Frailty Leads to a Shorter Painful Life? [Surprising FIX]
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 20, 2024
Aging sure isn’t for sissies. You have to be tough as nails to manage it gracefully.
Everything gets a bit more challenging. Whether it’s diet, exercise, or reducing specific risk factors, you often have to work harder to get the same results.
Eventually, all the so-called “diseases of aging” start nipping at your heels, from diabetes to heart disease.
But one of the worst obstacles you can face is frailty… becoming weak and delicate despite your best efforts to avoid it.
However, research reveals that some age-old advice could be a valuable tool for staying strong and healthy well into your golden years.
And did I mention it’s TASTY too?…
You know that saying about eating an apple a day, right?
Well, it turns out following the wisdom in that old chestnut may not just help you steer clear of the doctor’s office…
A daily dose of apples could help you fight back against frailty if you’re a senior.
Let’s face it. We don’t talk about frailty nearly enough. It can rob you of your independence and destroy your quality of life.
When it develops, even minor tasks often become monumental. Eventually, you may even need help with everyday things like buttoning your shirt, eating, and getting around your home.
Even worse, frailty puts you at a higher risk for…
- falls
- broken bones
- disability
- hospitalizations
- premature death
In other words, it’s a recipe for a shorter, more painful life.
Seniors are typically told to stay active, maintain muscle mass, work on balance, and eat enough protein to avoid the condition. And I absolutely agree.
ALL of those steps ARE vital for healthy aging and reducing frailty risk. But there’s something critical missing from this list… flavonols.
Flavonols are phytochemicals with a variety of health benefits. They’re found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. And research reveals these compounds could send your frailty risk PLUMMETING.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that getting 10 milligrams or more of flavonols daily is associated with a 20 percent drop in frailty risk.
Quercetin was the nutrient MOST strongly linked with that risk reduction. And it just so happens that apples are LOADED with around 4.4 mg of quercetin alone.
You can load up on various frailty-fighting flavonols by eating more apples, leafy green vegetables, onions, broccoli, and berries. To boost quercetin eat more citrus fruits, onions, parsley, sage, tea, and (occasionally) red wine.
And, of course, supplements are available as well.
P.S. Apples and other flavanol-rich foods are tools for your anti-frailty kit. But a multiprong approach is the BEST way to stay strong and independent. Combat frailty and muscle loss with this “band exercise.”
Source:
Oei S, et al., Higher intake of dietary flavonols, specifically dietary quercetin, is associated with lower odds of frailty onset over 12 years of follow-up among adults in the Framingham Heart Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 23 Jul;118(1):27-33. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.04.013. Epub 23 Apr 13. PMID: 37061164; PMCID: PMC10447475.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...
Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?
We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...