Nutritional Therapy

Question 1

Goals for someone with Cardiovascular Disease?

Answer 1

Normalize BP, improve insulin resistance, support vascular integrity, normalize lipids

Question 2

Foods for normalizing BP?

Answer 2

High in bioflavonoids= citrus, berries, apples, vegetables (onion, black beans)
Promote circulation= garlic, ginger, onions

Question 3

Foods for normalizing blood sugar?

Answer 3

High in fiber = beans, lentils, avocado, green peas, collard greens, broccoli, oranges, sweet potatoes
AVOID refined grains and sugar
*Focus on low glycemic load foods, eating smaller more frequent meals

Question 4

How to support vascular integrity?

Answer 4

Antioxidants! Vitamins E & C. Reduce oxidative stress (high sugar/fat, AGE products, acetaminophen, environmental toxins), consider anti-inflammatory diet

Question 5

Diets to consider for CVD

Answer 5

DASH diet (2300mg salt or less)
Mediterranean
Vegetarian/Vegan (Ornish - low fat)
Fasting

Question 6

Specific nutrients to consider for CVD?

Answer 6

Potassium, magnesium, CoQ10 (if on statins), resveratrol, curcumin, cinnamon, grape seed extract, green tea, silymarin

Question 7

How to normalize lipids?

Answer 7

Increase soluble fiber and other foods that increase HDL, exercise

Question 8

Foods that increase HDL?

Answer 8

Fish/fish oil, MUFAs/PUFAs, whole grains, moderate alcohol

AVOID trans/saturated fats, beta-blockers and benzos can lower HDL