintain adequate water intake.
- Monitor health: Regularly check vital signs and consult with your healthcare provider.
Planning is key to a successful keto diet. Here are some tips:
- Balanced meals: Make sure meals include a variety of low-carb vegetables, healthy fats, and moderate protein.
- Easy-to-prepare foods: Choose foods that are easy to prepare and require minimal effort.
- Consistent meals: Aim for consistency in meal types and timing to help maintain energy levels and avoid blood sugar spikes.
Comprehensive Support for Seniors
The keto diet can offer various benefits for older adults, including weight management and improved cognitive health. However, it comes with concerns that need to be addressed, such as nutritional adequacy and the need for medical supervision. By consulting healthcare professionals, weighing the benefits and risks, and following practical tips, older adults may adopt a keto diet safely and effectively.
If you’re considering the keto diet for yourself or a loved one, reach out to a healthcare provider. For a personalized approach to health and well-being for older adults, contact The Legacy at Long Meadow to learn how we support loved ones with chef-prepared meals, medication management, and collaboration with healthcare providers.