Heart failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Sodium or salt intake is one significant factor that can impact heart failure. Excess sodium in the diet causes the body to retain water and increase blood pressure, putting additional strain on the heart and kidneys.
Nurse Tran Thu Cuc from the Department of Cardiovascular Resuscitation at Central Military Hospital 108 recommends limiting daily sodium intake to 1,500-2,300 milligrams and being mindful of sources of sodium in various foods. To manage heart failure effectively, adopting a low-sodium diet is crucial. This involves creating a balanced meal plan, changing eating habits, and learning how to prepare meals with reduced sodium content. It typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for the body to adjust to a low-salt diet.
It’s also essential to reduce consumption of processed foods, snacks, and salty condiments while opting instead for low-sodium alternatives and incorporating high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. Avoiding drinks with stimulants is also advisable as they can affect heart rate and potentially worsen heart failure symptoms. By making these dietary adjustments and focusing on a low-sodium, high-fiber diet, individuals with heart failure can better manage their condition and improve their overall health.
