Tailored nutrition: how supplements can transform the health of the elderly and chronically ill

(5 minutes reading)

Imagine someone who is already quite old, Mr. Manuel, who has difficulty maintaining his weight because his taste buds are no longer the same or because he is alone and does not feel like cooking for himself. Now think about the neighbor next door, Mrs. Ivone, a cancer patient who is losing strength during treatment. Did you know that 1 in 3 seniors who live independently are at risk of being malnourished? Malnutrition is a more common problem than expected and it is often silent, but there is a practical solution that can make all the difference: nutritional supplements.

Why are nutritional supplements important?

Elderly people and patients with diseases such as cancer or dysphagia face many challenges when it comes to eating well. Changes in the body, illnesses and even medical treatment can make it difficult to consume the necessary nutrients.

This is where nutritional supplements come in: they help complement your diet , providing what your body needs to stay strong and healthy .

Elderly people and the fight against malnutrition

As we age, our bodies change. Our appetite may decrease, chewing and swallowing may become more difficult, and our bodies no longer absorb nutrients as well as they used to. This can lead to weight loss, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of falls .

Nutritional supplements developed for seniors help combat these problems because they are rich in:

• Proteins: To strengthen muscles and the immune system.
• Vitamins: For stronger bones and brain health.
• Minerals: For immunity and prevention of osteoporosis.

Studies show that by adding supplements to their diet, seniors can regain their energy and improve their quality of life .

Recommended products : Resource® Protein , Meritene® Strength & Vitality and Meritene® Instant Cereal

Cancer patients: vital support during treatment

People with cancer often lose weight and strength because of the disease itself or the side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy. This weight loss can hinder treatment and recovery .

Nutritional supplements for cancer patients are specially formulated to help in these critical moments. By incorporating these supplements into the diet, it is possible to improve treatment results, with fewer complications , prevent weakness and extreme weight loss, as well as regain energy and most importantly: hope .

Therefore, ensuring good nutritional status during cancer treatments will help with:

ü  Immune system support

ü  Maintaining muscle mass

ü  Increased energy and strength

ü  Reduced risk of infections

ü  Shorter interruptions in anti-tumor treatment

ü  Improvement of overall quality of life

Recommended products : Resource® Ultra and Resource® Crema 2.0

For those who have difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)

Many people, especially the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, have difficulty swallowing food and liquids, including water . This can lead to complications such as choking and even lung infections . Warning signs include:

ü  Coughing during or after eating

ü  Choking episodes during and outside of meals

ü  Difficulty breathing and/or lung infection

ü  Food and saliva escape from the mouth

ü  Need to make several attempts to swallow

Adding a thickener like Nestlé’s Resource® Thickener Powder™ is one example of what you can do. It’s a product that will adjust the consistency of foods , making liquids easier to swallow without altering the taste. This simple solution helps ensure that these people get the nutrition they need in a safe and risk-free way.

Other recommended products : Resource® Aqua+

For diabetics: control and nutrition in the right measure

People with diabetes need to control their blood sugar, but that doesn’t mean they have to give up on complete nutrition. Resource® Diabet is designed to provide essential nutrients without raising blood sugar levels . It contains:

• Low glycemic carbohydrates: These help keep blood sugar stable.
• Protein and Fiber: For energy and digestive health.

Studies show that specific products for diabetics help prevent complications and promote a better quality of life :

ü  Lower blood sugar after eating

ü  Lower fasting blood glucose

ü  Reduction in glycated hemoglobin (indicator of diabetes)

ü  Reduction in the number of infections

ü  Increased albumin and weight

Nestlé's Resource range: personalized nutrition for every need

Nestlé Health Science 's Resource line was developed to meet different nutritional needs. With specific products for the elderly, cancer patients, people with dysphagia and diabetics, this range is recognized for its quality and effectiveness .

• Resource® Protein : For those who need more protein and muscle strength.
• Resource® Cream 2.0: For those who need more calories and energy.
• Resource® Thickener Powder™ : For those who have difficulty swallowing.
• Resource® Ultra : For the increased needs of the cancer patient and others.
• Resource® Diabet: For nutritional support with glycemic control.

Resource products are easy to use and backed by scientific research , and are recommended by healthcare professionals worldwide .

Some recommendations from experts

ü  Take the supplement at times that do not interfere with main meals.

ü  Take the supplement in small sips throughout the day.

ü  Alternate between different flavors and textures to make it easier to stick to

ü  Consume the supplement fresh/cold

ü  To increase adherence, you can add other ingredients to oral nutritional supplements that change the initial flavor, such as: chocolate, coffee powder, cinnamon, chopped nuts, crushed biscuits or even mix them with breakfast cereals. You can even make ice cream, cocktails and fruit bowls ! See below:

Conclusion

Nutritional supplements can transform the lives of seniors, cancer patients, diabetics and people with eating disorders. They offer a practical and effective way to regain energy, improve quality of life and face the challenges of malnutrition. Products such as Nestlé’s Resource line are essential allies in this process, providing the right nutrition for each need.

Explore these and other products in the range here . If this is your first time using it and you need advice, or if you have any questions, please get in touch. After all, good nutrition is the basis for a better life!

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