Have you been taking care of your heart? February is Heart Health Month, a time for us to learn more about preventing and managing heart disease. Working as a clinical dietitian, I see many patients come into the hospital with heart disease and congestive heart failure (CHF). My most recent article in Anton Newspapers addresses a few key nutritional factors to helping manage heart disease and CHF. Below is a short excerpt from the article:
Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States? That’s why February has been deemed Heart Health Month, providing an opportunity for us to spread awareness about strategies to prevent and manage heart disease. Making heart-healthy choices and booking regular check-ups with your physician can help save you from this silent killer.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart’s function as a pump is inadequate to meet the body’s needs. Diagnosis of CHF is made on a careful examination from your doctor. Diet and lifestyle modifications are a very important part of the CHF treatment plan. These healthy eating strategies are even useful for those looking to avoid heart disease and improve their overall cardiac health.
Limit Sodium To 1,500-2,000 Milligrams Daily
Cutting down on sodium is one of the most important parts of heart failure nutrition therapy. Sodium is found in large amounts in processed and prepared foods. If you are eating three meals per day, limit your sodium intake to 500 milligrams per meal and try to snack on low-sodium items throughout the day. Aim for no more than 1,500-2,000 milligrams of sodium per day.
Experiment With Salt-Free Seasonings
Get that salt-shaker off of the dinner table and opt for some salt-free/low-sodium seasoning options. Mrs. Dash or Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute are popular salt-free alternatives. Get creative with fresh spices and herbs for a flavorful boost to your meal. If you are buying a seasoning with salt, make sure that salt is one of the last ingredients on the list because ingredients are listed in order of quantity...
Read the full article here:
Xoxo,
Stef