Posts Tagged ‘Whole Grains’

Heart Patient Diet Plan-How the Cardic Diet Can Help

Monday, October 24th, 2011

Most individuals with heart problems who want to get well know that following a heart patient diet plan is going to be crucial to their health.

There are many diets to consider, one of which is called the “Cardic” diet. Following the diet appears to be quite simple and seems to make a difference in people’s heart health.

Have a try with it and test how it helps improve your heart health!

To Your Heart’s Health,
Monique

Cardiac Diet
By Fiona Dewitt

Cardiac diets are extensively used and prescribed in most hospitals for patients with heart disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, hyperlipidemia, and dyslipidemia. A cardiac diet may be used as a part of a health regimen to either treat or prevent cardiovascular disease. It will typicallyconsist of foods that are classified as healthy because of their overwhelming nutritional advantages.

A cardiac diet will basically aim to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fibre while lowering the consumption of fats and sodium which have both been prominently associated with the development of heart disease. This health plan is often adjusted in the long-term based on the goals of the diet or the patient’s diagnosis. After a patient has been treated using this diet recommendation he or she will normally be referred to a dietician who will help him or her to maintain this diet.

Generally a cardiac or “heart healthy” diet as it has been called may be administered with the objective of restricting the intake of fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sometimes caffeine. In most instances, it will follow the guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program which has issued the following recommendations:

Fiber 20-30 grams per day.

Trans fat “kept at a low intake.”

Carbohydrates 50-60% of daily calories.

Total fat 25-35% of daily calories.

Saturated fat less than 7% of daily calories.

Monounsaturated fats up to 20% of daily calories.

Polyunsaturated fats up to 10% of daily calories.

Cholesterol less than 200 milligrams per day.

Dietary fats, especially saturated and trans fats, may actually contribute to elevating an individual’s overall cholesterol levels, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and triglycerides which can encourage the development and accumulation of plaque within the blood vessel walls. This build-up of plaque will ultimately lead to a decrease in the size of the blood vessel lumen. Saturated fats are predominantly found in animal products. This kind of fat has been linked to an increase of low-density lipoprotein levels (LDL), which are strongly associated with a heightened risk of heart disease. Unsaturated fats differ from saturated fats because they have double bonds. They can be substituted in place of saturated fats and are preferred because they help lessen the LDL levels. Cardiac diets are also low sodium diets. Sodium has been found to increase blood pressure, and has an additional negative effect on the diuretic properties of certain medications. Sodium is generally restricted to 2,000-4,000 mg per day, in relation to the patients diagnosis and medical regimen. Many cardiac diets do not only restrict sodium and fats but also caffeine. This is enacted because caffeine is a stimulant and may affect the deteriorated condition of the heart.

Basically a cardiac diet considers both the advantages of restricting certain types of foods as well as improving the consumption of healthy foods and nutrients.

Please visit this link for more information on http://www.cardiacdiet.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fiona_Dewitt

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Heart Disease Diet Plan-12 Smart Eating Habits for a Strong Heart

Sunday, June 26th, 2011
A diet rich in soy and whey protein, found in ...

Image via Wikipedia

It is unfortunate that in the United States today, more and more people are developing hypertension, having strokes and heart attacks, developing coronary disease, and many other illnesses. Much is due to popular errors regarding diet.

For those with heart problems and are looking for a heart disease diet plan that is easy to follow, these 12 healthy eating habits will not only develop a strong heart, but will also help you avoid many other illnesses.

Tip #1: Have your diet consist largely of fruits and vegetables prepared in a natural way that is tasty.

Tip#2:  To help prevent heart failure and obesity, use more whole grains such as 100% whole wheat break, rye bread, quinoa, oatmeal, etc.  Limit food prepared from refined white four such or bolted cornmeal.

Tip #3: Mix up your diet. Vary your diet in each meal, but don’t eat too many variations in one meal. Work on keeping your meals simple.

Tip #4: Eat sparingly of rich foods, keep your sugar intake to 3 teaspoons or less daily, salt to a half-tea spoon, and oil to 2 tablespoons. Avoid foods such as spices, greases, fried foods, baking powder and soda, and vinegar. If you like fruit juice and other concentrated foods, eat them in very small quantities.

Tip #5: Another good heart disease prevention and diet tip is to eat at the same mealtime daily and at least 5 hours apart. Your digestive functions work much more efficiently when you eat on a regular schedule.

Tip #6: Always eat a big breakfast and make it the biggest meal of your day. If you eat supper, keep it light (e.g. fruit and whole grains), and finish eating 2-3 hours before you retire for the night.

Tip #7: Don’t ever overeat.  In the United States, many of us do overeat and develop obesity and other heart problems. Eat all you need to maintain your health and enjoy your food, but don’t overdo it. Too much food dulls and depresses the mind, causes disease and fatigue, and will shorten your life overall.

Tip #8: Eat your food slowly. When you do this, you will increase your enjoyment and get more nutritional benefits from your food.

Tip #9: Drink plenty of water. However, do not drink with your meals or immediately before or after them.

Tip #10: Fast occasionally by skipping one to four meals. Fasting teaches you self-control and can be a good remedy for those who are too sedentary.

Tip#11: Do not eat between meals. This slows the digestion process and allows the food to ferment.

Tip #12: Try eating two meals a day. This can be good for those who are not only working on increasing their heart’s health, but who also need to eat fewer calories to lose weight. It is also good for those who are not very active.

These 12 heart healthy smart eating tips are simple enough for anyone to follow who is looking for an effective heart disease diet plan. What we eat and drink today will affect us in the future. So, by heeding these instructions, more than likely you can live a longer and healthier life!

 

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Congestive Heart Disease-Don’t Wait to Start a Prevention Plan

Sunday, May 1st, 2011

While a heart attack is caused by insufficient flow of oxygenated blood to the heart which causes damage to the heart muscle, heart failure results in inadequate blood flow to the body. The heart has been under so much stress from high blood pressure or other factors that it begins to enlarge and weaken.

Eventually, the flow of blood is so insufficient that symptoms of heart failure develop. These include swelling from fluid buildup in the extremities, fatigue and shortness of breath. It can take years for congestive heart failure to develop, and it isn’t until it is critical that many people begin to notice.

The key is not to wait until this silent disease creeps up on you. There is no known cure for congestive heart disease. Therefore, the time to start thinking about it and prevention is while you are still young and healthy. Two of the main contributing factors for congestive heart failure are stresses placed on the heart by hypertension and atherosclerosis. Keeping this in mind, developing and following a heart healthy lifestyle plan can go a long way in helping you prevent this deadly disease.

High blood pressure is not fully understood, and some studies show that women don’t respond to medications as well as men. Lifestyle factors can help lower high blood pressure and can even help people avoid medication. If you smoke, quit. Smoking constricts the arteries and increases high blood pressure. It is also believed to be a contributing factor to hardening of the arteries.

Most successful heart healthy plans focus on the positive rather than on restricted items. Set your mind to eating healthy foods. Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits add an abundance of nutrients, fiber and artery protecting antioxidants to the diet. Lean meat and coldwater fish are good protein sources, but some of the healthiest cardiovascular systems belong to vegetarians! Whole grains, spices and herbs round out the diet. These same food help normalize blood pressure and prevent atherosclerosis, helping you prevent the occurrence of congestive heart disease.

An often-neglected area of concern is today’s overstressed lifestyle. This busy, noisy world, full of tasks to accomplish and environmental pollution takes its toll on our health and your cardiovascular system. There is considerably less debate in the medical profession today than there used to be about the benefits of being able to handle stress, both mental and physical. Try quiet meditation, contemplative walks, or yoga to distress yourself. Significant drops in blood pressure are seen when these activities become part of an everyday routine.

Do not forget exercise. Although there are hundreds of good exercise plans and plenty of advice regarding which routine is the most beneficial, studies have shown that any exercise is vastly better for your heart than no exercise. Find something you enjoy and can stick to and make it a part of your daily routine. If you enjoy yoga, try some of the more strenuous workouts. Jogging, walking, swimming and bicycling are all great ways to enjoyably exercise.

Yes, congestive heart disease is growing problem, but it does not have to be your problem. Do all you can today to make sure you heart stays healthy!

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371

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Heart Patient Diet-Mediterranean Diet Improves Heart Function

Monday, October 4th, 2010
Mediterranean diet (close up)
Image by grobery via Flickr

What we have been hearing for years is the focus of a study recently released. A Mediterranean-style diet can be good for the heart, especially those who need a special heart patient diet. This research used twins who share identical genes to determine the effects of eating a Mediterranean diet as opposed to a typical Western-style diet. Because twins share the same genetic information, making them equally susceptible genetically to heart disease and other illnesses, they are a favorite of researches attempting to determine the effects of environmental factors like diet.

The researchers looked at just one indication of heart health, the heart rate variability (HRV). This is a measure of the interval between heartbeats; a reduced heart rate variability is a risk for coronary artery disease that may lead to sudden death. Put in layman’s terms, what they found was the Mediterranean diet improved the nervous system’s control of heart rate.

Eating a Mediterranean diet does not mean the typical American style Italian meal, pasta with heavy sauces, pizza, or high-fat lasagna. What it does mean is a diet rich in low saturated fats such as monounsaturated olive oil and an abundance of heart healthy foods like legumes, nuts, whole grains, fish, fruits, vegetables and moderate alcohol consumption. Finding authentic cookbooks that have recipes from Spain, Italy, Greece, and the Middle East can help determine what are really the foods most commonly eaten in this area. Exciting spices add rich flavors to relatively simple meals featuring a wide variety of vegetables, grains, fish and lean meats.

Many studies have shown a correlation between a Mediterranean diet and improved cardiovascular health. Olive oil is believed to lower LDL, bad cholesterol, levels in the blood while leaving HDL, good cholesterol, levels intact. Other studies have looked at the relationship between drinking red wine and heart health. All indicate that a diet high in
vegetables, fruits, fish, and olive oil have benefits to arteries, capillaries, the heart, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, lowering the risk for heart attacks and stroke.

This study was very specific, looking only at the difference in the HRV between the pairs of twins who participated. Almost all of the participants were white males and the researchers say that the results cannot be generalized to include women and other ethnic groups. Their purpose was to seek the exact biological mechanism by which diet effects heart health in an attempt to better understand the relationship between diet and cardiovascular health.

Overall, for those with heat problems who need a special heart patient diet, the Mediterranean diet is a great one to consider!

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com

Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newsletter!

P.S. For more information about Vita Che, the natural Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit this online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com

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Heart Disease Diet-I Just Found Out Why Fiber Is Good For Your Heart

Sunday, September 12th, 2010

Most people know that fiber has many healthful benefits for the body.  I just found out how fiber is also important component for a heart disease diet. Although research scientists and health experts are still unsure of the benefits of fiber for preventing colon cancer, one thing is certain; fiber is good for the heart. Knowing types of fiber and their benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease will help you make choices in your diet that can slow down or prevent arthrosclerosis, lower LDL cholesterol in the blood, and block absorption of fats from foods.

High fiber foods include vegetables, beans, fruits, and whole grains. White flour and white rice during processing have had the germ, bran, and endosperm removed. Along with heart healthy fibers, this process also removes many of the beneficial vitamins. Enriching white flour with synthetic, single-component vitamins simply isn’t the same thing as getting the whole food as it was meant to be, rich in nutrients and heart healthy fiber.

There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Each has its own benefits for the cardiovascular system. Soluble fiber has been scientifically studied and proven to reduce blood serum cholesterol levels, especially LDL or bad cholesterol. Soluble fiber dissolves in water making a gel-like substance. It is found in apples, baked potatoes with the skin, oats, and kidney beans, but not in wheat bran that is loaded with insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber passes through the digestive tract virtually untouched. Its benefit to the heart is that it makes people feel full and may reduce the calories consumed during a meal, keeping off those extra pounds that stress the heart.

Studies have found that people with high fiber diets actually have more fat in their stools, suggesting that it blocks the absorption of fat into the body. It has also been found that certain proteins indicative of risk of heart attack and stroke are lowered in people with high fiber diets.

Be smart when choosing foods, don’t depend on the name of the food. Oat bran muffins may really contain very little fiber- read the nutrition labels to find out the truth about the food you are eating. The American Heart Association recommends that daily fiber intake average about 25 grams per day. Eating a diet high in whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables should assure that your heart gets the fiber it needs.

If you have been eating a diet of low-fiber foods, don’t increase to the full fiber recommendation abruptly. This can cause some digestive reactions such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. Take it slow increasing fiber over a two or three week period. A good place to start it with that proverbial apple a day!

To Your Heart’s Health

Monique Hawkins

540-858-2885

mentormonique@gmail.com

Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newsletter! P.S. For more information about Vita Che, the natural Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit this online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com

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Heart Disease and Women-5 Tips to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

Broccoli Macro
Image by Johan J.Ingles-Le Nobel via Flickr
In the United States and other western countries, heart disease is increasing. With heart disease comes the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues. High blood pressure can also lead to heart problems down the road. Here are the top 5 ways to lower your blood pressure naturally whether you are a woman or a man.

Tip #1: Limit salt to 1,000 mg a day. Avoid foods with high sodium content such as canned soups, cereals, cheese, deli meats, etc. In other words, become an expert label reader,

Tip #2: Get 4.7 mg of potassium a day. Research has shown only 10% of men and 1% of women get adequate amounts. Potassium helps the kidneys in excreting sodium. Include in your diet tomatoes, baked potatoes with skin, and bananas,

Tip #3: Get 1,200 mg of calcium a day. This vitamin helps lower blood pressure. Low or non-fat yogurt, broccoli, etc. are good food sources for calcium.

Tip #4: Eat whole grains every day. In a recent study in which with more than 60,000 participants were studied from a 10-18 year period, those who included whole grains in their diet instead of refined carbohydrates significantly lowered their high blood pressure risk.

Tip #5: Reduce sugar intake. Eat no more than 6 teaspoons a day (i.e. 100 calories). High sugar levels can raise your blood pressure and triglycerides. In addition, too much sugar can increase your risk of obesity. Many people get much more than they need and the primary culprit is soft drinks.

These are easy things you can do every day to lower your blood pressure naturally and be heart healthy!

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newsletter!

P.S. For more information about Vita Che, what I call the Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit this online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com

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Women’s Heart Problems-7 Steps To Lower Your Cholesterol

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

Women’s heart problems is a concern for many women as well as men. Due to the lifestyle and diet of the western culture, heart diease and other health concerns continue to be a problem in our country.

One of the culprits of develolping heart disease is high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a fatty and waxy substance that is produced by the liver. Too much of saturated fats in your diet may contribute to high blood cholesterol. Most saturated fats come from animal products such as butter, cheese, chocolate, whole milk, pies, pastries, cakes, hot chips, potatoes and hash browns.

In some individuals, high cholesterol levels can be due to a genetic disorder. Too much cholesterol in your blood will start building up in the artery walls, causing narrowing of the arteries. This increases your risk of developing heart or brain attack(stroke).

Whatever the cause of your high levels of cholesterol is, it is very important that you make efforts to lower your cholesterol levels by changing your lifestyle:

1.Follow a heart healthy dietary pattern.

2.Lose some weight if you are overweight.

3.Be active by doing moderate physical exercises for at least 30 minutes daily.

4.Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

5.Avoid foods prepared with butter, hydrogenated oil, coconut or palm oil.

6.Avoid white meat fats, chicken skin or processed meats and chicken.

7.Have more servings of dried peas, beans, soy products, oats, whole grains and high-fibre cereals.

If your cholesterol level is too high, your doctor may put you on medication for a short time or for life. If that is the case, you should have your cholesterol levels checked every three months until it is controlled and then every six months.

In normal circumstances, cholesterol is very important as it helps our bodies to function properly. Cholesterol and other fats are also called lipids and each of these has a different function:

1.The High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL)often called the “good” cholesterol because it helps to remove cholesterol from the artery walls, thereby reducing your risk of heart disease.

2.The Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL) is often called “bad” cholesterol because it deposits cholesterol into the artery wall, increasing your risk of heart disease or heart attack.

3.The Triglycerides are the most common form of fat in the body. They act as energy storage tanks of the body. High levels of triglycerides cause many diseases in the body, including heart disease and stroke.

To know your lipid profile, visit you doctor and he or she will perform a fasting blood test. An ideal profiles should is:

Total cholesterol(TC) less than 4mmol/L
LDL cholesterol less than 2.5 mmol/L
HDL cholesterol greater than 1mmol/L
TC/HDL ratio less than 4.5
Triglycerides less than 1.7 mmol/L

Therefore, it is important to change your life style to remain healthy and live longer. Develop good eating habits, keep fit and enjoy life.

Women’s heart problems does not have to be your problem! Take the necessary steps and make those lifestyle and diet changes now so you will have a healthy heart!

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newletter!

P.S. Vita Che is the ultimate Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit http://699456.shopvitamark.com

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