It’s no secret that diet is a very tricky balance to figure out following diagnosis. Patients are often told to eat low-sodium and try to maintain a healthy body weight. However, a lot of factors play into being able to adopt and maintain a proper diet. Integrating new dietary restrictions requires knowledge of what one can and cannot eat, along with the ability to prepare these foods (which can be difficult when dealing with the symptoms of PH).
March is National Nutrition Month, so it’s time to renew your New Year’s Resolution to eat healthier! To help alleviate some of the confusion, here is a short guide on nutrition when living with PH and the foods you should be looking out for (both good and bad):
Low Sodium: The guideline that is probably most emphasized to patients is adherence to a low sodium diet. Limiting table and seasoning salts, avoiding processed meat products (including those that are smoked, cured, salted and canned), and avoiding fast food are all ways to reduce sodium in your diet. Sodium is found in most packaged food, so be careful to read labels and pay attention to the brand: different brands may have different sodium levels despite being the same type of food.
Dairy, Meat and Fats: In terms of dairy and meat, less is always more. Processed meats are usually high in sodium and carry other health concerns as well. Try to stick with leaner meats, like chicken breast, fish, lean beef, and pork chops. Limit foods that contain saturated fats and cholesterol. Good fats include olive and coconut oils, nuts and seeds, avocado and some fish. Foods labeled “low-fat” tend to actually be higher in sugar and salt, so take that into consideration when choosing foods.
Fresh Foods and Fiber: You should aim to fill half of your plate with plant-based foods at every meal. Fresh veggies are best, but frozen is good too! March is also Frozen Food Month, so you may find lots of sales on frozen produce at the grocery store this month. Stock up!
Try to avoid the canned varieties of vegetables, as they are higher in sodium. Whole grains, brans, fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and vegetables can be high in protein, so these are wonderful foods to incorporate into your meals.
What are some of your favorite healthy dishes to make? Share in the comments below!
Written by Kimberly Smith, PHA Intern
