This week, many American families will enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal together. But people living with heart disease may need to take special consideration into what goes on their plate.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of adults in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease, and diet has a significant impact on the risk of heart attack and stroke.
“Thanksgiving often leads to excessive consumption of food and alcohol, which may pose a risk to people with known or unknown heart disease,” said Dr. Philip Nimoitin, a clinical assistant professor at Thomas Jefferson University's Sidney Kimmel School of Medicine. “There is,” he said. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania told FOX News Digital.
According to the CDC, this is the healthiest of all vegetables: “a source of nutrition”
Dr. Sam Setare, a cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, sees the effects of that overdose all too often.
Doctors offer advice on what foods people with heart disease should include and avoid on Thanksgiving. (St. Petersburg)
“Every year, after Thanksgiving, I see patients come into the emergency room or my clinic with worsening heart failure, hypertensive emergencies, or diabetic crises,” he told Fox News Digital.
foods to avoid
Salty, sodium-rich foods are a major cause of worsening congestive heart failure and high blood pressure, Setareh said.
“Canned gravy, processed meats (such as ham and sausage stuffing), and salty snacks can cause fluid retention and increase blood pressure,” he said.
Instead, he recommends choosing homemade alternatives that don't have added salt.
Study finds that just 5 minutes of exercise can reduce high blood pressure
Trans fats and saturated fats can raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, Setare said.
To prevent this, he recommends avoiding buttery mashed potatoes, cream-based casseroles, gravies, and store-bought baked goods.
When it comes to meat, Nimotin recommends avoiding fatty foods.
“Thanksgiving is a holiday that often leads to excessive consumption of food and alcohol, which can be a risk for people with known or unknown heart disease.”
“The dark meat of the turkey thigh and leg contains significantly more fat than the white meat, and ham contains significantly more sodium than turkey,” he said.
You should also avoid commercial cranberry sauce, advised Dr. Alan Rozansky, professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine and chief of nuclear cardiology at Mount Sinai St. Luke's in New York City.
“Sugar is often added,” he warned.
“Traditional pies and sugary drinks can spike blood sugar levels and cause weight gain,” the doctor warned. “Choose desserts with less sugar or natural sweeteners.” (St. Petersburg)
When it comes to drinks, Nimotin recommends avoiding or limiting alcohol as well as apple cider, which contains large amounts of sugar, due to its direct effects and increased calories.
Sugary desserts are also a culprit to avoid.
“Traditional pies and sugary drinks can spike blood sugar levels and cause weight gain,” Setare warned. “Choose desserts with less sugar or natural sweeteners.”
heart healthy foods
For people with heart disease, Setare recommends choosing lean proteins.
“Turkey (skinless) is a good source of lean protein,” he said. “Avoid fried foods.”
This Thanksgiving, about 35% of Americans surveyed are being turned away by Türkiye
When choosing sides, doctors recommend fiber-rich options.
“Look at vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, and sweet potatoes (roasted or mashed without added sugar),” he said. “Whole grain stuffing is also a good choice.”
For a flavorful and nutritious side dish, doctors recommend roasting green beans, asparagus, and carrots with olive oil and herbs. (St. Petersburg)
To get more heart-healthy fats, Setare suggests incorporating ingredients like walnuts, almonds, and olive oil into your recipes.
“These provide omega-3 fatty acids and support heart health,” he said.
Reminiscing with food ahead of Thanksgiving: 3 things you need to know
For dessert, a heart-healthy alternative to traditional pie is fresh fruit salad or baked apples with cinnamon.
“Eating more of healthier foods means eating less of foods high in fat, carbohydrates and sodium,” Nimoitin added.
6 arrangements of traditional favorites with a healthy twist
Rozansky believes even people with heart problems can enjoy Thanksgiving favorites by adding heart-healthy twists.
“The dark meat of the turkey thigh and leg contains significantly more fat than the white meat, and ham contains significantly more sodium than turkey,” the expert said. (St. Petersburg)
Here are some of his tips.
turkey: For healthier fillings, he advised using whole grains, fresh vegetables, low-sodium soups, and less gravy.
Low starch vegetables: For a flavorful and nutritious side dish, Rozansky recommends roasted green beans, asparagus, and carrots with olive oil and herbs. “Standard dishes such as sweet potatoes with marshmallows and brown sugar, buttery mashed potatoes, creamy green bean casserole and glazed carrots often have lots of added fat and sugar,” he warned.
salad: “A fresh, leafy green salad with nuts, seeds and a light vinaigrette adds a vibrant, healthy option to the table,” he said.
Mashed potatoes: Rozansky suggested replacing traditional mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a lighter alternative.
Dinner roll: Doctors recommend choosing whole grain rolls over refined ones.
Dessert: “Enjoy pie in moderation, or try healthier treats like fresh fruit, dark chocolate, or lightly flavored air-popped popcorn,” Rozanski suggested.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
6 other tips for heart health
Doctors shared some additional health tips for people with heart disease this Thanksgiving.
1. Cut out “expensive” items
Nimotin recommends avoiding some of what he calls “big ticket” items that are frequently added to the table, such as butter, salt, and sauces.
“This can significantly reduce the amount of these components in the diet,” he said.
Patients with heart disease should consult their doctor for specific dietary instructions. (St. Petersburg)
2. Start small
“Place your first plate sparingly,” Rozanski advises.
“Long meals often prompt seconds, so it's important to make the portions of your first meal manageable.”
3. Eat mindfully
“Taking a break to eat slowly and enjoy the company of family and friends before rushing to plate the second plate can help prevent overeating,” Nimoitin suggested.
“Wait 10 to 15 minutes for your body to register when you're full before refilling your plate.”
Rozansky echoed that advice, encouraging people to “savour every bite.”
“To avoid overeating, put down your fork after each bite, chew thoroughly, and concentrate on the taste,” he recommended.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
Rozansky said it's best to pause before going for a few seconds.
“Wait 10 to 15 minutes to let your body register that you're full before refilling your plate,” he advised.
Experts recommend taking a short walk after eating your Thanksgiving meal. (St. Petersburg)
4. Leave
Experts recommend taking a short walk after eating your Thanksgiving meal.
“A post-meal walk helps with digestion, lowers blood sugar levels, and supports heart health,” Setare says.
5. Strictly follow medication
“Take all prescribed medications as usual and avoid food and drinks that may interact with the medications, including excess alcohol,” Dr. Setare advised.
6. Make nutrition a habit
“Eating a heart-healthy diet year-round, combined with comprehensive screening by your doctor for future cardiovascular risk, including assessment of lipids and vascular inflammatory markers, can help prevent future adverse cardiac events.” It could be useful,” Nimoitin said.
For more health articles, visit: www.foxnews.com/health
Patients with heart disease should consult their doctors for specific dietary guidance, he added.
