Recommend: Does drinking milk strengthen elderly's bones?

In the elderly, one of the most common health problems is thinner bones and muscle atrophy, mainly caused by protein and calcium loss. When it comes to protein and calcium, many people might think of drinking "cow's milk" because it is a source of protein and high in calcium, but drinking cow's milk may not be suitable for all elderly. Mostly, we found that there are 2 main problems:

1. The Body Cannot digest Lactose in Cow's Milk

As their age, their body cannot effectively digest lactose in cow's milk as it decreasingly produces enzyme-digesting lactose. They may have distension, bloating, and diarrhea after drinking milk. Since they are unable to digest lactose, drinking lactose-free milk would be an option.

2. The Body Negatively React to Milk Protein

In case they have cow's milk protein allergy or digestive problems with milk protein, they still have bloating, diarrhea, and rashes even drinking free-lactose milk.

Therefore, "drinking plant milk" will be an alternative for the elderly to supplement the protein and calcium for their body, especially soy milk and almond milk. Although these nut milk do not have much calcium as cow's milk, they have high protein, vitamins, and good fats including Omega-3 and Omega-9, which are beneficial to the heart and blood vessel functions.

You can intake calcium from small fish or green vegetables such as Chinese broccoli, broccoli, or even black sesame. These foods are good calcium sources for those with cow's milk drinking problems.

Another essential key for those who want to drink nut milk every day is to intake those with sugar-free or less sugar, no preservatives, no color additives, and no flavor enhancers. Moreover, if you can select organic non-GMO nut milk, it will be more beneficial to your health.

Information by Dr. Narumol Tongsreeneam

Composed by Medisci Center