what should you eat if you have a bad heart?

Question: what should you eat if you have a bad heart?

Asked by rhian to Meeks, Pete, Stephen, Steve, Tom on 25 Jun 2010 in Categories: General.
- Stephen Curry answered on 22 Jun 2010:
  
  Hi Rhian
  
  First off, anyone who suspects they have a bad heart should go to their doctor for advice.
  
  I’m not medically trained but I think it is fairly widely agreed that avoiding too much fat in the diet is better for the heart (and the arteries and veins). A mixed diet is probably best – you don’t have to live like a monk eating only celery.
  
  But it is important also to get plenty of exercise – this is one of the things that people find hardest to do. I didn’t use to do much – didn’t think I had the time. But since the start of this year I have started running at lunchtimes (for about 30 min – 3 times a week). It is hard but I actually quite enjoy it… Plus I know it’s good for my heart!
- Marieke Navin answered on 22 Jun 2010:
  
  Hi Rhian, i think it’s important to eat a balanced diet no matter what. So lots of fruit + veg, plus fibre, wholegrains and some proteins and healthy fats. For your heart in particular I have heard that fresh parsley is good!
- Steve Roser answered on 22 Jun 2010:
  
  A balanced diet always seem to be the best answer to questions like this! We need fats, but not too much, we need protein, but again, not too much. I would avoid salt if I had a bad heart, and no junk food!
- Tom Hartley answered on 25 Jun 2010:
  
  Hi Rhian,
  
  I think this page from the British Heart Foundation gives good advice. If you have a bad heart you should discuss your diet with the doctor.
  
  And maybe if you have a bad diet your doctor should discuss your heart with you 🙂 [I made that up – quite good huh?]
  
  I hope you’ll think about voting for me today. Stephen is really good so I’ll need every vote I can get. I’ve really enjoyed I’m A Scientist – hope you have, too.

Question: what should you eat if you have a bad heart?

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