Meat and Potatoes: How They Affect the Elderly

Adults and the elderly should reconsider their diet and eliminate certain food groups according to the body's requirements, which become more selective with age. Dr. Mariyat Mukhina, a Russian nutritionist, indicates that the products that are not recommended to be consumed together are meat and potatoes because the dish contains heavy nutrients such as protein in the form of meat and a starchy "bomb" of carbohydrates. According to her, even a young stomach cannot bear such a heavy load, especially if these foods are fried. As we age, enzyme production decreases, leading to difficulties in nutrient absorption and a subsequent feeling of heaviness. She states, "If a person cannot do without meat, it is better to boil it. As for potatoes, it is best to exclude them completely and replace them with cooked vegetables or quinoa." The expert also advises against consuming banana and milk cocktails, as the banana in this drink turns into a mucus-like substance that can hinder intestinal motility. Eating a banana alone and chewing it slowly allows it to be broken down by saliva enzymes before it reaches the stomach. For the same reason, she does not recommend consuming coffee, milk, and orange juice at breakfast, as it reduces the effectiveness of stomach enzymes, especially if the person had porridge beforehand.