1. A diet has an undeniable influence on the way people age

Other critically important factors that influence the way people age are genetic differences and physical exercise. If you eat a healthy vegetarian diet and exercise, you will not stop the clock, but you will definitely look better and feel better for a much longer period of time.

2. Many people stay healthy and active for longer periods of time

Humans keep learning more and more about health and how healthy diets, including vegetarian diets, and healthy living impact the longevity and quality of life. This is one of the reasons why today people are living longer and longer and sticking with a healthy diet is one of the musts if you want to live a long, productive and fulfilling life.

3. What constitutes normal parts of aging is highly debatable

Some people, especially those who eat junk foods and lead unhealthy lifestyles, believe that constipation, weight gains, and hemorrhoids are a natural part of the aging process. Truth is, they don’t have to be. Just like you may avoid diabetes and high blood pressure, you may avoid other diseases if you lead a healthy vegetarian lifestyle. It is a well-known fact that vegetarians and vegan have lower rates of heart diseases and many other chronic conditions and that is true about vegetarians and vegans of all ages.

4. Nutrients needs change with age

Up until very recently, very little research has been conducted about the connection of the aging process and the ability of the human body to process and absorb nutrients. Most of the data available today is extrapolated from the data for adults fifty and younger, which is why you want to make sure that you keep up with current research about vegetarianism and aging.

5. Metabolism declines with age

One of the facts that scientists know for sure is that metabolism declines with age. This means that you need fewer calories as you age, however, your needs for certain elements actually increase.

6. Vitamin B12 needs special attention

Scientists have concluded that people produce less stomach acid with age, which may lead to slower absorption of vitamin B12. For this reason, adults fifty and older need to take vitamin B12 supplements or eat foods fortified with vitamin B12. This is especially important for older vegans.

7. General dietary guidelines stay the same

Recommendations for most vitamins other than B12 are identical for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Older people need more calcium, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 than younger people do. If you don’t drink milk fortified with vitamin D and don’t eat other dairy, you can drink soy milk fortified with vitamin D or simply take a supplement.

8. There are things you can do to avoid issues with constipation as you age

Constipation is almost always connected to a diet. No matter how old you are, fiber is good for you and exercise and water are also extremely important.  Older people typically start experiencing issues with constipation when their calorie intake takes a dip, which is why eating more fiber-rich foods is one of the solutions to the issue.

9. Vegetarian diets are very useful when dealing with heartburn

The reason why vegetarianism minimizes problems with heartburn is simple: vegetarian diets have much less fat than meat-based diets. If you are a vegetarian and heartburn is an issue, examine your diet for high-fat dairy products such as cheeses and high-fat unhealthy foods such as chips and French fries.

10. It is possible to get a grip on flatulence

Just like heartburn and constipation, flatulence significantly depends on your diet. Problems may arise if you are consuming too many carbonated beverages or are taking certain medications. There are also the usual suspects that include beans, cabbage, and onions.

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