Anyone who has survived a heart attack knows that the recovery is a long and difficult process, requiring major changes in diet and lifestyle. What is the best diet to follow to prevent another heart attack? Dr. Janet, author of the book, ‘Prevent a Second Heart Attack’, is the worldwide expert on just this topic. She speaks from experience and authority when she says that a combination of mild exercise and Mediterranean foods can save you from a range of cardiovascular disease complications, including a second heart attack.
What causes a Heart Attack?
A heart attack is a life-threatening situation that needs to be treated quickly because as they say in the medical community, “time is muscle.” This means heart muscle cells are dying every minute the heart attack is not being treated. Most heart attacks are cause by the presence of “unstable” plaque in the arteries that feed the heart. The plaque ruptures and a blood clot forms, impeding the flow of blood to heart muscle cells downstream, which die. To prevent and even reverse the formation of unstable plaque in the arteries, one must lower the circulating level of LDL or “bad” cholesterol as well as tame the inflammation occurring in the arteries.
Making Lifestyle and Diet Changes can be Difficult
A healthy nutrient-rich diet is part of the major lifestyle changes you need to make when recovering from a heart attack. The Mediterranean heart diet has been scientifically proven to be the best diet when it comes to prevention and treatment of heart disease. With liberal intake of extra olive oil, nuts, red wine, fruits, veggies, whole grains, and fish, you can’t beat the Mediterranean diet for fresh, satisfying flavors. Fish oil is a great source of Omega 3 unsaturated fat, which is especially helpful in lowering blood triglyceride level, blood pressure and reducing inflammation. The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional foods that people used to eat in countries like Italy and Greece back in 1960. It is no accident that people in the Mediterranean region were found to have the lowest rates of heart disease in the world.
The Mediterranean Nutritionist (Dr. Janet Brill) advises eating oily fish such as salmon and sardines. Flaxseeds, Chia seeds, walnuts and soy are additional sources of the plant version of omega-3 fat. The Mediterranean Diet also includes healthy carbs such as oatmeal which will reduce your bad cholesterol, prevent high blood pressure and help control your weight.
Following a heart attack, many people find the prescribed “cardiac diet” too restrictive, too complicated, or just too difficult to follow which adds to harmful stress levels. There is no reason that you can’t savor delicious fresh whole foods, artfully prepared and eaten with enjoyment. The Mediterranean Nutritionist site makes following your healthy post-heart-attack lifestyle easier. With authentic Mediterranean recipes tailor-made for those recovering from heart disease or who simply want to prevent heart disease. After all, the Mediterranean Diet for health-conscious people has been nominated as the number one heart healthy diet for 2019 by US News and World Report.
Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health at just $19.99
Get lifetime full access to mouthwatering recipes, full weekly Mediterranean meal plans, current scientific literature supporting the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet as well as dos-and-don’ts for heart health at just $19.99. Plus, you can get a personalized telephonic nutrition consultation from Dr. Janet, for just $100—available at a $20 discount if you subscribe to the Mediterranean Nutritionist. Check out the complete Mediterranean menu today to keep your heart healthy.
