Cardiovascular disease, or CVD, is a common health problem throughout the world. Cardiovascular diseases -- heart attack, stroke, heart failure -- cause about 17.1 million deaths every year, notes the World Health Organization. In many cases, cardiovascular diseases are preventable by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, which include proper dietary practices. To better understand the role of diet and nutrition in treating or preventing cardiovascular disease, meet with your family physician.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, affects about 80 million Americans reports the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Some of the most commonly experienced types of cardiovascular disease include hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke and congenital defects in the heart or arteries. The most significant risk factors for developing this condition include long-term tobacco use, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet and the excessive consumption of alcohol.
An Appropriate Diet
An appropriate diet for treating or preventing cardiovascular disease involves certain dietary inclusions and exclusions. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," helpful dietary inclusions for this health purpose are fish, such as herring, mackerel, trout and salmon; fish oil; flax; soy oil; raw fruits and vegetables; skinless turkey and chicken; garlic; onions; raw nuts; and olive oil. Consider avoiding caffeine-containing drinks such as coffee and black tea, alcohol, chocolate, sugar, fried foods, processed and refined foods and foods containing white flour.
Featured Food
Garlic may be one of the most effective foods for treating or preventing cardiovascular disease. According to nutritionist and biologist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," garlic has long been used to help lower blood pressure, reduce the stickiness of platelets, decrease serum trigylcerides and LDL cholesterol, prevent atherosclerosis and mitigate risk of heart attack and stroke. Nutrients in garlic that may be beneficial for your heart health include vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, selenium and various sulfur compounds.
Considerations
Cardiovascular disease can lead to dire health consequences if it is not treated in a timely and appropriate manner. If you are diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease, meet with your family physician to discuss the immediate and long-term health ramifications of this health problem as well as the risks, benefits and limitations of natural treatment measures, such as diet and nutrition. Not all foods or dietary approaches traditionally used for treating cardiovascular disease may be backed by extensive clinical research evidence.
References
- World Health Organization: Cardiovascular Diseases
- New York Presbyterian Hospital: Heart Disease Statistics
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
