With aging comes changes in the body that can result in a loss of appetite. Depression and loneliness, a compromised ability to chew or digest, side effects of medications, and a loss of the energy needed to cook food can make it hard for elderly people to eat. If it’s your parents who are aging and who show resistance to eating, it can be frustrating. Luckily, there is a viable solution: meal replacement shakes from ENU.

Meal replacement shakes from ENU are a great option for elderly parents that won’t eat because they are easy to buy and consume, they require no chewing, they’re gentle on compromised digestive systems, and they provide all of the nutrients that elderly people need to maintain a healthy weight and a properly functioning immune system. Continue reading for more information about why meal replacement shakes for medical nutrition support from ENU are an excellent option for elderly parents.

How Appetites Change as People Age

As the body ages, its normal processes slow down, and other circumstances interfere with the desire and ability to eat full meals. Elderly people often suffer from ailments that can affect their relationship with food, such as depression, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, thyroid disorders, head and neck cancers, and disfunction of the mouth, throat, and salivary glands. Furthermore, elderly people often suffer from a loss of taste and smell, which can make it hard to enjoy food, as well as a loss of motor functions that can make it difficult to hold utensils. Compromised physical functioning can make it difficult to buy, store, prepare, and cook food, and the medications that elderly people take to deal with their illnesses can often further decrease their appetite.

A certain degree of appetite loss is normal and expected in elderly people. However, too much can result in health problems. A loss of appetite is directly correlated to weight loss; being underweight can mean malnutrition, which can lead to other health problems such as a weakened immune system and increased risk of bone fractures. A loss of appetite can also contribute to depression and loneliness since the elderly person may miss the social aspect of mealtimes.

Why ENU Shakes Are Good for Elderly People Who Won’t Eat

It’s important for elderly and aging people to get all the nutrition they need, even if they don’t have an appetite, so that they can avoid the health problems that come with being underweight. If you have elderly parents and are looking for a weight management meal replacement shake, check out ENU nutrition shakes for an excellent way for elderly people to get all of the nutrients that they need.

Firstly, ENU meal replacement shakes are ideal because they require no preparation. Since elderly people often lack the physical ability and resources to be able to cook for themselves, a meal replacement shake that they simply have to open is ideal. And since each ENU meal replacement shake contains 400 calories, they can be eaten whenever an appetite arises, whether that be at snack time, as a meal replacement, or in addition to a meal. However, it is important to note that ENU meal replacement shakes are not intended to replace a person’s entire diet; they are only meant to be a supplement to a well-rounded diet made up of whole foods.

Another reason that ENU meal replacement shakes are a great option for elderly parents is that they have a flavor that won’t irritate sensitive palates. They are available in either chocolate or vanilla and can be incorporated into healthy recipes that suit your elderly parent’s tastes. Also, they are entirely liquid, which means that they don’t require chewing and are easy to swallow.

ENU meal replacement shakes are also ideal for the elderly people in your life because they contain natural ingredients. The carbohydrates in ENU meal replacement shakes come from tapioca, brown rice, and quinoa, which provide sustainable energy without a sugar crash like other carbohydrates. The protein in ENU meal replacement shakes is sourced from whey and soy, both of which are easily absorbed by the body; they also contain valine, a compound that assists with the proper functioning of cells and organs.

ENU meal replacement shakes also contain fats that come from sunflower oil and coconut oil, which contain nutrients including omega-6 fatty acids and medium-chain triglycerides; these are critical for allowing the body to absorb other nutrients and contribute to a sense of satiety. ENU is proud to offer meal replacement shakes that have less sugar than other meal replacement drinks. Stevia, a plant-based sweetener, is used to sweeten ENU meal replacement shakes instead of things like corn syrup.

ENU meal replacement shakes not only contain nutrients that are sourced from natural ingredients, but they are perfectly calibrated to provide nutrients in a ratio that is optimal for overall health. ENU meal replacement shakes contain all of the macronutrients that are necessary for health, as well as vitamins and minerals such as potassium iodide, folic acid, chromium chloride, zinc sulfate, sodium selenite, and niacinamide. ENU meal replacement shakes are free of gluten, lactose, and carrageenan and are certified Kosher.

ENU Meal Replacement Shakes Are a Solution for Elderly Parents Who Won’t Eat

You want the elderly people in your life, especially your parents, to be healthy and properly nourished. With a well-rounded nutritional profile that can provide elderly parents with everything they need to maintain their weight and overall health, ENU meal replacement shakes are an excellent answer to the loss of appetite commonly experienced by seniors. If you’d like to learn more about how you can use meal replacement shakes from ENU, visit our website or call us today at (855) 266-6733.