Few things are more important than the health of your heart. This muscular organ is responsible for pumping blood filled with oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. If you’re not careful with your diet, the integrity of your heart can be compromised, leading to an array of health issues. At Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island, we take a holistic approach to heart health and we’d like to share the importance of creating a heart-healthy diet, and what goes into doing so. 

Heart Complications

When you consume too many foods that are high in saturated fats, it can be a detriment to your heart health. Having an unhealthy diet makes you more susceptible to heart disease, which occurs when blood vessels become narrowed or blocked. If you’re living with heart disease, you may suffer from:

  • Chest pain, tightness, or pressure.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Pain, numbness, weakness, or coldness in the arms and legs.
  • Increased chance of heart attacks and strokes.

Crafting Your Diet

While an unhealthy diet can damage your heart, it is not irreversible. Taking the time to make small changes day by day can lead to you living a healthier life in the future. To get the most out of your diet, we recommend you try the below:

  • Control your portions: How much you eat is just as important as what you eat. The next time you go shopping, look at the recommended portion size listed on the package for everything you buy and try to stick to those portions when eating.
  • Incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are full of heart-healthy nutrients and eating them will have you feeling more full than you would when eating junk food. Increasing your intake of them can help lower your blood pressure and ensure your body gets the nutrients needs.
  • Switch to whole grains: Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber. They also play a role in regulating your blood pressure and overall heart health.
  • Choose the right fats: A common misconception is that all fats are bad for you. When adding fats into your diet, make sure you focus on consuming foods rich in healthy, unsaturated fats like avocados. Limiting your overall intake of saturated and trans fat will also be beneficial.

Contact Us

If you’re concerned with your current diet or level of heart health, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of cardiologists can help you create a diet that is great for your heart, allowing you to mitigate the risk of developing any potential issues or complications.