Foods That Are Terrible for Your Heart
By Sara Butler
Your heart is one of your most vital organs. You have to take control in order to care for it the best you can -- because no one is going to do it for you. Here are a few foods you may want to tone down in your diet because they’re simply terrible for your heart.
High Sodium Foods
Excess salt is bad for you in so many ways but it’s primarily bad for your cardiovascular system -- a system in which your heart is the star. Too much salt can cause your arteries to narrow and harden, leading to heart disease. You know foods such as pretzels and chips are high in salt, but there are a few other places that high amounts of salt are lurking that you should be on the lookout for. You should avoid:
- Canned vegetables - Sure, vegetables are healthy, but canned vegetables often have a lot of added salt
- Soup - Canned soup and soup from restaurants are all high in sodium, so unless you make it yourself and can control the amount of salt in it, you should give it a pass
- Lunch meat - Processed lunch meats are very high in sodium since it helps to preserve them
- Tomato sauce - Tomatoes are great for you, but jarred sauces are often off the charts when it comes to salt
Foods That Mess with Your Blood Sugar
There’s a link between blood sugar and heart disease, which is why it’s important to ensure you’re keeping tabs on your blood sugar. You know that soda and candy are bad for your blood sugar, but these foods can mess with it too:
- White rice - White rice causes a spike in blood sugar. You’re better off with whole grains
- Blended coffee drinks - These drinks are full of sugar, cream, and all kinds of syrups, which can really send your blood sugar sky high
- Sausage and bacon - These breakfast staples are right up there with deli meats as far as your heart is concerned; the preservatives used in these meats interfere with your body’s ability to process sugar and that puts you at risk for diabetes
These general tips are a great start to caring for your body and eating right. If you have more questions, the chiropractors at The Joint are a great resource! Just remember to take care of your heart by making sure to eat smart!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Dallas, Tex.