No salt after a heart attack might be a bit overboard because the body does need some salt to function. Though, a very low salt diet is appropriate. "AgingWell" magazine reports that 69 percent of people who have had a heart attack also have high blood pressure. High blood pressure contributes to the risk of having another heart attack, making it critical to improve blood pressure to healthier levels. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommend salt intake to be less than 1,500 mg per day for people over the age of 51 as well as for people with high blood pressure. Following a heart attack, a low sodium diet is recommended.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are ideal for a low-salt diet in order to reduce the risk for another heart attack. Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium. However, canned vegetables such as corn or beans can tend to have substantial amount of sodium per serving. Rinsing the excess salt off of the vegetables in a colander will help to reduce the salt. Frozen fruits and vegetables tend to have small amounts of sodium and are a healthy choice following fresh fruits and vegetables.
Whole Grains
Whole grains should be put on your list of foods to eat after a heart attack. Whole grains are usually low in sodium and high in fiber. Whole grains consist of whole wheat bread, whole wheat pastas, oats, oatmeal, quinoa, buckwheat, kamut and spelt. By choosing whole grains rather than refined foods which are high in salt and sugar, you are decreasing sodium significantly.
Limit Processed Foods
Processed foods significantly contribute to the salt in the American diet. Foods that are cured or salted such as bacon, salami, ham, beef jerky, sausage and bologna should be limited in the diet or eaten infrequently. Frozen dinners, canned soups and boxed soups may contain the amount of sodium needed for an entire day in one serving. Instead, choose low sodium versions if convenience foods must be chosen.
Read Food Labels
Reading food labels is recommended in order to help reduce the salt in the diet. This is very important to get a handle on the amount of sodium in foods you eat. The amount of sodium per serving and the number of servings you consume are the primary factors to monitor that will assist with keeping your sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg per day.
