Heart disease affects millions of people including the sixteen million people that die from some form of the condition every year (Source: Natural News). There are a number of different ways of dealing with heart disease including lifestyle changes and medications. In some cases, surgery may become the only option if the heart disease has progressed. In 2006, there were 450,000 coronary bypasses performed and in 2007 there were 2200 heart transplants (Source: The Texas Heart Institute Information Center).
Coronary Artery Bypass is the most common type of heart surgery but is by no means the only one. Valve repair or replacement surgery is also a commonly performed surgery as well. Valves are typically replaced with either a biological valve from human or animal sources, or a mechanical valve that is made from plastic, carbon, or metal. Arrhythmia surgery is also performed often, however these irregular heartbeats are typically treated first by medications.
No matter what type of heart surgery is needed, there are at least five people on the cardio surgery team and it can involve six to eight weeks of recovery. To prevent the need for heart surgery in the first place, it is important to first learn the risk factors and then to learn better ways to care for yourself.
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to reducing or eliminating a number of major risk factors for heart disease. These include:
– Obesity
– Diabetes
– High cholesterol
– High blood pressure
– Smoking
– Sedentary lifestyle
(Source: The American Heart Association)
A healthy diet is the key to losing weight and keeping it off. Weight loss should not be accomplished by dangerous fad diets which not only fail, but can end up causing even more weight gain. Some fad diets may also be more serious, an all liquid protein diet for instance increases the risk for developing gall stones, up to 25% higher than for those who are not using the liquid diet long term. In addition, these diets may cause electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeats, especially in those that are susceptible to them (Source: www.colombianet.isource/winter95/diet.html).
Liquid diets are difficult to maintain long term and can also lead to slowed metabolism, an absence of menstrual cycles and chronic constipation (Source: Vanderbilt University Psychology Department). These diets are beneficial to kick off a diet and can be used to start weight loss, but should not be attempted long term. Anyone at risk for heart disease should discuss diet plans with their doctor beforehand.
Diet Suggestions
The DASH diet (DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), is one of the diets recommended by the American Heart Association. It focuses on foods like fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products, and healthy fish, while reducing or eliminating red meats and saturated fats. Most of the protein in the DASH diet is plant based protein instead of animal. In a study involving the diet, it was found that 24% of those who were following DASH or similar diet plans, were less likely to develop coronary heart disease and 18% less likely to have a stroke (Source: Heart Insight 2008). The DASH diet reduces blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Finding the right diet can be difficult – first, it must have enough calories to provide sufficient energy throughout the day. If the calorie count is too low, the body will feel that it is starving and will slow or stop the metabolism altogether. To keep the metabolism burning correctly, to keep the body as healthy as possible and to keep the weight at the right level, it is important to find the right diet plan with the right amount of the necessary nutrients.
Every healthy diet should be made of healthy carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Carbs should be 50% of the overall daily calories, while protein should make up between 25-35% and fats should make up the rest. Carbohydrates are the primary energy source for the body, including the brain. Proteins are used to build various tissues in the body as well as part of every function including digestion, sleep, and ovulation. The right amount of protein has to be reached, too much can lead to kidney and liver damage while too little can destroy the metabolism and lead to the destruction of lean muscle mass.
Protein
As part of a heart healthy diet, proteins should come from plants as well as lean, low fat animal protein sources. Plant proteins, with the exception of soy, are incomplete because they lack one or more of the essential amino acids that must be supplied by the diet because the body cannot make them on its own. All animal proteins are complete.
Good sources of plant proteins include soy and soy products (miso, tempeh, and tofu) grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Animal proteins include meats, fish, dairy, and eggs. Eggs are considered to be the perfect protein source: all protein that is available in the egg is absorbed by the body. (There are 6.5 grams of protein in the egg, 5.6 grams of total fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat and .5 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Each egg has 70 calories).
In addition to healthy protein from food sources, there are a number of different protein supplements that can be added to a healthy diet as well. Protein powders, bars, and liquid supplement shots can be used as a between meal snack or even as a meal replacement.
Protein Powders
In health food stores or on the health food aisles at your local stores, you may find large containers of protein supplements. There are four: egg, rice, whey, and soy, with each having its own pros and cons. Some powdered supplements are of a single protein while some are combinations of two or more. Make sure that you are discussing the protein supplement choice with your doctor before starting it, especially if you are under care for any health condition.
Whey protein is the most common of the protein powders and is typically the least expensive. Whey protein is derived from milk, a byproduct of cheese, so it may not be appropriate for those who are lactose intolerant. Whey protein isolate has far less lactose however, and may be okay. Whey protein helps to preserve lean muscle mass and may help to maintain a normal blood pressure and may also improve blood vessel function.
Soy protein is derived from soy, the only plant based protein that is complete. Two servings per day may lower the blood cholesterol by nine points and may also lower the blood pressure. Soy is highly digestible and also enhances the nutritional value of other foods. It is suitable for vegans.
Egg protein is made from egg whites to be a fat free, high protein supplement. It is highest in the amino acids, alanine, argine, glycine and methine.
Rice protein is made from brown rice and is the only one that is considered to be hypoallergenic and is appropriate for vegans as well (Source: Segounis).
Other Supplements
Protein bars are good sources of protein however some brands may have too many calories and can have as much sugar and fats as an average candy bar. Liquid protein supplements like Profect from Protica is a small, easily consumable drink with a small calorie count.
Profect is available in three sizes:
– 25 grams of protein in a ready-to-drink 2.9 fluid ounce vial
– 50 grams of protein in a ready-to-drink 3.4 fluid ounce vial
– 200 grams of protein in a 10 fluid ounce bottle
There are additional vitamins and minerals in Profect but zero carbs and zero fats. Profect is available in delicious flavors such as: Cool Melon Splash, Ruby Melon Twist, Grapefruit-Mango, Passion Fruit Blue Raspberry Swirl and Orange Pineapple.
Protica Research (Protica, Inc.) specializes in the development of Capsulized Foods. Protica manufactures Profect, IsoMetric, Pediagro, Fruitasia and over 100 other brands, including Medicare-approved, whey protein bullets for renal care patients. You can learn more at Protica Research – Copyright