The act of dining solo impacts your health.

Overview

Regular readers of this newsletter are well-informed about the connection between proper nutrition and health. Numerous studies have highlighted the significant influence of healthy eating on overall well-being and lifespan.

However, have you ever thought about how your mealtime companions, or lack thereof, could impact you?

A recent study published in the journal Menopause by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) reveals a correlation between dining alone and cardiovascular disease in older women.¹

Let's delve into this study that elucidates precisely why...

Utilizing data from the 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers investigated the connection between cardiovascular disease risk and solitary eating.²

Building on their previous findings that highlighted the adverse effects of eating alone, the researchers focused on a group of almost 600 menopausal women aged over 65. They compared the health behaviors and nutritional status of women who dined alone versus those who regularly shared meals with others.

What Were the Research Findings?

As anticipated, the study revealed that women who ate alone tended to have more unhealthy eating habits. Additionally, they were over twice as likely to suffer from angina, a form of chest discomfort that can indicate coronary artery disease.

Dr. Stephanie Faubion from the North American Menopause Society provided insights into the results, pointing out that this demographic is often widowed, has lower incomes, and generally follows a poor diet.

Understanding Cardiovascular Disease in Elderly Women

Unfortunately, the risk of heart disease rises with age for both men and women, especially for individuals over 65, as stated by the National Institute on Aging.³

Nevertheless, women have additional factors contributing to their heightened risk of heart disease. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the decline in estrogen levels post-menopause may play a role in their increased susceptibility.⁴

Estrogen offers various benefits for heart health. It not only lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and raises HDL (good) cholesterol levels but also relaxes blood vessels, enhancing blood flow, and acts as an antioxidant.

While older women may face a higher risk of heart disease, these findings underscore a broader issue that affects both genders...

The Health Impact of Solitude

Past research has highlighted the negative effects of eating alone on both mental and physical health, emphasizing the broader issue of loneliness, particularly among older individuals.⁵

Social isolation and living alone pose greater health risks than feeling lonely. Studies indicate that they increase the risk of mortality by 29% and 32%, respectively.

Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a researcher from Brigham Young University and a study author, stresses the importance of addressing this issue for overall health. She suggests that it should be treated as a public health concern.

Evidence shows that strong social connections can enhance health in various ways, such as aiding stress management, boosting immune system function, and providing a sense of purpose.

What's the Solution?

While there may not be a definitive solution to combat isolation and loneliness, this research underscores the significance of prioritizing nutrition for solo diners; no more eating cold leftovers standing over the sink!

If you live alone, consider scheduling more meal gatherings with friends. Likewise, if you know individuals who are alone, extend an invitation for a casual meal. Everyone involved will benefit from these interactions.

1. https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Abstract/9000/Association_between_eating_alone_and.96876.aspx
2. http://ghdx.healthdata.org/record/south-korea-national-health-and-nutrition-examination-survey-2016
3. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/heart-health-and-aging#changes
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16979-estrogen--hormones
5. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1745691614568352