Doctors have outlined ways to improve heart health

The key to heart health consists of three components: sufficient physical activity, taking heart support medications prescribed by a cardiologist as indicated, and a balanced diet. Denis Bobylev, a cardiologist and rheumatologist at INVITRO North-West, told Izvestia.

The expert reminded that the World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

At the same time, he noted that a nutritious diet is important and it is necessary to consume as little sugar and fast food as possible. It is also worth avoiding extreme fasting.

"You can help the heart with the Mediterranean diet. It includes complete protein (white cheese with reduced salt content, not suluguni or feta), a sufficient amount of green vegetables and fruits, olive oil. This diet is enriched with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, complete protein of animal and plant origin, bioflavonoids, folic acid and iodine for the health of not only the heart, but also other important organs, in particular the thyroid gland," Bobylev explained.

At the same time, he added that such a diet is not contraindicated for any age groups. However, the content of the nutrition protocol can be adjusted depending on a person's level of physical activity, lifestyle and concomitant diseases.

"For example, if kidney function is impaired, the amount of protein can be reduced. And with type II diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, fats of animal origin are limited and the amount of fish in the diet is increased, and free carbohydrates are replaced by complex ones, for example bulgur," - specified the doctor-cardiologist.

In turn, doctor of medical sciences, doctor-cardiologist "INVITRO - Voronezh" Igor Pershukov added that when following the Mediterranean diet it is important to use olive oil, because replacing it with sunflower oil will no longer bring the desired effect.

"Certain difficulties in regular adherence to this diet may be in people after gallbladder removal, in patients with severe intestinal diseases or with malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract," - emphasized Pershukov.

Earlier, on November 19, gastroenterologist "SM-Clinica" Valeria Lomova told "Izvestia" that the most negative impact on the liver has alcohol, which destroys cells - hepatocytes. Regular alcohol consumption threatens such dangerous complications as fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver.