By Liza Agoot
BAGUIO CITY – A cardiologist at the Department of Health (DOH)-run Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) recently said food intake contributes more than 50% to a person’s heart health, thus the need to watch what one eats.
BGHMC’s Department of Internal Medicine expert, Dr. Karla Rhea Rillera-Posadas said at a recent “Kapihan” forum, that “food contributes a large chunk, (more than half) of the condition of the heart.
The health discussion was part of the “Heart Month” observance this February.
Posadas said improper diet poses risks of stroke even if a person engages in physical exercises.
“That is why during and after the holiday season when parties are held and done everywhere and very often, the admissions of patients in hospitals due to hypertension, ischemic heart disease and stroke often increase,” she said.
“Take care of your heart, you only have one heart. Control your portions. Use a small plate or bowl to help control your portions, eat more low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables and eat smaller portions of salty, processed or fast foods,” Posadas advised.
“Select whole grains like whole wheat flour, whole grain bread, wheat bread, high-fiber cereals, and brown rice,” she added. She further recommended what she called a Mediterranean diet, which includes lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread or rice, extra virgin oil as a source of fat, moderate amount of fishes, cheese and yogurts, poultry, little or no red meat, little or no sweets, sugary beverages and butter and moderate amount of wine.
“The advantages of Mediterranean diet is lower risk of cardiovascular disease that supports healthy blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol; it also supports a healthy weight,” she said, adding that stress further contributes at least 10% to the cause of heart problems.
“Find ways on how to relieve stress by looking at things positively, looking at the brighter side of life and avoiding stressful situations. Exercise or walking or engaging in anything to divert a stressful condition can also help the heart,” she added. (PNA)