The Dos and Donts of 'DIET' in Heart Disease

Diet and Heart Disease :-
Since we are different races, belonging to different countries of the world, different states and regions, our food habits and choices are bound to be different.
All can't fit into a common eating pattern and type of food. Similarly the food requirements change with age too. That means the diet may have general dos and don'ts but it needs to be individualized.

General points to keep in mind as a heart patient :-

• Diet less in salt (especially for patients of hypertension i.e. increased BP, and systolic heart dysfunction with low heart functions.
• Diet less in Fried food. It applies to all in general not only the heart patients. Frying converts the healthy oils into trans fatty acids which increase the risk of heart disease by 42 times.
• Diet less in carbohydrates and fats are meant in patients who are overweight or obese.
• Diet rich in fibre. It gives satiety and helps fight constipation.
• Diet rich in antioxidants. They are mainly the essential and rare vitamins and minerals which you get in selected foods. They together with omega 3 fatty acids help in healing of the arteries.

The individualised Diet however is more beneficial because restrictions to heart patients should come with some liberties too. And a consideration of age, caste, community, area, available resources, nature of job and above all taste should be taken into consideration.