Due to the dangers of cardiovascular disease, many doctors recommend lifestyle changes as a person ages to keep the heart healthy. One of the most common suggestions is diet modification. Since the food you consume impacts the entire body, adjusting your eating habits can help improve cardiovascular health. Review the guide below if you're unsure where to start.

What Diet Changes Do Doctors Recommend for Heart Health?

1. Watch Your Salt Intake

Although a plate of fries can feel satisfying, a high sodium intake will negatively impact your cardiovascular health. Blood pressure directly ties into how the heart functions, but salt causes it to become higher than normal. 

Use less salt while cooking, and don't add it to the meal when plated either. When grocery shopping, look for low- or no-sodium canned foods. Avoid processed items, as they typically contain heavy amounts of salt.

2. Eat Fruits and Vegetables

A healthy diet is a balanced one, so incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your meal plan. These foods have nutrients that are beneficial to your heart health. For instance, leafy greens like spinach and kale contain vitamin K, which helps prevent stiff arteries.

When preparing a meal, stick to raw, steamed, or lightly sauteed vegetables. Sauces and heavy spices can outweigh the health benefits, so avoid adding them to your dish. As for fruits, they go well in smoothies and salads but are also good on their own.

3. Be Mindful of Portion Sizes

Overeating can lead to poor cardiovascular health. To prevent this problem, you should use smaller dishes and bowls to serve meals. They can help determine accurate portion sizes, as restaurant-style plating is often too large. While you eat, chew slowly and pay attention to how full you feel by the end of a meal.

Manage your heart health with the help of the doctors at Peninsula Community Health Services. Serving residents across Soldotna, AK, and the surrounding area, this health clinic provides high-quality care services, from annual physicals to immunizations. Plus, they offer same-day appointments for your convenience and accept various insurances, including Medicaid. Fill out a new patient form online, and schedule an appointment by calling (907) 262-3119.