Don't let your heart break

Bs_logoImage
Abhilasha Ojha New Delhi
Last Updated : Jan 19 2013 | 11:16 PM IST

It's time to go for that morning walk, exercise correctly and, more importantly, to give a nod to the DASH way of living.

My friends and I were planning a picnic of sorts but it was cancelled when a friend’s mother had a mild heart attack.

Research shows that it’s easy to understand both, the prodromal (changing in frequency) and the acute symptoms that lead to heart attacks. Unusual fatigue (even making beds can be difficult, for instance), sleep disturbances, shortness of breath (usually happens when walking or climbing stairs), indigestion and feeling of anxiety, are symptoms that, especially if very frequent, signal a heart problem. Shortness of breath, lethargy and even breaking into cold sweat (these come under acute symptoms) can be the alarm for a potential disaster.

Even though one includes fresh fruits and salads in one’s diet, the idea of a healthy lifestyle should be a perfect balance between eating correctly and exercise.

Though many products claim to be low-fat, non-fat and trans-fat free, it’s best to stick to DASH or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet to avoid risks.

This essentially means saying no to packaged cookies, crackers and commercially baked products while eating a healthy and balanced diet.

DASH recommends two-three daily servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products, four-five servings of vegetables and fruits. In addition, meat, poultry and fish should be consumed.

Four-five servings of nuts, seeds and beans can be consumed on a weekly basis too.

Basically, DASH diet menus stays away from red meat, too much sugar and salt, and also processed foods.

The goal of the DASH diet is to ensure healthy eating habits. The diet is low in sodium and that’s the reason why it’s recommended for anyone suffering from hypertension.

Smokers should stub out cigarettes and those who enjoy their drink should restrict intake.

It’s time to give broccoli a second look even if you think it’s boring. Do bring to the table red, green and yellow bell peppers. Find time to eat a wholegrain bread instead of white for breakfast and do make it a point to start your day with fruit.

In other words, opt for a healthy lifestyle, it’s never too late.

You’ve reached your limit of 5 free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.

Already subscribed? Log in

Subscribe to read the full story →
Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories

  • Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 22 2009 | 12:14 AM IST