Dr. Weil: Diet May Lower Heart Attack Risk

[Guest guest]

Dr. Weil on Diet

Aug 04, 2003 16:52 PDT

 

I've been working on my diet to lower my cholesterol level and

reduce my risk of a heart attack. How do I keep the holidays from

throwing me off track?

 

-- Chuck

 

Today's Answer

(Published 11/19/1998)

This is a much better attitude than thinking the holidays give you

an excuse to make an exception to your healthful lifestyle, so good

for you. But also realize that the key to a healthy heart isn't just

diet, it includes aerobic exercise and stress management -- two more

very

important habits often jeopardized by the press of the holidays.

 

With that in mind, think of the entire day, not just the

Thanksgiving feast. Spend some time when you first get up doing the

breathing

exercises I recommend. They will clear your mind and help you stay

relaxed through a potentially hectic day.

 

Enjoy a satisfying breakfast of oatmeal and fresh fruit. Oats

contain soluble fiber, which binds to cholesterol in your

intestines.

 

Oats also offer beta glucans,

 

which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. Make

sure oats and other high fiber foods are part of

your regular diet too. Skip the coffee. If you really need the

boost, go for green tea instead.

 

It sounds as though you know the importance of whole grains and

fresh

vegetables in keeping your heart healthy, so see what you can do to

get those dishes on the menu.

 

Dark leafy greens are rich in folic acid, which reduces

homocysteine; researchers have discovered that

homocysteine contributes to clogged arteries. If you need ideas, try

my kasha with vegetables or look up other heart-healthy side dishes

or even stuffings in one of my favorite cookbooks, " Everyday Cooking

With Dr. Dean Ornish " by Dr. Dean Ornish, et al (HarperCollins,

1997).

 

Perhaps most important are the items you need to leave off the menu.

Avoid anything high in saturated fat or hydrogenated oils. These

include

red meat, margarine, vegetable shortening, butter, cream and other

whole milk products.

 

As far as alcohol is concerned, a glass of red wine (or red grape

juice) is beneficial for your HDL (good cholesterol), so some wine

with dinner is fine. Finally, be sure to set aside at least a solid

30 to 45 minutes for exercise. Take a long walk or a bike ride or

just get outside and

run around with the kids while the turkey roasts.

 

http://www.drweil.com

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

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