If you are facing upcoming heart surgery or have just come out of heart surgery, you are obviously going to go through a substantial recovery period. One important consideration during your recovery period is your diet. Of course, this will involve plenty of rest, living a reduced-stress life, and taking your medication. But, don’t overlook the all-important consideration of your diet.
Why diet is so important: you don’t want to get yourself back into the same situation you were in before – the one that contributed to your current heart condition! For heart surgery patients, here are 5 things you should know for your diet after your surgery:
1. Variety is key:
In order to remain heart-healthy after your surgery, you need to make sure you have plenty of variety in your daily diet. All manner of fruits, vegetables, oatmeal, whole wheat breads and like foods should be on your menu. But, don’t just focus on a few of these that you like the most: make sure you really rotate your menu options on a daily and weekly basis. Your body -and your heart – will benefit from this type of variety.
2. You should follow a 2,000 mg low-sodium diet:
High-sodium diets are the enemy of a healthy heart. It is essential that you keep your sodium intake as low as possible. For starters, cut down on sodas (including diet sodas), salty snacks and any other obviously-salty items.
3. Cut back on sugar and sweets:
Next to salt, sugar is your second-biggest enemy for your post-heart surgery diet. Avoid all products with high doses of sucrose, high fructose corn syrup and other sugars. Doing so will be much easier on your heart.
4. Eat these foods more often:
Be sure to eat foods such as sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, carrots, pumpkin, squash, 97% fat-free turkey breasts, whole wheat breads, low fat tomato sauces, and onions and garlic.
5. Avoid these foods:
Make sure you avoid these foods after your diet: 1%, 2% and whole milk, meats with 96% or more fat, red meats, hydrogenated oils like stick margarine, hot dogs, hamburgers, deep-fried foods, sugar, and ice cream.
After your surgery, be sure to listen to your doctor’s orders. So take your medication, get plenty of rest, and focus on getting your diet on track. You’ll be feeling better in no time!
By: Susan Willis
