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Is Juicing a Good Idea for Geriatrics?

Some people might call juicing a craze. It is being touted for weight-loss enhancement, for its cleansing and detoxifying abilities as well as boosting the body's ability to fight off diseases. But can juicing really offer all of that? The answer is yes -- to a degree. Juicing, when used as part of a balanced diet, offers some special benefits to the geriatric population.

  1. Health Benefits of Juicing

    • Fruits and vegetables are powerhouses when it comes to vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals and fiber. All these elements are important for maintaining health, especially as people age. However, the older population often falls short when it comes to getting the daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. It sometimes is challenging for a geriatric person to eat these foods because of age-related decline in digestive ability as well as tooth loss, gum disease or dentures. However, juicing comfortably allows an older person to get many needed nutrients in one glass without the discomfort of trying to chew crunchy fruits and vegetables.

    What is Missing?

    • One downside of juicing is that the fiber is removed, and fiber is another essential dietary component that the older population often lacks. So, rather than throwing the pulp away, add it to other dishes, such as soups, stews, smoothies or baked goods. To help meet your daily fiber requirements, eat fiber-rich whole-grain foods, as well as some whole fruits and vegetables.

    Can Juicing Be Dangerous?

    • Food safety can be a concern with juicing. Home-made juices are not pasteurized as store-bought juices are, so there may be risk for harmful bacteria to develop. Older people's immune systems are generally weaker, so it is critical to follow food safety measures. Clean all the equipment thoroughly and properly. Wash and clean fruits and vegetables before juicing. Choose organic fruits and vegetables to limit exposure to pesticides. Store fresh juices properly and use them within 24 hours after they are made.

    Juicing Should Not Be Used In Place of a Healthy Diet

    • Fruits and vegetables boost the immune system and decrease your risk for cancer and heart disease. Juicing confers these same health benefits but only when used as an addition to a nutritionally sound and complete diet. Juicing can lead to high concentrations of some nutrients, such as vitamin K, which is found in spinach, collard greens, some herbs and other foods. If you take a blood-thinning medication, too much vitamin K could interfere with its effects. Before introducing juicing into your diet, talk with your doctor to make sure there would be no potential drug interactions.

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