On the journey to maintaining heart health, nutrition is one of the fundamental pillars. The foods we consume directly affect cardiovascular risk factors such as blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure, inflammation and body weight. However, eating disorders, which distort the way the patient eats, can also directly impact cardiovascular health, as cardiologist Dr. Roberto Yano explains.
Taking care of your diet is crucial for heart health
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“Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia have severe impacts on cardiovascular health. Extreme dietary restriction, as in anorexia, can lead to a drastic reduction in muscle mass and body fat, weakening the heart and increasing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure” , he states.
Causes of eating disorders
According to psychiatrist Dr. Flávio H. Nascimento, disorders food they can arise from the combination of several factors, such as genetics, psychological health and social and cultural issues. “They basically act in two ways: distorting the patient’s body image or affecting their perception of food, seeing them as harmful or escape valves”, explains the specialist.
Treatment for the condition
Treatment for eating disorders is generally carried out in a multidisciplinary manner, as explained by Dr. Flávio H. Nascimento. “The treatment involves a psychologist, psychiatrist and nutritionist, who carry out therapeutic treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), but specific medications can also be used, but always under medical guidance,” he says.
Healthy eating habits promote heart health
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Tips for Maintaining a Heart-Healthy Diet
In addition to clinical treatment, it is also possible to adopt some dietary practices into your routine to avoid eating disorders and maintain heart health, as explained by Dr. Roberto Yano:
1. Establish a balanced diet
Avoid excesses, mainly from ultra-processed foods and foods with a high fat content. Prioritize natural foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, such as those found in avocado, nuts and fish.
2. Reduce fat consumption
Limit your consumption of foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products and processed foods. These foods can increase levels of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), promote the formation of plaque in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.
3. Control your salt consumption
Brazilians consume, on average, more salt than the daily recommendation, which is 5 grams. Therefore, reduce the salt intake, opting for natural seasonings and limiting the consumption of processed and fast foods, which are normally rich in sodium.
4. Avoid excess sugar
The consumption of added sugars, such as soft drinks, sweets and processed foods, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, encouraging obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and inflammation.
5. Hydrate your body
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain adequate hydration and support cardiovascular health by regulating blood pressure and improving oxygen transport to cells
By Adriana Quintairos
