Eat Right And Stay Hydrated Says Reliv

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. April 20, 2010 - This May is Older Americans Month, and Relìv International is offering tips to help seniors achieve optimal health.

According to Dr. Carl Hastings, chief scientific officer of Relìv International, a nutrition and direct selling company, proper nutrition and supplementation are more important than ever for the 65 and older demographic, which is growing rapidly across the United States. In fact, the Administration on Aging anticipates that by the year 2030 there will be approximately 72.1 million people over the age of 65 living in the United States.

Hastings encourages seniors to take the following steps in order to look and feel their best:

• Get your B vitamins: Changes in the digestive system, including the generation of less stomach acid and saliva, negatively affect the absorption of key nutrients, such as the B vitamins. In order to maintain adequate levels of the B vitamins, seniors should increase their consumption of whole grains like oats, barley and wheat bran, or use nutritional supplements.

• Up your intake of calcium and vitamin D: Aging bodies develop weak bones, but the combination of calcium and vitamin D can combat this effect. Therefore, vitamin D-fortified, calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat milk and yogurt, should be included as part of a well-balanced diet.

• Eat more fiber-rich foods: Constipation, an unpleasant side effect of aging, can easily be alleviated with a steady dose of fiber. One easy way to up your fiber intake is to incorporate fruits and vegetables – especially in their raw state – to every meal or snack.

• Choose "good" fats: While a low-fat diet is best for heart health, certain fats play a proactive role in removing cholesterol from the body. Olive oil, nuts and seeds, and avocados are all healthy sources of unsaturated fats and should be eaten in moderation. High-fat foods, such as cheese, butter and most meats, should be avoided.

•  Stay hydrated: Water helps flush toxins from the body and keeps joints supple, so it is a necessary component of any healthy-aging routine. In addition to drinking copious amounts of water, seniors should focus on foods with high-water content, such as melons, grapes, cucumbers and apples.

"As our bodies age we have unique needs that can be addressed with proper nutrition," noted Hastings. "Although certain ailments are associated with aging, they often can be avoided or even reversed by a lifestyle rich in healthy, whole foods, exercise and dietary supplementation."

Through distributors, Relìv International offers essential daily nutrition and weight-loss products, along with items focused on heart health, joint health, digestive health and blood-sugar management.

"Before making any changes to their diet or vitamin regimen, older individuals should consult with a doctor or health professional," added Hastings. "And, it is important to point out that lifestyle changes should occur gradually. Adjusting to a new diet takes time."

For more information about Relìv International, visit www.reliv.com.

About Relìv International
Since its founding in 1988 by Robert and Sandy Montgomery, Relìv International has dedicated itself to making complex nutrition simple. From Relìv’s state-of-the-art manufacturing and research facilities, to its one-of-a-kind global Success System and exceptional compensation structure, Relìv is committed to improving lives and lifestyles around the world. Today, approximately 68,000 distributors in 15 countries bring health and hope to thousands of families across four continents. At the heart of it all is Relìv’s mission to "nourish our world." Through Relìv products, opportunity and the charitable Relìv Kalogris Foundation, Relìv makes a difference in people’s lives.