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Inflammation and Heart DiseaseA heart-healthy diet is one that includes foods designed to reduce cholesterol and inflammation, two of the major causes of heart attacks. A heart-healthy diet also eliminates foods that may cause a rise in those two afflictions. We have dealt with cholesterol on another page, so we will talk about the inflammatory response here. What is an inflammatory response and what does it do to the heart?
Inflammation is a response of the immune system to an actual or perceived danger, such as an infection caused by a bacteria, virus, or other foreign substance. In response to the challenge, white blood cells and antibodies are produced to kill the invader in the bloodstream. Swelling and redness occurs, increasing body fluids in the area and calling in more white cells. This response is a good thing because it helps protect us from infection. Sometimes, however, the immune system is fooled by non-foreign tissue. For instance, it can attack plaque in the arteries causing the artery walls to swell. Plaque can break off causing a heart attack or stroke. Heart valves are sometimes attacked because germs from another source such as the gums have settled there. If inflammation continues or you produce a response that you don’t need, swelling damages tissues precipitating heart attacks, strokes, cancers, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, some forms of arthritis, or ever Alzheimer’s Disease. So a heart-healthy diet consists of eliminating foods that raise LDL cholesterol, such as sugars, white flour, processed foods, trans fats, and high fructose corn syrup and including foods that provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory protection. Anti-inflammatory food: all fruits and vegetables; but especially broccoli, green tea, watercress , pomegranate juice. Spices and seasonings: garlic, cayenne pepper, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon. Omega-3 foods: fish, nuts, flax seeds Supplements: Fish Oil or Flax seed Oil capsules; High Fiber Foods: Fruits and Vegetables Wine in moderation
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