Milk for the elderly: benefits and losses

Only a lazy father has not pronounced his children the popular phrase of a Soviet cartoon: “Drink milk and you will be healthy.”Time has passed and adults themselves have wondered whether to drink this white drink as snow is beneficial or harmful to health.

The Labor Code of the Russian Federation stipulates the obligation of the businessman to give milk to the people who work in harmful industries. But the controversy about the benefits and damages of milk is still open. Only an agreement on its regular consumption has been reached, in a certain period of a person’s life.

Can older people consume dairy products?

Without a doubt, dairy products are rich in vitamins necessary for the normal functioning of the organism. The benefits of milk at an early age are not in doubt, but in the question of whether you can drink milk for older people, it must be resolved.

According to many scientists, milk is of no benefit for the elderly. In the presence of diseases it can even harm your health. Therefore, milk should not be drank to people over 60 years of age in the case of:

1. Individual milk intolerance. It is known that lactase and renin enzymes cease to occur in the human being with age. Proteins and milk hydrates of milk cannot be digested by the body, which causes strong abdominal pain, cramps, swelling and diarrhea. Drinking too much milk can cause intestinal inflammation, and can be equally harmful. An older person with suspicion of lactose intolerance must undergo lactose intolerance test to determine if the level of enzymes in the organism is sufficient.
2. Susceptibility to allergic reactions. Allergy to cow protein can manifest with skin rashes, stomach discomfort and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth.
3. Development of atherosclerosis. Milk consumption can both cause the development of atherosclerosis and aggravate the course of the disease. The miristic acid containing has a detrimental effect on the human body at an age and causes the obstruction of blood vessels, plate formation and increased cholesterol.
4. Presence of bone fractures. Milk contains bustic acid, which prevents the fracture healing process. Scientists believe that the consumption of animal proteins leads to the oxidation of the body and the calcium leaching of the human skeleton. As a result, the risk of fractures and cracks develops, and the bone fusion process can be slow or not observed for a long time.

Therefore, milk consumption should be discouraged to lactose or allergic people to dairy products. All older people must be cautious, since milk is not useful to their age, but rather harmful to their health.

Chemical composition

Milk is a food rich in vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It includes many components. Chemical composition, fat content and calories can vary depending on the time of year, diet and animal content. An average of 100 ml of cow’s milk contains: 87 g of water, 3. 3 g of proteins, 3. 7 g of fat and 5. 2 g of carbohydrates. The vitamin complex and cow’s milk minerals are indicated in the following table.

However, milk has harmful components that can harm the elderly.

The average caloric value of milk is 59 kcal per 100 grams.

Benefits and damages of milk for older people (after 60 years)

There is no discussion about flavor. For some people there is no day without drinking a glass of dairy product, and others find it indifferent throughout their lives.

The usefulness of milk for older people manifests in the following:

1. Milk contains calcium, so necessary for an elderly person. However, it must be borne in mind that calcium acts as a means of neutralization of the acid contained in milk, and when missing, the body extracts it from the person’s bone system.
2. Steamed milk has antimicrobial properties that last 2 hours.
3. It restores the immune system and produces immune bodies thanks to the presence of globulins in milk. Its use has beneficial effects on the body in case of disease, stress, increased physical and mental effort.
4. Normalize the work of the nervous system.
5. It helps fight arterial hypertension. Having small diuretic properties, helps eliminate liquids from the organism and normalize the pressure.
6. Neutralizes hydrochloric acid and relieves ardor signs in the chest – acidity.

The notivity of milk for the elderly manifests in the following:

1. Increases the possibility of developing atherosclerosis or aggravates an existing disease.
2. Fragilize the bones. It causes a fracture of the femoral neck, which is quite frequent in elderly patients.
3. Increases the risk of arthritis.
4. Causes the development of type 1 diabetes.

Thus, the benefits and damages of cow’s milk for the elderly are determined depending on the state of the body, so as not to cause more damage to their health.

What kind of milk is safe for older people?

According to the animal, cow and goat milk are the most consumed by people.

Cow’s milk is the most common and affordable type of dairy product. However, older people digest it badly. It can be consumed, but only in small quantities.

Goat milk is a vitamin and mineral treasure for older people. It is well absorbed by the body, has a soothing effect, restores the forces and rejuvenates the body.

The development of the food industry has made it possible to drink milk

1. Sterilized, which is obtained by heating the product. However, high temperatures kill all useful properties of milk.
2. Pasteurized milk, unlike the sterilized, is also obtained by heating, but at a lower temperature, which preserved lactic bacteria and some vitamins.
3. Ultrapasteurized, it is obtained by heating and sharply cooling the product. It is less useful for people over 60, unlike pasteurized milk.

It is necessary to be cautious with melted milk, due to its high fat content, compared to normal milk.

The correct way to drink milk for older people

Despite the opinions found by scientists and doctors, it is impossible to unequivocally conclude that older people should not drink milk. The governing principle is that of wisdom and moderation in its consumption. When drinking milk, certain rules must be observed:

1. Limit milk consumption. A daily dose not harmful to the body is 250-300 ml of the product.
2. It is only beneficial good quality milk. Milk bought in places not enabled for trade is considered dangerous to health.
3. Dilute the whole milk with water or kitchen with it if your body no longer diges it. Fresh milk (steamed) is not recommended to people over 60 years.
4. If you have lactose intolerance, leave the milk completely.

It is better to drink milk before bedtime for its soothing properties.

Consequently, if there are no medical reasons, reaching old age is no reason to stop drinking abruptly the childhood product.

Contraindications

The body itself may indicate that milk consumption is harmful and causes discomfort. Signals like:

1. Abdominal swelling. Its regular appearance can be a confirmation of lactose intolerance contained in milk.
2. Nausea, acute pain in stomach and abdominal swelling confirm the diagnosis of milk intolerance.
3. Meteorism
4. Diarrhea, for 2 days or more.
5. Itching and skin rashes, which indicate an allergic reaction to the product.
6. Acne. Milk stimulates the production of subcutaneous fat, which obstructs skin pores and contributes to the appearance of acne.
7. Atherosclerosis.
8. Mellitus diabetes.
9. Arthritis.

Milk, known by all since childhood, is an excellent, beneficial product for human health, when complying norms are met provides benefits. Milk consumption, if health allows it, is good, but in moderation.