Congestive heart failure is a condition that definitelyrequires certain changes in the lifestyle. This condition, which ischaracterized by heart’s inability to pump the sufficient amounts of blood thatthe body needs to function properly, is usually result of some heart conditionthat makes heart weaker or stiffer over time. Once it occurs, it cannot becured, although some symptoms can be relieved with the help of certainmedications. However, it is highly important to introduce some physical activity,moderate but regular, to stop smoking and to lose excessive weight, ifnecessary. These steps will significantly improve the quality of life of theperson in question, even though it is something that is highly recommended toeveryone, including healthy individuals.
What is important for people with congestive heart failure?
Among the most important things when it comes to diet is the necessity toreduce the intake of salt. No matter how tasteless the food lacking this ingredientmight be, it is necessary to be patient enough until one gets used to it,because sodium as a main ingredient of salt affects the water retention in anegative way, thus contributing to swelling in legs, which is not good forpeople with this heart problem. Besides, very soon other flavors that were notso obvious while there was salt in the food, will be brought out.Another important thing is to limit the intake of foods richin saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, since besides the fact that theycan interact with the medications, they also affect the heart in a bad way. Moreprecisely, they weaken the heart muscle.As for the intake of water, even though it is generallyadvised to drink at least 8 glasses a day, when it comes to people who sufferfrom congestive heart failure, in severe cases, the doctors will probably limitthe amounts of fluids that need to be taken on a daily basis. Alcohol will notbe allowed at all, due to the possible interaction with medications that usuallyhave to be taken in such cases.As for the spices and herbs, it is important to make surethat they do not contain sodium either.When eating out, it is necessary to be even more careful,which is why it is important to be well informed. For example, the terms suchas pickled, au jus and soy sauce should be recognized as the indicators of highsodium content. As such, they should be avoided. Raw vegetables and fresh fruitsare always a much better and healthier solution than salty snacks.
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