Yogurt may be an important source of protein and calcium in the elderly that could potentially lead to enhancement in bone and muscle health.
Opting for plain Greek yogurt would be the healthiest choice, and you can stir in fresh fruit or granola.
Therefore, those with lactose intolerance may need to avoid yogurt. However, some people who are lactose intolerant may be able to tolerate it. Some of the lactose breaks down during production, and probiotics may assist with its digestion ( 54 ).
Weakened immune system: Although rare, live bacteria in yogurt can might cause illness in people with weakened immune systems. If you have a weakened immune system, talk to your healthcare provider before eating large amounts of yogurt that contain live bacteria for prolonged periods of time.
Daily consumption of yoghurt reduces inflammation in the body. Inflammation is responsible for most autoimmune diseases, diabetes, cancer and arthritis.
Is there any harm in eating yogurt? Eating two to three containers of yogurt every day can add around 500 calories and close to 100 grams of sugar to the daily diet. This can cause unwanted weight gain and increase the risk of diabetes.
Greek yoghurt is generally considered the most nutritious option when it comes to yoghurts. Due to the way it is made, it is naturally higher in protein, which makes it a great addition to breakfast, leaving you feeling satisfied throughout the morning.
Full-fat yogurt
Research associates increased intake of full-fat fermented dairy products with reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as a lower risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes ( 23 ).
Consuming one to two cups of lowfat Greek yogurt daily can be a healthy addition to your diet without making it difficult to maintain your weight.
Turns out, any milk product will do the trick. Reader's Digest suggests breaking out the cheese and crackers before bed, or even a cup of yogurt. Calcium found in dairy products will help the brain use the tryptophan found in dairy to help make sleep-inducing melatonin.
Combining the potassium found in bananas with high protein foods like yogurt (especially Greek yogurt) helps build muscle and replenish amino acids that are depleted during exercise. So enjoy the easy-to-grab pair on your way home from the gym or add them to your post-workout smoothies.
Increase your calorie intake by eating foods like milky puddings and cheesy main courses, or vegetarian or vegan alternatives. Avoid filling up on foods that are high in saturated fat or sugars, such as sugary fizzy drinks, cakes and biscuits.
Bananas are good for the elderly because they may relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, brighten the mood, and enhance restful sleep. In addition, bananas are typically well-tolerated by seniors who may not have an appetite if they're living with emotional health issues.
With the four recommended times mentioned above, the best options to consume yogurt are in the morning or on an empty stomach. This is because the good bacteria or probiotics in yogurt must reach the large intestine alive to maintain digestive efficiency and health.
Yogurt may cause diarrhea in some people
Yogurt contains lactose, a milk sugar that up to two-thirds of individuals cannot digest. People with lactose intolerance often experience diarrhea as a result of eating lactose-rich foods, including yogurt ( 14 , 15 ).
It might make you feel bloated or give you gas. "Both regular yogurt and Greek yogurt contain a small amount of lactose, which might be problematic for individuals who are lactose intolerant," says Ehsani. "Lactose is milk sugar which is broken down by the enzyme lactase.
Curd and yoghurt can actually impair digestion, if you have a weak digestive system and eat them at night. “People with digestion issues such as acidity, acid reflux or indigestion should avoid yoghurt or curd at night as it can cause constipation when the system is sluggish and sleep-ready.
Vasant Lad notes that yogurt shouldn't be paired with milk. In addition to this, he also lists down a couple of everyday foods, that you may have been combining all your life with yogurt but shouldn't be! These include sour fruits, melons, fish, mango, starches, cheese and bananas.
"Yogurt indirectly helps in controlling high blood pressure. It contains magnesium which is good for high blood pressure. Calcium is also there in yogurt which helps in muscle contraction which is good for the heart muscles. Another factor which can indirectly help in controlling blood pressure is weight management.
Eggs are an inexpensive, widely available and easily digestible source of high-quality protein and contain a significant proportion of leucine, an amino acid that is important for muscle synthesis, as well as many other nutrients of significance for older people, including vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.
A Diet low in fiber may cause constipation in older adults. So, eating foods rich in fiber, such as oats, can normalize bowel movements and prevent constipation. In addition, oatmeal is inexpensive and easy to prepare a meal.