The choice of food for people with swollen heart should not be arbitrary, because the consumption of unhealthy foods can make the swollen heart condition worse. To find out what foods are good for people with swollen heart, consider the following explanation.
Heart swelling or cardiomegaly is generally caused by high blood pressure or coronary heart disease. In this condition, the heart is no longer able to pump blood properly. As a result, blood circulation is not smooth and a lot of fluid is retained in the body.
list Food for Sufferers of Swollen Heart
Foods that are good for people with swollen heart are basically foods that have low salt levels. Therefore, if you experience this condition, you are advised to go on a low-salt diet.
Salt is a mineral found naturally in food. Salt has a function to maintain fluid balance in the body. However, if consumed in excess, salt can retain more fluid in the body, raising blood pressure and worsening heart conditions.
Foods for people with swollen heart are advised to contain no more than 1,500 mg (½ teaspoon) of salt per day. This aims to control the symptoms of the disease you are experiencing and prevent further problems with the heart.
The following are some foods for people with swollen heart that are good to eat because they contain less salt:
1. Vegetables and fruits
Vegetables and fruits, such as cucumbers, lettuce, avocado, celery, apples, oranges, bananas, are good foods for people with swollen heart. Some fruits are even efficacious for lowering blood pressure. Prioritize buying fresh vegetables and fruit over frozen ones.
2. Meat
Meats that are processed and cooked by themselves, such as fish, chicken, or beef, are also good for people with swollen heart. Buy meat that is still raw and fresh. Be careful if you buy packaged meat from the supermarket as it usually has salt added to it as part of the packaging process.
To anticipate this, first read the nutritional information label. If the salt content is less than 5%, the meat is safe for consumption by people with swollen heart.
3. Cereals
Cereals such as oatmeal are one of the healthy food choices for people with swollen hearts, because these foods don't contain a lot of salt and are high in fiber. Choose plain oatmeal and serve it with fruit or nuts.
4. Dairy products
Natural dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, usually contain a small amount of salt so they can be consumed safely. However, be careful in choosing dairy products such as cheese and butter. Choose products with low salt content or less than 5%.
In addition to being right, the selected food ingredients must also be fresh. When processing it, reduce the added salt and flavoring. Also stay away from canned or processed foods because these types of foods have a high salt content.
By limiting salt intake, you can reduce the amount of fluid retained in the body, so that blood pressure is maintained and the workload of the heart is reduced.
In addition, people with swollen heart are advised to limit fluid intake to a maximum of 1.5 liters per day. If necessary, you can consult your doctor first to find out how much fluid you should be drinking every day.
Healthy Lifestyle for Swollen Heart Patients
In addition to eating foods for people with swollen heart, you are also advised to live a healthy lifestyle so that your heart health is always maintained. Here are some ways that you can apply:
1. Regular exercise
Moderate exercise, such as morning walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling, if done regularly for 30 minutes every day, can help improve heart health and prevent a worsening of heart conditions.
2. Consume fiber-rich foods
Eating fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, nuts, and fresh fruit, can nourish the digestive tract and prevent high blood sugar and cholesterol levels that can worsen a swollen heart condition. Consume at least 25-35 grams of fiber every day.
3. Stay away drink withalcohol
Drinks that contain alcohol can affect your heart rate and make your heart condition worse. Therefore, you are advised not to consume alcoholic beverages.
4. Take care of your weight
If you have excess weight, you are advised to lose it, because maintaining an ideal body weight can prevent worsening of swollen heart conditions. You can consult a doctor to determine a good diet for weight loss.
In addition, do not forget to check your condition regularly to the cardiologist. Also make sure you take the medicines that are given regularly. If you still have questions regarding food for people with swollen heart, consult a nutritionist to get a diet plan that suits your condition.