Exploring the Connection Between Diet and Heart Health

Maintaining a healthy heart starts with what’s on your plate. In fact, a heart-healthy diet is a key part of treatment and prevention for many conditions. The foods you eat can either support heart health or silently work against it. Thankfully, Complete Cardiology Care is here to help you understand the connection between what you eat and heart disease. Learn more about heart health nutrition from our Sugar Land, TX team.

How Are Nutrition and Heart Disease Connected?

Your arteries and heart are influenced by the nutrients you get (or don’t get) from food. Certain foods, like high-sugar or heavily processed snacks, can contribute to clogged arteries. On the flip side, heart-healthy meals rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats can reduce risk factors and even reverse some damage. What you eat directly shapes your heart health in the following ways:

• Cholesterol Levels—Saturated fats and trans fats increase LDL (bad cholesterol), which collects in blood vessel walls. Meanwhile, unsaturated fats improve HDL (good cholesterol).
• Blood Pressure—High sodium intake often leads to elevated blood pressure, increasing the strain on your heart.
• Weight Management—A healthy diet helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing strain on the heart and minimizing the chances of heart disease.
• Inflammation—Chronic inflammation is linked to cardiovascular disease, and inflammation is often exacerbated by diets high in processed foods.

Foods to Prioritize for Heart Health

Eating a heart-healthy diet is one of the best ways to reduce your chances of heart disease and other cardiac conditions. While everyone’s nutrition needs are a little different, most people should focus on including these foods in their diets:

• Healthy fats and oils like avocados, olive oil, and almonds
• Fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins like chicken, fish, and beans
• Low-fat dairy
• Herbs and spices to boost flavor while limiting sodium intake

Diet Tips for Heart Health

Cardiac wellness isn’t as difficult as you might think. With some planning and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to better heart health. Try our diet tips for making the transition to healthy living a bit easier:

• Plan Your Meals—Create a weekly menu centered around heart-healthy recipes and foods.
• Shop Smart—Fill your cart with fresh produce and whole foods, avoiding the processed aisles as much as possible. It’s a good idea to go to the grocery store with a list instead of just buying whatever looks good.
• Cook Homemade Meals—Homemade meals give you control over ingredients and allow you to minimize unhealthy fats and sodium.
• Read Labels—Check nutrition labels for hidden sugars, sodium, and artificial additives. You might be surprised at which foods seem low in sugar but are actually full of it!
• Be Mindful of Portion Size—Many people struggle with overeating, even with nutritious foods. Work on keeping your portion sizes reasonable, and talk to your provider if you need strategies for conquering overeating.

Focus on Heart Health With Complete Cardiology Care

The connection between poor nutrition and heart disease can’t be highlighted enough. People who consume too much sugar, sodium, and unsaturated fat are often at a much higher risk of heart conditions. However, you can take steps toward a healthier future. Contact us to schedule an appointment and discuss more diet tips for heart health.