How To Diet To Reverse Heart Disease

Coronary artery disease, also referred to as heart disease, is the leading cause of death in the U.S for both men and women, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Plaque buildup comprised of cholesterol, fat and other substances can narrow and block coronary arteries leading to your heart, which can cause heart failure, arrhythmia and heart attacks over time. Although primary treatment for this disease requires medication, you will need to adjust your diet to effectively treat and reverse this condition as well. Only you and your physician can outline food allowances. Always consult your physician prior to making changes to your diet.

Step 1

Eat lean meat sources of poultry, prime, choice or select beef and fatty fish. Serving size should be no more than 6 oz. of cooked meat per day. Avoid marbled meats, goose, duck, kidney, liver and fatty cuts of meat.

Step 2

Cook fatty fish varieties such as salmon, herring and tuna at least two times a week. These fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce high cholesterol levels and reverse heart disease.

Step 3

Bake, broil or roast your meats to avoid excess fat intake.

Step 4

Cut your total fat consumption to approximately 25 to 25 percent of your total caloric intake, with only 10 percent coming from saturated fat. Use no more than five to eight tsp of vegetable oil per day instead of solid animal fats.

Step 5

Eat whole grains such as brown rice, oats, barley and wheat, which are high in dietary fiber. The soluble fiber content of these foods helps to reduce overall cholesterol levels.

Step 6

Read the nutrition labels on any purchased foods. Avoid any product that contains partially hydrogenated and hydrogenated oils, which indicate the presence of trans fat -- a processed fat that can raise your bad cholesterol levels while lowering good levels.

Step 7

Exercise regularly -- at least 30 minutes per day -- to maintain your weight and strengthen your heart. You may need to begin an exercise regimen slowly and build up to a consistent program depending on the severity of your disease and any associated complications.

Step 8

Consume fresh vegetables that are either raw or steamed. Do not boil or overcook these items as it will compromise their nutritional content.

Step 9

Use fresh herbs and spices to add flavor to your food instead of salt. Your salt intake shouldn't exceed 1,500 mg a day, although it will vary depending on your specific case.

Step 10

Drink low-fat, nonfat or skim dairy foods, such as milk and cheese. This will effectively cut out high amounts of saturated fats while delivering essential amounts of calcium.

Step 11

Remove yolks from your eggs and cook only with the whites. The majority of the cholesterol resides in the yolk -- about 213 mg. Your total cholesterol intake for the day should not exceed 300 mg.

Step 12

Eliminate sugary foods from your diet altogether. This is particularly important if you have an associated condition, such as diabetes. A high sugar diet can cause weight gain, thereby placing undue stress on your heart. Avoid eating empty calories such as candy, commercially baked goods and foods containing white or enriched flour.

Step 13

Drink water instead of soda, fruit juice and other sugar laden beverages. According to a February 2001 study published in "American Journal of Epidemiology," women who drank a minimum of five glasses of water a day lowered their risk of heart disease by 41 percent and men lowered it by 54 percent compared to those who only consumed two glasses. The target water consumption for heart disease sufferers is no different than healthy individuals and should be about 64 oz. per day.

Tips and Warnings

If you have heart disease in combination with other health conditions, you may need to moderate your intake of certain foods even if they're healthy. Speak with your physician regarding an appropriate portion size.
Never use food to replace your medication.

How To Diet to Reverse Heart Disease