Natural health advice for seniors

Life offers many joys to experience as we age, but also some health issues common among older folks. Here are a few tips on how you can use a natural approach to make aging easier.

Varicose veins are common among seniors. However, by exercising, eating a high-fibre diet, and trying these helpful vitamins, herbs and foods, you may be able to reduce the likelihood of needing surgery.

• Vitamin C and bioflavonoids – these can strengthen capillaries.
• Gotu kola – this herb supports connective tissue health and can help to keep veins supple.
• Horse chestnut – this herb can help control the inflammation and swelling of varicose veins.
• Chillies, garlic, onion and ginger – these foods can help to improve circulation.

This is an unpleasant yet common issue among seniors, but one that you may be able to minimize using the natural approaches listed below.

• Help prevent infection in the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract by drinking cranberry juice. It stops bacteria from adhering to the linings of these organs. The high vitamin C content of cranberry juice also helps to reduce or prevent infection.
• Practise Kegel exercises at least three times a day: imagine you are trying to stop the flow of urine and tighten your pelvic muscles. With each contraction, count to three slowly and then release.
• Don't drink too much alcohol and avoid caffeine and nicotine if possible. They are all powerful diuretics.
• Don't be tempted to drink less fluid. The best policy is to drink enough to ensure that you urinate at regular intervals. This helps to retrain the bladder and keeps urine dilute, thereby reducing your susceptibility to kidney problems.

Deterioration of vision often occurs in old age. However, if you seek early treatment, it may be possible to minimize or even reverse the deterioration.

• Eat lots of yellow and orange vegetables. They are rich in carotenoids, which are nutrients that prevent damage to the area of the retina responsible for vision.
• Eat foods rich in antioxidants daily. Include fruit and vegetables – especially green leafy varieties such as spinach – in your diet and make sure you eat fish and nuts regularly. These foods have been found to significantly cut the risk of macular degeneration.
• If you suffer from macular degeneration – a loss of vision in the central part of the retina – consider taking lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidant supplements. Vitamins A, C and E are also believed to play a role in preventing macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. However, always check with your doctor before starting to take new supplements.

Your golden years should be just that – a joyous time in which you can embrace all the things you love. By proactively tackling common health issues with natural approaches, you will hopefully be able to worry less about your health and focus more on living life to the fullest.