Is porridge gentle on the body? Points to be aware of regarding porridge as a meal for the elderly and potential nutritional deficiencies.

"I wonder if porridge is easier to eat than rice?" — For people whose chewing and swallowing abilities have weakened, porridge is one of the easier foods to eat. However, there are some points to keep in mind when switching to porridge.

Porridge has a low energy content.

Because porridge has a high water content, 150g of porridge contains less energy (approximately 98kcal) compared to 150g of regular rice (approximately 234kcal). While this makes it easier to eat, it can also lead to weight loss.

Adding a little extra to your porridge is recommended.

Adding eggs, mixing in salmon flakes, adding minced chicken, or topping with whitebait are good ways to incorporate protein into the meal. Adding a dessert on days when your child eats porridge is also a good idea.

If you notice changes such as weight loss or increased fatigue after switching to a porridge diet, you should consult your doctor or a registered dietitian.

*Reference: Based on the content of a webinar by Kiyoyo Ito of Naito Clinic, Seijitsukai Medical Corporation, and the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan (8th Edition).