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Heart Specialist In NYC

Meal planning and balanced nutrition are vital for a healthy heart.  Following a low-sodium diet helps control hypertension, edema, and the respiratory difficulties associated with heart disease. Board certified heart specialists can provide in-depth customized nutrition information, additional guidelines, and help you develop a treatment plan. This article provides the basics to start your new diet off right.

Low-Sodium 101

Sodium is a food-based mineral. In moderation it helps keep our fluid intake balanced, but in excess it has the opposite effect. Here are some dietary guidelines to reap the benefits of sodium and avoid its drawbacks like water retention.

• Decrease your sodium consumption to 2,000 mg (2 grams) daily.

• Take the time to read food labels to make the healthiest choices possible.

• Eat high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables. They naturally lower cholesterol, help control diabetes, and are full of disease fighting antioxidants. You should consume 25-35 grams a day.

• Heart specialists can help you determine your heart healthy weight. Work toward the goal and once you achieve it, work to maintain it.

Food Labels: The Secret to a Successful Lifestyle Transformation

Most heart specialists will tell you that cardiovascular disease can be prevented or managed with certain lifestyle changes. These changes include the tried and true duo; diet and exercise. Nutrition labels can be a secret weapon that supports your lifestyle transformation.

There are two numbers to watch for:

A. The serving suggestion correlates to an adult-sized portion.

B. Ignore the % daily value information and focus on the sodium mg per serving. Your target range is between 5 mg (considered no sodium) and 140 mg a serving.

Heart healthy diets are patient-specific. Your cardiac care team will use educated discretion and regular appointments to monitor your progress. But it is also a good idea to keep a food journal and write down everything you eat. That way, it’s easier to answer any questions you have and alter your diet as needed.

Dr. Seldon, a Heart Specialist and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site.  Call us at (212) 367-8000.