Health

10 Foods To Avoid After 40

Published

3 years ago

September 17, 2022

As one advances in age, it’s vital for one to pay adequate attention to several things including one’s body. Food helps us to maintain life and growth, in the same vein, when we do not eat or eat unhealthy foods, life’s quality and growth are affected.

It’s pertinent to make deliberate and positive lifestyle changes as you attain adulthood. Some nutritionists have highlighted 10 foods individuals who are 40 and above should avoid.

A nutritionist, James Oloyede, says that people who are 40 years-old and above should take their diet seriously and be intentional about what they eat.

Oloyede adds, “There is no particular class of food that one can avoid entirely because if one does not eat it in one form, one will eat it in another but there are some foods that should be minimised and some that should be totally avoided.”

Avoid refined carbohydrates

Oloyede explains that refined carbohydrates are foods that contain a high glycemic index and increase the blood sugar level of the consumers.

“By this we mean foods such as pasta, pancakes, doughnuts, cookies and the rest. Even in some countries, the rule is to reduce the consumption of white bread because they contain high glycemic index because they rapidly increase blood sugar.

“These have also been associated with heart diseases, weight gain, diabetes among others,” the nutritionist said.

Oyedele also cautions individuals aged 40 and above who still consume processed diet of being at the risk of having acne, otherwise known as black head or pimples.

“If you cannot completely eliminate it, it should be drastically reduced. It should be an occasional food, once in a blue moon and not incorporated into the daily diet,” he adds.

Supporting Oloyede’s position, another nutritionist, Olusola Malomo, adds that “White bread and pastas artificial sweeteners, foods containing monosodium glutamate, saturated fats and cholesterol should be avoided.’’

Processed meat

Every processed meat such as sausages, ham, hot dog, contains unhealthy fat that has an impact on the hydration of the body and promotes early onset of wrinkles.

Oloyede adds, “It can also cause inflammation associated with arthritis in old age. As one grows up, arthritis sets in. Part of the preservative agent when in the body breaks down to what is called nitrosamine chemicals which have been identified to be cancer inducing if they are above permissible levels. You can never tell (the quantity of the chemicals in the product), it could be an accident, deliberate, and individual tolerance also differs so it is better you avoid things like that by the time you are 40 and above.”

Fast foods

Oloyede notes that fast foods are not friendly to people above 40. He explains that fast foods contain a lot of ingredients in several quantities, adding that some of them can be unhealthy.

He also adds that they contain sugar, fats, nitrite, sodium, among others which have negative health consequences.

Fruit juices

Oloyede and Malomo both agree that consumption of fruit juices by those in their 40’s and above is unhealthy.

Fermented foods
Oloyede states that regardless of the ingredients and benefits marketed, people in this age group should avoid it.

He adds, “It is more of fructose and it contains a lot of sugar, for those who have the tendency to develop diabetes; that can accentuate it in the real sense of it.’’

Also, because it is a fruit juice, the fibre has been removed and fibre helps to aid digestion and it’s laxative in nature and needful in the bowel. “The sugar and other added preservatives are also reasons to be wary of taking this,” Oloyede adds.

Reduce alcohol consumption

Malomo states that alcohol should be avoided.

Oloyede adds that it should be totally avoided or drastically reduced. They explain that alcohol intake affects proper hydration in the body. They note, “It sucks out water from various part of the body which then affects its elasticity and the end result is wrinkles all over the individual’s body.’’

Avoid fatty foods

Though chicken consumption is encouraged, individuals in this category are advised to remove the skin before consumption especially when fried. This would reduce the consumption of cholesterol which leads to artery and consequently heart disease.

Avoid sugar

As one advances in age, the nutritionist advises that one cuts down on sugar intake, especially processed sugar.

“When you’re above 40, there is nothing you should be doing with sugar anymore. Sugar itself causes inflammation which inhibits having a clear and beautiful skin because it damages elastin which promotes elasticity of the skin, bringing about wrinkles early in life,” Oloyede adds.

Shun energy drink

Energy drinks contain a lot of caffeine, high sodium among other components which are harmful to health. Its accumulation in the body system over time forms toxins and when the body can no longer handle it, becomes harmful and this can reduce the lifespan of the individual.

Baked foods

Baked foods such as cakes are high in sugar and fat and should not be taken according to cravings to promote longevity.

Limit egg, milk consumption

It is pertinent to reduce the quantity of milk with saturated fat and also the number of eggs eaten per day. If this is not done, such individuals will have lots of fat in their system, issues with their gut and consistent diarrhea.

Oloyede advocates a return to a regional diet that includes natural and unprocessed foods, fruits and vegetables as well as foods high in protein.

PUNCH

Health

LASG FLags Off Polio Outbreak Response Campaign

Published

7 months ago

January 20, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, has launched the 2025 Polio Outbreak Response Campaign, reaffirming its commitment to eradicating polio and safeguarding the health of its children.

The ceremony, held at the Simpson Primary Healthcare Centre, was led by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Widad Jumoke Mustafa, a member of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).

In her address, the First Lady emphasised the state government’s proactive measures to keep Lagos polio-free, highlighting the critical importance of the campaign in preventing the debilitating effects of poliomyelitis, which can result in paralysis or death.

The First Lady also called on parents, community leaders, and stakeholders to support the campaign by ensuring eligible children are vaccinated.

Targeting children aged 0-59 months, vaccination teams will administer the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to prevent virus transmission.

Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser on Health, expressed gratitude to Lagosians for their continued cooperation in the fight against polio. While appreciating all healthcare workers and partners for their services, Mrs. Ogunyemi encouraged parents to present their children and wards for the exercise.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, Mrs. Omolola Rashidat Essien opined that Immunization is key in ensuring that children are kept safe from polio and other vaccine preventable diseases.

Dr. Abimbola Bowale, the Supervising Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, who also spoke at the event, underscored the life-saving importance of immunization.

“All children aged 0-59 months need multiple doses of the polio vaccine to ensure full protection. Any child missed represents a potential risk for the poliovirus to spread. The vaccine is safe, effective, and crucial in keeping our communities polio-free,” he stated.

Dr. Bowale also outlined several strategies to ensure the success of the campaign, including fixed post teams stationed at primary healthcare centres and public health facilities, house-to-house visits, and a transit strategy to reach special locations such as places of worship, schools, motor parks, and other public venues.

The event concluded with Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu officially launched the campaign, marking a renewed effort to maintain Lagos State’s polio-free status.

Headline

Lagos Cholera Cases Rise To 421

Published

1 year ago

June 22, 2024

Editor

The Lagos state suspected cholera cases have risen to 421.

The Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi disclosed this on his Instagram handle @profakinabayomi on Saturday.

“As of June 20, 2024, an additional four suspected cholera cases have been reported, as illustrated in the accompanying graph,” he wrote.

He noted that the Emergency Operations Centre in collaboration with all relevant partners is actively engaged in contact tracing, community-based surveillance, awareness campaigns, sample testing, and ensuring that confirmed cholera cases receive appropriate medical treatment.

On Friday, the commissioner confirmed 35 cases out of the 417 suspected cases and 24 deaths across 20 Local Government Areas in the state.

The cases were reported from Agege, Badagry, Ikeja, Mushin, Ajeromi-Ifelofun, Epe, Ikorodu, Ojo, Alimosho, and Eti-Osa.

Others were Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Amuwo-Odofin, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Island, Shomolu, Apapa, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos mainland, and Surulere.

Cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by ingesting the bacteria— Vibrio cholerae — in contaminated water and food. Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea, and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.

In Nigeria, cholera is an endemic and seasonal disease, occurring annually mostly during the rainy season and more frequently in areas with poor sanitation.

The World Health Organisation on Thursday announced a spike in cholera in several regions of the world, with almost 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths reported in 24 countries since the start of 2024.

WHO said the Eastern Mediterranean Region reported the highest number of cases, followed by the African Region, the Region of the Americas, the Southeast Asia Region, and the European Region.

The global health body, however, noted that there are no reported cases in the Western Region, according to its bulletin released on Wednesday.

It said it exhausted its global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines by March but was able to exceed “the emergency target of five million doses in early June for the first time in 2024.”

Health

AUTISM: What You Need To Know

Published

1 year ago

April 6, 2024

Editor

By Silver Yeibake

Autism, commonly known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Autism is referred to as a spectrum condition since it can manifest in a variety of symptoms and abilities. While the actual cause of autism is unknown, evidence suggests that genetic and environmental factors interact to influence its development.

The risk factors include a sibling with autism, advanced age of parents, exposure to certain air pollutants and pesticides before birth, extreme prematurity, mothers with diabetes, immune system disorders or obesity, any difficulty with delivery leading to deprivation of oxygen to the baby’s brain, fever during pregnancy, lack of certain vitamins minerals during pregnancy, and certain genetic conditions, such as Down, fragile X, and Rett syndromes.

“Risk factors can not on their own cause a disease. However, they can increase the likelihood of that disease in a person.”

It is important to know that contrary to trending claims online, there is no scientific or medical evidence that vaccines or consumption of sugar are risk factors for autism.

Autism is defined by difficulties in social interaction and communication. Individuals with autism may struggle to grasp social cues, maintain eye contact, and engage in typical back-and-forth conversations. Some people may also engage in meaningless, repetitive actions, such as hand-flapping or rocking, and have strong interests in specific areas.

It is essential to remember that autism is a lifelong diagnosis, but with early intervention and adequate care, people with autism can live fulfilling lives.
Autism treatment frequently includes behavioral therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training. Each individual with autism is unique, thus interventions should be tailored to meet their personal needs and strengths.

In spite of the difficulties that autism can cause, many people with autism possess unique talents and abilities. Some people may succeed in fields such as music, art, mathematics, or programming, thus it is important for society to acknowledge and honor the qualities and achievements of people with autism.

In summary, autism is a complicated and diverse disorder that affects individuals in various ways. By raising autism knowledge, understanding, and acceptance, we can build a more inclusive society in which people with autism can thrive and attain their full potential.

Dr. Yeibake, Weriwoyingipre Silver.
Senior Registrar,
Faculty Of Pediatrics,
WACP