Seniors' Health: How Diet Impacts Medication Use

You might be surprised to learn that what you eat can actually affect how many pills you take. A study from Loma Linda University observed 328 seniors aged 60 and above. They found that those who followed a vegan diet took about half as many medicines as those who didn't. This isn't just a small difference; it's a whopping 58% reduction! Even when considering other factors like age, weight, and health conditions, the vegan diet came out on top. So, if you're a senior thinking about your health, maybe it's time to consider what's on your plate. The study also found that as people get older or their weight goes up, they tend to take more pills. This isn't shocking, as older adults often have more health issues. What's interesting is that a healthy diet can make a big difference in keeping medication use down. It's like a natural defense against needing too many prescriptions.Researchers used a method called negative binomial regression to analyze the data. This helped them see the patterns and associations more clearly. They discovered that body mass index (BMI) had a strong positive link with the number of pills taken. So, not only does a plant-based diet help, but maintaining a healthy weight does too. This study is a wake-up call to seniors to think about their eating habits. It shows that making healthier choices can significantly reduce the need for multiple medications. It's a simple yet powerful message: what you eat matters.