Food is one of the key factors that heart disease patients should pay attention to, especially foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, or sugar, because regular or excessive consumption may affect blood lipid levels, blood pressure, and body weight.
The term “ forbidden to eat does not mean that all heart patients must avoid the same foods entirely, as heart disease has many types and individuals have different health conditions. The main principle is to reduce quantity, select ingredients wisely, and adjust cooking methods.
Pork belly, crispy pork, chicken skin, duck skin, and other fatty meat parts are sources of saturated fat. Eating too much may raise LDL cholesterol levels. It is better to choose lean meats, remove skin before eating, or alternate with fish, chicken breast, and plant-based proteins while controlling portion size.
Sausages, bacon, ham, fermented pork, Chinese sausages, and smoked meats often contain saturated fat and high sodium. Frequent consumption may be unsuitable for those managing blood lipids, blood pressure, or fluid retention. Some processed meats also have various additives, so it’s advisable to reduce frequency and choose fresh, lean meats instead.
Fried items such as fried chicken, fried pork, deep-fried dough sticks, fried bananas, and fried fish cakes usually contain high calories and fats, especially when fried in reused or degraded oil, making them unsuitable for heart patients. Opt for boiled, steamed, baked, boiled, grilled, or lightly stir-fried dishes to reduce overall fat intake per meal.
Cakes, cookies, donuts, brownies, pies, pizza, and hamburgers may have high saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and sodium depending on ingredients and production processes. If consumed, limit quantity and frequency, and check nutrition labels carefully for saturated fat, sugar, and sodium per serving.
Coconut milk, butter, lard, as well as coconut oil and palm oil are relatively high in saturated fat. Control intake especially if LDL cholesterol is high or if suffering from coronary artery disease. It doesn’t mean all coconut milk dishes must be avoided entirely, but reduce frequency, choose curries with less coconut milk, and avoid adding extra oil or coconut milk.
Salted fish, pickled vegetables, fermented foods, instant noodles, canned foods, snacks, bouillon cubes, and seasoning sauces are major sources of sodium. Excess sodium may raise blood pressure and cause fluid retention, affecting some heart patients. Taste food before seasoning and reduce fish sauce and other salty condiments.
Soft drinks, milk tea, sweetened coffee, sugar-added fruit juices, Thai desserts, and various sweets are high in calories. Excessive intake can increase triglycerides, body weight, and make blood sugar control harder.
Alcohol provides calories and may raise triglycerides. Excessive drinking can affect blood pressure, heart rhythm, heart muscle, and how certain medications work, especially for those with heart failure or arrhythmias, as alcohol may interact with their medications.
Pickled mango, pickled plum, preserved fruits, and flavored fruits usually contain added sodium or sugar from processing. Limit intake, especially for those managing blood pressure or advised to reduce sodium. Fresh fruit is recommended instead.
Very sweet fruits such as durian, longan, and grapes are not forbidden for all heart patients but should be eaten in limited amounts and not in large quantities at once, especially for those with diabetes, high triglycerides, or weight management needs. Choose whole fruits over fruit juices or sugary beverages.
Focus on freshly cooked foods, reduce sweetness, fat, and salt, choose lean meats, fish, vegetables, fruits in appropriate portions, and whole grains. Use boiling, steaming, baking, boiling, or grilling instead of frying, and read labels to compare sodium, sugar, and saturated fat content.
Those with heart disease kidney disease, diabetes, or taking certain medications may have specific restrictions on sodium, fluid, or nutrients differing from the general population. Follow personalized advice from specialists and avoid self-imposed food restrictions that lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Reference:Navavej Hospital