Foods that are well consumed after a heart attack

Having a heart attack is an alarm for you to prioritize physical and mental health. Generally, after a heart attack, you will be hospitalized between two days to one week. But if you have complications, maybe you should be treated longer. One of the things you should pay attention to after this heart attack is eating patterns.

Applying a healthy diet is very important to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. And if you already have coronary heart disease, the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology encourage you to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid saturated fats, trans fats, and high-fat dairy products. Eating oily fish at least twice a week is also recommended.

Cardiologist Dr. Vito A. Damay, Mkes, SpJP (K) FIHA, FICA, said that in a healthy diet, you not only pay attention to the food ingredients. "It is also important to know the composition of good food, the proper processing of food, and the portion and time of eating,"
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Mediterranean diet is good for the heart

Dining guides from the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology can be reached with the Mediterranean diet. There is evidence to suggest that this Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of recurrence of a heart attack. If you want to do a Mediterranean diet, here are things to consider:

• Avoid eating processed foods.
• Focus on plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and peas. Whole grains can be obtained from whole wheat bread and whole wheat pasta. Also add nuts on your plate. You can choose peanuts and cashews if it's difficult to get almonds, walnuts, and macadamia.
• Change the use of margarine and butter with olive oil or canola oil.
• Limit red meat only one or two times per month.
• Eat oily fish (herring, salmon, mackerel) at least twice per week. If it's difficult to get three fish, you can replace them with sardines, anchovies, and lemuru.

You should also pay attention to healthy cooking methods. "Avoid fried foods. Food should be processed by boiling, steaming, or baking, said Dr. Vito.

Regarding supplements, heart attack patients are expected not to take beta-carotene supplements. Research has shown that taking beta-carotene supplements can increase the risk of having a heart attack a second time. In addition, there is no evidence to suggest that supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin E, and folic acid can prevent a recurrence of a heart attack.

Tips on eating in a restaurant

It's okay if you want to eat at your favorite restaurant. With a note, you still maintain your diet. No need to hesitate to make a special request to the waiter. Even though it looks a little inconvenient, believe that this is for your good too.

• Don't choose fried foods and look high in calories. Instead, choose foods that are steamed, roasted, and boiled.
• If you order chicken, ask the waiter to tell the chef to remove the skin from the chicken. Also order not to use margarine and butter.
• Limit salt. Foods that are served with MSG, burned and smeared with teriyaki sauce should be avoided. Oh, don't forget to ask that your food not add salt.
• No need to use sauce. Most sauces are high in fat and calories, so they can sabotage your diet.
• Finally, choose fruits as a dessert instead of sweet cakes.

Besides paying attention to eating patterns, after a heart attack you also have to manage stress well, exercise, and do cardiac rehabilitation. Take medication according to your doctor's advice. Even if you feel better, don't stop taking medication without a doctor's supervision. All of that will greatly play a role in restoring your heart.

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