29 September is designated as World's Heart Day! At a time when people are more conscious about their health. Isn't it paradoxical how we still do not hear our heart's murmurs? We crave junk, saturated fat-filled foods, do extreme workouts, and take supplements.
In recent years many youths have started hogging protein powders and supplements. There has been a spurt in cases of heart attacks among youths. Some are even exercising themselves to DEATH! Don't you worry, we have got your back! This article will take you through heart-healthy comestibles and lifestyle habits. Challenge your gustatory-olfactory duet with this 'American Heart Association Diet.' Don't be heartbroken this diet is full of colors, flavors, and tastes!
Mark the day 29-9-2022 and make a resolution to-
- Maintain healthy body weight.
- Be physically active.
- Consume a nourishing diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Consume whole grains and high-fiber foods.
- Add fish to your dietary regimen, at least twice a week, especially oily fish.
- Choose unprocessed and lean meat.
- Minimize comfort foods intake i.e., sugary beverages.
- Drink fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1% fat) dairy products.
- Cook food with less salt.
- Abstain from alcohol consumption or do so in moderation.
- Use liquid plant oils than tropical oils.
- Avoid all risk factors including obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, stress and inadequate sleep.
- Avoid taking supplements and protein powders. Check for ingredients and certificates on products.
But the question is pertinent as to why athletes, and celebrities despite staying fit fall into the hands of Angels of Death.
'HOW PEOPLE DIE REMAINS IN THE MEMORY OF THOSE WHO LIVE ON'
Raj Kaushal, Siddharth Shukla, and recently the comedian Raju Srivastav have left for heavenly abode due to a HEART ATTACK.
The stand-up comedian Raju Srivastav's sudden demise has left us with tears. He collapsed on the treadmill while working out.
According to experts the old proverb "Too Much of Everything Is Bad" stands true. Don’t force yourself too much, especially if the exercise regimen is introduced recently and it should not be escalated quickly. 'TOO MUCH AND TOO FAST' is bad.
Most heart attacks are sudden, but some start slowly with cold sweats, lightheadedness, nausea, jaw pain, and shortness of breath. This isn’t a false alarm, and you must take this seriously and call it quits!
Regular and moderate-intensity exercises such as brisk walking, water aerobics, etc. are good enough to keep the heart healthy. It is recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity and high-intensity exercises if you already have heart disease.
The workout patterns are different for a 15-year-old and 50-year-old. One should not try to match workout regimens with celebrities. Things vary from one person to another.
In the aftermath of young deaths making headlines, science has explained 'LACK OF ALTERNATIVE CIRCULATION' as the cause of heart attacks in youths.
When we are not hydrated and exercise heavily, we sweat. The blood becomes thicker and may develop clots. Exercising vigorously can put stress on the walls of arteries that could result in rupture. As per doctors, it is wise to do cardiac screenings before indulging in any form of strenuous exercise.
After the death of a young man in Karnataka, BJP MLA Satish Reddy informed the state assembly to create awareness on the sale of low-quality protein supplements. The youth’s family has spent 50 Lakhs for his treatment but in vain.
“His heart and liver were damaged,” Reddy said while addressing the assembly during zero hours.
Consult your physicians and invest in good-quality protein powders.
Let us beat heart diseases wholeheartedly!
(Inputs from various media sources)
DISCLAIMER: No content in this article is a substitute for qualified medical opinion.
Reference:
Lichtenstein AH, Appel LJ, Vadiveloo M, Hu FB, Kris-Etherton PM, Rebholz CM, Sacks FM, Thorndike AN, Van Horn L, Wylie-Rosett J. 2021 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2021 Dec 7;144(23):e472-e487. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001031. Epub 2021 Nov 2. PMID: 34724806.