Category Archives: Diet
How Salt Affects Your Blood Pressure
Before you reach for that salt-shaker at the dinner table, you might want to know what that extra sodium does to your blood pressure and overall heart health. Did you know that the daily recommended amount for salt is only about one teaspoon or less? And that it is likely already incorporated into your food without the assistance of a few shakes of salt? It is time to assess your salt intake and modify it to best suit your heart health.
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Cholesterol in Foods
Whenever you have a discussion about heart health, cholesterol levels are bound to come up. You will see headlines warning against high cholesterol levels, but what actually is cholesterol? What can you do in your daily life to decrease your chances of high cholesterol causing heart attack and stroke?
Hydration and Your Heart Health
It is no secret that proper hydration is essential to a properly functioning body – your heart is no exception. The human body is composed of 60% water, and the heart is over 70% water. Just that is enough to stress the importance of getting your body the proper amount of water.
Does the Mediterranean Diet Really Work?
The Mediterranean diet is touted as the solution to many of our dietary woes. But what is the Mediterranean diet, and does it really work? The Mediterranean diet is one that is rich in whole-grains, vegetables, lean proteins such as fish and chicken and good fats including olive oils and nuts. Importantly it avoids highly processed foods and while the Mediterranean diet may not be the lowest calorie option and while it may not have conformed too many of the diets that are touted by celebrities these days, the principles are solid.
Is Fast Food Ever Good For Your Heart?
When you think of the causes of heart disease, one of the first thoughts you may have is fast food. To be sure, fast food is not a great option, especially for those with heart disease. However, is it always a bad for everyone? Some may tell you that under no circumstances should fast food ever be consumed. Others may say that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with fast food as long as you avoid the very worst of it. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.
Salt, Blood Pressure, and Your Heart Health
Salt is one of the most common additions to food to add some extra flavor. Although our beloved salt may feel like a staple in every meal, you might want to think twice before reaching for the shaker. Salt is known for increasing your blood pressure and causing bigger problems down the road. This doesn’t mean you have to live a salt-free life, but, like most things, moderation is key.
The Lowdown on the Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health
Decades ago, it became clear that people in the Mediterranean countries such as Greece and Italy lived longer, healthier lives with fewer instances of cardiovascular disease when compared to similar demographics in North American or Northern European countries. It became readily apparent that the typical Mediterranean diet provided significant heart health benefits and has since been held up as a standard by which we should model our own diets.
Staying Healthy, With Cardiovascular Disease, During The COVID-19 Crisis
You have undoubtedly heard that cardiovascular disease represents some of the highest risk of serious complications due to COVID-19. Heart problems, along with age and pulmonary disorders, make this virus far more problematic and deadly. However, please remember that you can modify your risk by following important, commonsense tips from the CDC, our health officials and our office. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to maintain and improve your heart health and general health to minimize your risk of coronavirus complications.
Setting the Record Straight About Cholesterol
In most people’s eyes, cholesterol is a bad word. It is the sticky substance that lines your arteries, causes ischemic heart disease and ultimately a full-on heart attack. But, in actuality, cholesterol is an umbrella term alternately describing a component of both the bad and not so bad foods we eat as well as the results of a common blood test.
Are Dietary Supplements Good for Your Heart?
Dietary supplements are an ever-growing part of the American consciousness. We’ve all heard the ads and seen the articles written about the amazing benefits of certain supplements. As our collective health has deteriorated, we look for ways to keep our bodies a little bit healthier. Supplements seem to be a quick and easy way to make that happen.
Interestingly, the multibillion-dollar supplement industry remains largely unregulated by the FDA. This is baffling. So, at least for now, we must rely on our own research and clinical studies to evaluate the potential benefits and risks of the various supplements available.
