5 Foods You Shouldn’t Eat If You Are Post 50 (07/26/2013) | Health Library

As we age, you’ll find your circle of friends to be ever changing, and the people who were once your best friends may no longer qualify to hold that job title. As with friends, foods can hold the same significance, and the items that cause interrupted sleep, clogged arteries and an increase in blood pressure are no longer welcome in your inner circle.

The following five foods are a mid-lifers worst nightmare and experts advise you to stay clear of them.

Salt could have a negative impact on your body and increase your blood pressure. The white stuff can cause your body to keep excess water, and that extra bodily fluid could contribute to a rise in your blood pressure levels. As your blood pressure soars, you’ll find that your kidneys, heart, brain and arteries have to work harder. This could pose a significant strain on these important organs. High blood pressure could also lead to a host of problems such as kidney disease, heart attacks and strokes. An increased salt intake could further your problems by wreaking havoc with some blood pressure medications that include diuretics and cause them to not work as efficiently as they should.

2. Just Say” No” (to Bacon)

Approximately one in three adults across the nation can suffer from some form of joint related problems such as arthritis and specific foods can aggravate these issues. Studies have shown that COX-2 enzymes are more active and can cause a flare up when you consume foods that are higher in omge-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. Foods high up on that list you want to avoid include bacon, meats, egg yolks and margarine.

3. One More Glass of Wine

Wine enthusiasts can verbally site the findings that wine in moderation may hold significant benefits for the heart. However, most individuals need to revisit what the word moderation actually means. Per the National Institute of Health, having between two to seven alcoholic beverages a week is light to moderate usage. Anything heavier than that can damage your liver and heart, with heart disease leading the pack in deaths among individuals who abuse alcohol.

4. The Two Faces of Sugar

In order to lose weight, most individuals find that they need to get rid of any sugar in their diet. However, there’s another evil side to sugar. Studies have shown that consuming too many delectable sweet treats can contribute to the aging process in numerous ways. Sugar in the form of candy, cookies, cake or ice cream is converted into glucose, which has been linked to diabetes. On its own, diabetes can be extremely dangerous. However, it could lead to further health complications such as heart disease and kidney and nerve damage. Those who suffer from diabetes can also experience issues related to their mouth, skin and bones that make them feel years beyond their actual age.

It’s recommended that individuals limit their consumption of sugar laden beverages to aid in the prevention of diabetes. A regular 12-ounce can of soda contains approximately 150 calories and at least 10 teaspoons of sugar. Sports drinks and energy beverages can be equally sweet, so you need to read the labels before purchasing the product.