- and older people should ideally consume more than the official recommendations
Undernourishment and lack of protein is common among older people. Evidence even suggests that the recommended daily intake of protein is too low, at least as far as seniors is concerned. The problem is most likely a slowdown of the muscle-building enzyme processes. The quality of protein also has something to say just like the amount of physical activity is a factor.

Choose natural solutions instead of potentially lethal medicine
Rheumatic diseases and aching joints are extremely common. One in eight Europeans takes arthritis medication, thereby increasing his or her risk of numerous side effects and premature death. Rheumatism and aching joints are typically caused by inflammation. Research shows that the problems can often be treated with dietary changes and the use of supplements that address the underlying causes and make the pain vanish by itself.
Arthritis drugs take more lives than diabetes and traffic accidents. 7-8% of Europeans use anti-inflammatory painkillers that increase their risk of sensitive gastro-intestinal mucous membranes, indigestion, bleeding ulcers, heart disease, and thrombosis. Calculations show that arthritis drugs take more lives every year than traffic fatalities and diabetes together, making this type of medicine a far greater threat. Most people are unaware of this.
The immune system initiates vital inflammatory responses in the attempt to fight infection, poisoning, and cell damage. However, it is important that the immune system does not overreact or "shoot beside the target", as this may increase the risk of various arthritic conditions plus chronic, painful inflammation.
In the body, it is the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are generally responsible for regulating the body's infectious and inflammatory processes. If there is a fatty acid imbalance, or if we lack essential nutrients such ad vitamin D, selenium, and glucosamine, it increases our risk of inflammation and rheumatic diseases.
- and other inflammatory conditions
It is hardly a coincidence that many patients with arthritis feel worse during the winter period where the sun sits too low in the sky for us humans to be able to synthesize vitamin D. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, there is a direct link between vitamin D levels and neuropathic pain caused by irritated nerves. This was shown in a study that is published in International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
It is usually dietary fiber and water that get mentioned when the discussion is about constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. However, we also need an adequate intake of magnesium, as this minerals affects our digestion by way of several different mechanisms. Constipation is associated with numerous complaints and conditions such as headache, bad mood, eczema, and aching joints, so it is important to rid the body of toxins and empty the bowel, preferably 1-2 times daily.
British scientists have tested whether omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements have a pain-relieving effect on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. As it turns out, consuming fish oils with large quantities of EPA and DHA has the best effect, so make sure to read the label to see how much of the two omega-3 fatty acids your supplement contains. Rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are a result of joint inflammation, so it may also pay off to look into the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet.