Released November 9, 2009
STILLWATER, Okla. – Good nutrition is important for everyone – young and old. It is important to keep in mind many factors, including some medicines, can get in the way of good nutrition.
Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension nutrition specialist, said older adults are more likely to take many medicines and take them for a long time.
“Taking some medicines for a long time may affect nutrition,” Hermann said. “Some medicines can cause nausea which can decrease appetite and result in weight loss. Some medicines can increase appetite and result in weight gain and some medications may increase water loss which can increase the risk of dehydration.”
Hermann suggests the following tips for taking medicine:
- Eat a healthful diet following the MyPyramid. It can be found online at http://www.mypyramid.gov.
- Follow directions on how to take medicines. This includes over-the-counter and prescription.
- Do not take over-the-counter medicines longer than recommended on the label.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including the over-the-counter medicines and how much alcohol you consume.
- Tell your doctor about any new symptoms that occur when taking a medicine.
“Aging is an expected and natural process, however, people can improve the quality of life in later years by adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as being physically active and eating healthy,” Hermann said. “Good nutrition and physical activity can help keep the body healthy and may lower the risk of some conditions that can occur in later years.”
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Editor: Katie Reim, 405-744-6792, katie.reim@okstate.edu
