Pacemaker & A Hearty-Healthy Diet

“Balance” is the key to heart-healthy eating.

We’re used to seeing headlines about what will or won’t increase your risk of heart disease. Some headlines can’t be trusted, but we do know that with lifestyle changes and medication, you can help reduce your risk of a heart event – even if you’ve had one already. Living with a heart condition is about more than just having a pacemaker and taking medication. 

They say what you eat is who you are, I would add to this and say what you eat is who you can be in the future. Living with a heart condition has already put you at a high risk for complications, but if you make informed and intelligent choices regarding your manner of living you can live a hale and hearty life.

You can start with these simple steps but be sure to talk to your doctor before making any changes so you can develop a plan that’s best for you.

Grains; Simply eating a high-fibre, whole-grain breakfast could help to reduce your risk of heart attack, as can switching completely from refined to whole grains. Whole grains are packed with vitamins and a wealth of heart-protecting minerals, plus insoluble fibre to help digestion. Studies show that high-fibre diets lower the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and cancers of the large intestine and rectum, also called colorectal cancer.

 Whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, barley, bulgur; brown rice; whole-wheat and high-fibre cereals, including oatmeal. Daily Servings: At least five (about two and a half cups) Serving Sizes: 1 slice whole-wheat bread; 1¼-2 cup cooked cereal; 1¼-2 cups cooked brown rice, or pasta.

Protein Power for a Healthy Heart; On the Menu  Fish (omega-3), chicken & turkey (skinless), lean red meat, pork, eggs, beans(kidney beans, chickpeas and black beans)

Daily Servings: Two to three, Serving Sizes: 50-100 g fish, poultry and meats; 6 tablespoons of beans as a main dish or 3 as a side dish; 2 eggs

Good Fats Are Better than Low-Fat; Olive oil, canola oil, and nuts. Daily Servings of  1¼ -2 to 1 tablespoon oil; 30 g nuts.

Fruit and Vegetables: Natures Cholesterol Cure; Daily Serving of Three or four fruit; four or five vegetables.

Dairy Foods for Better Bone Protection; Having milk on your morning cereal, a small container of yoghourt 

If you eat consistently a variety of life-sustaining, healthy and whole foods, then your body would glow and give you better feelings.