Lower the Risk of Heart Disease by Eating Healthier Foods
Heart disease is a common problem among North Americans. Some common symptoms of heart disease include chest pain or angina. Those with angina experience pressure, burning, aching or discomfort in their chest, arms, shoulders, neck, back or jaw area. Some people mistake heart disease symptoms for heartburn or indigestion.
Poor diet, obesity and smoking are three common causes of heart disease. Most people realize that there is a link between their lifestyle and heart disease, but may not realize that a healthy diet can improve the disease by 81%. Heart disease is progressive, worsening over time. By the time someone reaches old age heart disease will have become a huge health risk. According to research, someone can manage and even reverse heart disease by changing the foods that they eat.
The Natural Way to Improve Heart Disease
Doctors can prescribe medications that are designed to manage heart disease, but some of the medications have unpleasant side effects. Medications that lower cholesterol levels cause muscle related pain in 40% of people. There is also evidence that the medication contributes to diabetes. These potentially harmful drugs continue to be prescribed to people with heart disease, even though the condition is not caused by high cholesterol levels. Medication should not be the only treatment of heart disease; people should also make the appropriate changes in lifestyle and diet. Many people assume that a low fat diet would be the best choice for someone with heart disease, but it may actually worsen the condition.
The Best Way to Improve Heart Disease
According to a study conducted by EPIC, dietary changes can greatly lower the risk of heart attack. A low carbohydrate diet helps to reduce inflammation and blood pressure. Processed foods, desserts that are high in sugar and fried foods should be avoided. People can avoid spikes in their sugar levels by eliminating refined carbohydrates such as rice, bread and pasta from their diet.
Vegetable oils are used in many processed foods. People with heart disease should be careful not to consume too much Omega-6 vegetable oil because excess amounts of oil can harm the vascular system. Those with heart disease should not cook foods in vegetable oil.
Most people do consume enough healthy fat. Omega-3 fat is essential to optimum health and can be found in salmon, tuna, seeds and nuts. Someone can also take Omega-3 supplements to get the amount of healthy fat that they need.
To avoid the oxidation of LDL cholesterol someone should eat plenty of organic vegetables, fruits and berries that are filled with antioxidants. Foods that are rich in antioxidants can improve the health and function of organs including the heart. Colorful foods such as blueberries contain the most antioxidants. Red wine contains antioxidants and there is scientific evidence that shows the consumption of red wine can help prevent heart disease. Red wine also contains resveratrol and flavonoids which may be beneficial to the heart. Red wine should be consumed in moderation. A single glass of red wine with a meal is enough to provide heart related health benefits.
People with heart disease should not smoke cigarettes and should avoid second-hand cigarette smoke. Smoking decreases oxygen levels and increases heart rate. Smoking reduces blood vessel size as well as the blood supply to the heart.
Coronary heart disease kills thousands of people each year. People can avoid health complications by changing their diet. Those who suffer with heart disease need to take the time to read food labels and choose restaurants that offer healthy meals. Smokers should quit the bad habit to avoid further damage to their heart.
