Fasting is healthy for Elderly

Physically, elderly is a person who has many limitations. That is why; the elderly are often labeled as a group of people who are weak and sick. With these conditions, no wonder the elderly are often doubted his ability to have fast during fasting period.

Indeed, in the case of fasting, the ability of the elderly does not have to worry too. The 'senior' (elderly) is safe to fast during his physical condition is stable, controllable disease, and no acute infection. In fact, Ramadan fasting can bring benefits to their health. Also, during Ramadan fasting insulin concentration also decreased, while the amount of caloric intake did not change. Only the pattern and type of food are changed.

Other studies found no impairment of renal function for elderly who fast as long as fluid intake are met, i.e., between 1.5 to 2 liters / day. Still referring to the results of fasting studies in the elderly, there is a decrease in total cholesterol for the elderly is fast. LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid also decreased. '' It happens when the fast set up properly, not 'revenge' (during iftar/break the fast).

Fasting also make lowers intake (input) about 12-15 percent of calories, increase levels of antioxidants, reducing free radicals. Did you know that excessive free radicals in the body will reduce the action of the enzyme activity, cause mutations and cell wall damage? There are about 50 degenerative diseases, including heart disease and stroke, which is triggered and exacerbated by free radical compounds.

Survey results also revealed in the older adults aged 64-83 years, shows, 91 percent of the elderly was determined to keep running fast as in previous years. Of this amount, 80 percent said they fasted a whole month. Only 20 percent said they did not fast a whole month.

During fasting, as much as 47.10 percent of seniors (elderly) admitted no complaints, 35.30 percent felt weak and limp, while 17.60 percent felt sore or bloated belly. Even so, the elderly are generally benefited by fasting. A total of 72.20 percent said they were more fresh bodies, and 22.20 percent said they reduced weight.

In order to fasting with a healthy and safe, there are a number of moves that need to be applied by the elderly. One of them is smart to eat and drink with the brain, not with the tongue. Means the elderly need to properly regulate his diet, so the food that enters the body is beneficial, and not vice versa.

The main thing that should be considered by the elderly is fluid intake. Sometimes be an obstacle is, the elderly tend to not like to drink. In fact, they need fluids like normal people. So, in this fasting month, the elderly must consume enough fluids.

Elderly people who fasted physiological and psychological have changes. For example, easily feel tired, weak, and confused. In this condition, body fluids usually come down. Body fluid that is usually as much as 60 percent, dropped to 45-50 percent. Thirst was also decreased so that the intake of fluids to drink comes through reduced activity. As a result, the body is at risk of dehydration (lack of fluids).

Therefore, adequate fluid intake is very important for the elderly. Other physiological and psychological changes are decreased appetite. The decline was partly due to social factors, such as feeling isolated, financial, or other matters. Psychological factors may be caused by depression and memory disorders. Decreased appetite can also be caused by diseases such as Parkinson's, constipation, and decreased sensation of hunger.

To be safe in the elderly running fast, the importance this is watching your caloric needs. '' The need calories the same as when not fasting.'' Similarly, the consumption of liquids, remain the same as when not fasting. This can be done by drink two cups of liquid when breaking, 2-4 cups after prayers Tawarih up before bed, and a glass when you wake up before dawn and 1-2 cups at dawn.

Diet was changed. The trick is as many as 50 percent of calories when breaking the fast by eating a snack before the Maghrib prayer and heavy food after Maghrib prayers. The rest, as much as 10 percent of calories intake after Tarawih and 40 percent when the meal.

Recommended to consume water or fruit juices between Iftar and bedtime, and avoid drinking too much ice as it can withstand a sense of satiety. At dawn, limit drinking tea or coffee, because the two types of drinks can stimulate the production of urine becomes more. And when breaking the fast, try to eat the palm fruit typical of the Middle East because it contains sugar fiber, carbohydrates, potassium, and magnesium.