DIET FOR CARDIAC INSUFFICIENCY
Heart failure is a chronic disease that can affect people of all ages, although it is more common in older people. The heart has less capacity than it should to pump blood throughout the body and hydrosaline retention (edema) can often occur. Making some changes in eating habits can improve the quality of life. It is better to introduce these changes progressively so as not to abandon them soon.The objectives of dietary treatment in heart failure are:
Reduction of salt in the diet.
Fat reduction in the diet.
Reduction of the volume of meals.
Weight reduction if there is overweight or obesity.
Salt reduction
In heart failure, high blood pressure and fluid retention can make health worse. To treat them, a simple method is to avoid adding salt to meals.
Although foods naturally contain salt, not all have the same amounts. Prepared foods, such as pre-cooked dishes, salted foods, marinades, brine and cured, contain more salt than fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Therefore, prepared products should be avoided. If bottled water is drunk, it is advisable to drink very weak mineralization waters, with less than 5 mg of sodium per liter.
Salt reduction does not have to be accompanied by loss of flavor. The use of fruit juices, vinegars and spices can bring richness to the dishes.
Fat reduction
To maintain good cardiovascular health, a healthy diet is essential. An excess of hydrogenated or "trans" fats, saturated fats and cholesterol, can decrease blood flow as it favors the adhesion of fats to the walls of blood vessels.
Foods such as margarine, prepared foods, butter, butter, whole dairy, snacks and sausages contain high amounts of these unhealthy fats. As much as possible, it is advisable to replace these fats with extra virgin olive oil. In the case of sausages, whose consumption should be sporadic, Iberian sausages have a better quality of fat than their cheaper versions. Even so, Iberian sausages should be consumed only occasionally.
In addition, low-fat methods such as steam cooking, microwave, grilled, baked or grilled help control the fat we eat in our day to day.
Weight reduction
Maintaining proper weight helps maintain cardiovascular health. If there is excess weight, cardiac work increases. Therefore, in heart failure, it is important to maintain a healthy weight. Maintaining an adequate weight helps maintain cardiovascular health. If there is excess weight, cardiac work increases. Therefore, in heart failure, it is important to maintain a healthy weight.
Reduction of meal volume
Heart failure may be accompanied by lack of appetite. However, food is essential to maintain an adequate state of health. Reducing portion sizes and increasing the number of meals per day is a very useful strategy to ensure a good amount of nutrients when there is no hunger.
