Heart Healthy Eating after Heart Attack or Stroke

Many seniors or people in general who have had a heart attack or stroke go back to the same eating habits after they get out of the hospital. They do not believe that they are at risk for having another heart attack or stroke. However, their risk has actually increased substantially. People who have already experienced one cardiovascular or cerebrovascular event have to watch what they eat to avoid a recurrence. We at Carefect Home Care Services believe that taking into consideration the helpful tips discussed in this article will help you avoid another heart attack or stroke.

Salt

Salt has been proven to raise blood pressure, cholesterol, and contribute to heart disease. Reducing the salt in your diet or avoiding it entirely will substantially reduce your risk for heart attacks and strokes. There are other heart healthy spices such as potassium chloride, Mrs. Dash, and Morton Salt Substitute that tastes almost identical to regular table salt but will not put you in danger of having another heart attack or stroke.

Vegetables

Your mother always told you to eat your vegetables, but did you know that her advice can decrease the chance of a heart attack or stroke? They are excellent snacks or addition to meals that are low in calories and fat so they will not contribute to infarctions related to obesity. Vegetables also contain substances that prevent cardiovascular events or cardiovascular disease. Adding vegetables into your diet is easy. Always keep vegetables cut and washed in your refrigerator for easy snacks. Pick recipes that have vegetables as the main ingredient, such as vegetable stir-fry. Never drain the liquid out of canned vegetables; most of the nutrients are in the juice. Cook the vegetables in the juice and then use it in a gravy or sauce.

Honey and Cinnamon

Honey and cinnamon have been known to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. In spite of honey having elevated levels of fructose and sucrose, which can lead to diabetes and obesity; it can substantially lower the risk of heart disease. Cinnamon is an inexpensive spice that can help decrease your risk of stroke or heart disease. A small amount of both substances can improve blood flow, reduce LDL cholesterol levels, help lower blood pressure, and improve circulation. Although they have been known to be very beneficial, it is important to remember that only small amounts of each are needed to gain the benefits. Honey has excessive levels of sugars, which if consumed in high quantities, can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Garlic

Garlic has been renowned for centuries for its medicinal assets. It has the power to prevent cardiovascular or cerebrovascular episodes. Garlic inhibits blood clots from forming, lowers blood pressure, and increases antioxidants in the blood stream. It also keeps LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, which means it keeps good cholesterol from going bad.

Water

We all know that water is necessary for good health. But did you know that drinking water might also help reduce the chance of having a heart attack or stroke? Experts say that those who drink more than five glasses of pure water a day have a much lower possibility of having a heart attack than those who drink less than two glasses. The risk factors associated with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events appear to be increased by dehydration. Water can reduce your risk twice as much as exercise or a healthy diet.

Milk

Milk is not only good for healthy teeth and bones, but it can also lessen your chance of having a heart attack or stroke. Studies have shown that drinking a pint of milk a day reduces your risk of heart attack and strokes by up to 20 percent. It can also reduce your chances of developing colon cancer, diabetes, and reduce the risk of formation of blood clots.

Red wine

Red wine, in small amounts, has always been thought of as heart healthy. The alcohol and other certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may prevent heart attacks by increasing levels of “good” cholesterol and also protect against artery damage. Doctors are cautious of telling anyone to start consuming alcohol. That is because excessive amounts of alcohol can have many harmful effects on your body. However, many doctors still agree that some ingredients in red wine appear to help your heart. It is very possible that antioxidants, such as resveratrol or a substance called flavonoid, may have heart-healthy benefits.

Whether you or your aging loved one want to prevent recurring heart attacks or strokes, or want to prevent your first one from occurring, the tips listed above will help keep your heart, brain, and arteries healthy.