The American Heart Association (AHA) encourages good nutrition following a heart attack to control weight, decrease blood pressure and assist the body with faster healing and recovery. Good nutrition refers to following a heart healthy diet, which is a diet low in fat, cholesterol, salt and refined sugars but high in fiber.
Low-Fat and Low-Cholesterol Foods
Following a heart attack, 7 percent or less of your calories should come from saturated fat, 1 percent or less from trans fat and 300 mg or less from cholesterol sources, according to a study published in 2006 in the journal "Circulation." This means that label reading is critical to understand how much fat and cholesterol you are consuming. When trying to reduce fat and cholesterol, use liquid oils rather than solid oils like butter, margarine and shortening; consume non-fat or fat free dairy products and lean meats; and limit fried foods, as well as cakes, cookies, doughnuts and pies.
Low-Sodium Foods
A diet low in sodium will help reduce blood pressure or maintain a healthy blood pressure following a heart attack. Too much sodium in the diet raises blood pressure and causes water retention. To follow a low-sodium diet limit processed meats like bacon, sausage, hot dogs, boxed dinners, frozen dinners and canned soups. Rinsing off canned vegetables and beans before cooking will help limit excess sodium. Additionally, limit the use of salt-based condiments such as table salt, ketchup and soy sauce.
Whole Grains and High-Fiber Foods
Whole-grain and high fiber foods may help stabilize blood sugar, lower cholesterol and promote satiety while delaying hunger. According to Kansas State University, eating three servings of whole grains each day, increasing your cereal fiber intake by 10 grams per day, and eating oat cereals five times or more a week can help reduce heart disease. Whole grains include foods such as oats, barley, oatmeal, whole grain cereals, whole grain breads, dinner rolls and pastas, quinoa, spelt, kamut, and buckwheat.
Fruits and Vegetables
The AHA recommends eating eight or more servings from a variety of fruits and vegetables each day to promote heart health. Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium, low in fat, contain fiber, as well as many important nutrients. It is best to eat them in the most natural, freshest form possible for optimal nutrient benefit. To meet the eight servings a day of fruits and vegetables, try making fruit smoothies and shakes, juicing both fruits and vegetables, and adding vegetables to sauces, stir fry recipes and casserole dishes.
References
- American Heart Association: Heart Attack Recovery FAQ's
- American Heart Association: Fruits and Vegetables
- "Circulation" ; AHA Scientific Statement Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations Revision 2006; Alice H. Lichtenstein, et al.; 2006.
- RD411.com: Heart Healthy Eating
- Kansas State University: Healthful Whole Grains!
