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Our diets change as we age, even if our cravings for salty snacks remain the same. It's tempting to eat an entire bag of potato chips alongside a sandwich, but many chip brands are loaded with sodium, unhealthy oils, and artificial additives. There's no way around it; they are incredibly unhealthy.

Seniors can indulge in chips every so often, but it's wise to steer clear of certain brands to better support their heart health, joint health, and blood pressure while monitoring their salt and fat intake. Here are three chip brands that you need to remove from your pantry and your diet. 

Lay's Classic Potato Chips

Lay's are the quintessential American potato chip. They're salty, crunchy, and offer everything you can want in a chip. Unfortunately, they are also high in sodium and manufactured with refined oils like sunflower or corn oil. Consider that a single serving has over 150g of sodium and nearly 10g of fat. That's not good for the well-being of even the healthiest senior. 

Remember, excessive sodium consumption contributes to high blood pressure and water retention, and refined oils are linked to inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Popcorn is a great alternative to Lay's, as it delivers the crunch you want, and you can add flavoring to your liking.

Doritos

The popularity of Doritos is cross-generational, but they are ultra-processed. They also contain high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavor enhancers like MSG. 

A handful can contain more than 200g of sodium and a laundry list of synthetic ingredients. Seniors who love to eat a bowl of Doritos as they watch TV are making themselves vulnerable to dangerous heart conditions and digestive issues. Furthermore, Doritos may cause dehydration, which is especially dangerous for seniors.

While Doritos offer a line of fun flavors, none are good for you, and all should be removed from your diet. A smart alternative is baked pita chips, which are available in a variety of flavors and are stocked at most grocery stores.

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Pringles

Pringles are actually considered to be potato crisps, and not chips, but that won't prevent them from making this list. Made from dehydrated potato flakes, wheat starch, and an array of additives, this is one chip brand that shouldn't even be offered to seniors. 

Pringles are high in sodium and often fried in vegetable oils that can cause inflammation. Some flavored versions may have artificial coloring and preservatives, which provide no nutritional value whatsoever. If you're a senior with cholesterol issues or joint pain, you should avoid Pringles as they can aggravate both. Try replacing Pringles with Terra Chips, which are made from real vegetables and contain fiber and antioxidants.

Seniors don't have to ditch their favorite snacks; they just have to be more thoughtful about what they put into their bodies. Avoiding ultra-processed chips like Lay's, Doritos, and Pringles is an easy way to support your heart health, reduce inflammation, and protect your energy levels. There are several healthier chip brands on the market, and many have the crunch, crispiness, and flavors that you crave.