DISCOVER THE FOOD ITEMS THAT HELP YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART HEALTH POST COVID
The battle with Covid-19 isn’t over once you test negative, eat well to help your body recover fully
It is important to focus on one’s health not just while recovering from Covid, but post-Covid as well. One can face issues such as shortness of breath, anxiety, chest pain, body ache and many others, and these are due to the body’s immune system or inflammatory response. Health experts have also talked about complications in recovery phase that can lead to a cardiac arrest. One should not neglect post-Covid care and follow a diet for healthy heart and strong lungs.
“The presence of comorbidities is highly associated with the severity of Covid 19. Hence, it has become of utmost importance, especially for people who have a history of cardiovascular disease, to take care of their heart health along with their immunity,” says nutritionist Aakriti Arora. Several foods are scientifically proven to reduce one’s blood pressure as well as promote lung health.
Beetroots, for instance, are exceptionally nutritious, containing compounds that promote healthy blood pressure levels while optimising lung function.
Flaxseeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation in the lungs. When consumed in their whole seed form for 12 weeks and longer, studies show lower blood pressure levels.
Tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene, which is linked to lung health.
“Healthy eating habits are way more important for people facing heart ailments, high blood pressure and weak lungs. A good way to stay healthy is by engaging in regular exercise and eating a healthy diet. Food for a heart patient with high BP and weak lungs should be low in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol,” says dietitian, Garima Goyal. She suggests including the following in your diet:
• Whole grains like brown rice, oats, barley, rye, buckwheat or quinoa, for fibre.
• Fruits, berries like blueberry, raspberry and strawberry; pomegranate, grapes, bananas, etc.
• Greens such as kale, spinach and collard greens are full of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.
• Protein can help repair lung tissues. Choose low fat protein sources like pulses, low fat milk and cheese, egg whites, skinless poultry, lean fish and meat and soybeans.
• Omega-3 fatty acids from fish (salmon, mackerel, sardine, herring) and unsaturated fats from olive or sunflower oils are essential for the heart.
• Seeds like sunflower, pumpkin or squash seeds.
• Nuts such as walnuts or pistachios
• Water detoxifies the body and plays a vital role in maintaining health.It helps to remove waste from the body, keeps lungs hydrated, transports nutrients throughout the body and regulates body temperature.
ONE’S HEALTH DEPENDS TO A LARGE EXTENT ON THE TYPE OF FOOD YOU EAT AND HOW YOU EAT IT. SEVERAL FOODS ARE SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN TO REDUCE ONE’S BLOOD PRESSURE AND BOOST LUNG FUNCTION