Why the elderly should not eat ice cream: the opinion of a gastroenterologist

Cold foods are less well absorbed by the body, as they make the digestive system work with increased stress. In old age, this translates into an exacerbation of any gastroenterological pathology. Therefore, for people over 60 with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (especially gallstone disease and chronic pancreatitis), ice cream is directly contraindicated.

This was told by a gastroenterologist from the Russian Gerontological Scientific and Clinical Center of the Russian National Medical Research University. NI Pirogova, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Antonina Masharova.

According to the doctor, the use of a large amount of ice cream can also provoke the onset of diseases of the cardiovascular system or aggravate the course of existing heart pathologies in older men and women. Indeed, the composition of the refreshing treat loved by many includes a large amount of saturated fats that are harmful to the heart muscle. Inexpensive ice cream, often chosen by pensioners, often additionally uses milk fat substitutes.

In addition, ice cream contains a lot of sugar, which causes internal micro-inflammation – the nervous system and brain of older people are very sensitive to “fast” carbohydrates. Professor Masharova referred to modern research which proves that excessive sugar consumption impairs memory and affects reaction and perception speed in people of retirement age.

In addition, the consumption of foods high in sugars and fats leads to weight gain, changes in the intestinal microbiota and disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, which in turn negatively affects the functioning of the immune system – and this is particularly evident in the elderly.

As the doctor noted, sometimes you can please Grandma and Grandpa with a small serving of ice cream on a hot summer day – but only sometimes and only a little! For their own good.