After the start of autumn, the weather gradually cools, and people's appetites improve.Northern regions have a longstanding custom of "gaining autumn weight" after the autumn equinox. During summer's intense heat, people often lose their appetite, preferring cold dishes and beverages, leading to weight loss throughout the season. However, northern winters are harsh, with many animals hibernating. Thus, people must stockpile food in autumn, consuming nutrient-rich meals to nourish their bodies and build up reserves.
Another interpretation suggests that summer's heat causes excessive sweating, leaving the body greasy and uncomfortable, which dampens appetite for rich foods. Thus, when autumn arrives, people seek to compensate by indulging in hearty meals—literally "gaining weight" to replenish summer's losses, hence the term "gaining weight for autumn."
From a health perspective, this practice holds some merit, though it's not suitable for everyone. Elderly individuals, in particular, should avoid excessive consumption of rich foods. Overindulging can strain the digestive system and pose health risks.
Why is that? Because the elderly often struggle with poor digestion.
As people age, physiological decline in digestive system functions occurs, leading to a gradual decrease in the secretion of digestive enzymes and a reduction in their activity. The food we consume primarily consists of three major nutrients (fats, carbohydrates, and proteins), 95% of which require digestive enzymes like pancreatic enzymes for proper digestion and absorption.
Furthermore, the liver's ability to secrete bile diminishes with age. Bile plays a crucial role in digestion—while it doesn't directly break down food, without bile, 40% of the fat in our meals cannot be digested. Beyond its well-known function of emulsifying fats, bile also enhances the activity of pancreatic enzymes.
Therefore, if seniors neglect their diet, they are prone to digestive issues. During autumn, when seniors aim to "gain weight for the cold season," they should focus on easily digestible foods like congee and noodles, increase vegetable intake, avoid fried and puffed snacks, reduce or eliminate meat consumption, and moderately include fish and shellfish. Beyond dietary adjustments, addressing the root causes of digestive problems in the elderly is essential.
Today we introduce a digestive enzyme preparation frequently prescribed by physicians—Bite (Compound Azimite Enteric-Coated Tablets).Its formula contains three digestive enzymes: trypsin, amylase, and lipase. These enzymes are released directly in the intestines after ingestion, aiding digestion of the three major nutrients: protein, starch, and fat. The azithromycin component in the formula promotes bile secretion, facilitating better digestion and absorption of fats. Furthermore, the dimethicone in BiTe quickly alleviates feelings of abdominal bloating.Elderly individuals experiencing indigestion can take 1-2 tablets of BiTe based on severity, which quickly alleviates symptoms and brings significant relief!
Therefore, seniors should focus not only on nutritional intake but also on absorption and digestion. Maintain a balanced diet and ensure regular consumption of high-quality protein sources like meat, eggs, dairy, fish, and legumes. Vegetables are also essential.Most importantly, when indigestion occurs, promptly taking BiTe to supplement digestive enzymes and promote bile secretion establishes a reliable and healthy dietary habit!