Eating For Health

Have heartburn? You’re not alone — about 1 in 5 Americans experience it twice a week or more. While TV commercials often promote medications, did you know that simple food and lifestyle changes can help soothe the burn naturally? Heartburn isn’t about your heart at all — it’s that burning pain in your chest or acidic taste in your mouth caused by stomach acid backing up into your esophagus. What Is Heartburn? 🩺 According to the Mayo Clinic , heartburn happens when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus — the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. You may also hear it called acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) . Lifestyle Tips to Ease Heartburn 🌿 Simple habits can make a big difference: 🕒 Wait 2–3 hours after eating before lying down or reclining. 🪑 Sit upright after meals to help gravity keep acid where it belongs. 🚶‍♀️ Take a short walk after eating — gentle movement aids digestion. Foods ...

Many Americans are working hard to support a healthy heart — choosing whole foods, exercising, and reading labels. But some foods that look healthy may actually work against your heart goals. Cardiologists warn that a few trendy choices can quietly raise cholesterol, spike blood sugar, or add unhealthy fats to your day.   (See: How to eat for a healthy heart? ) Here are three foods that seem heart‑friendly but may not be doing your heart any favors. 1️ ⃣ Protein Drinks with Additives 🥤 Protein is having a moment — “ protein‑maxxing ” is everywhere. And while real foods like eggs, yogurt, fish, poultry, meat, and cow’s milk are excellent protein sources, many bottled protein shakes and smoothies come with hidden pitfalls. Why protein drinks may harm your heart: Many contain as much added sugar as a candy bar 🍫 “Low‑sugar” versions often rely on artificial sweeteners , which may: Disrupt the gut microbiome Increase sugar cravings Aff...

Fats often get a bad reputation, but here’s the truth: your body needs fat . It’s an essential nutrient that supports hormones, brain health, vitamin absorption, and even your heart. Yes, fats are calorie‑dense — providing about twice the calories of carbs or protein — but that doesn’t make them “bad.” It simply means choosing the right fats matters. Many people blame foods like bread for weight gain, but it’s often the added fats (butter, spreads, oils) that quickly increase calories. So, let’s clear up the confusion: there are healthy fats and not‑so‑healthy fats , and knowing the difference can transform your meals. My husband recently sent me a great article, The 5 Healthiest Fats You Can Eat , and it inspired this breakdown. Foods High in Fat Can Be Healthy — Really! 🥜 High‑fat foods can absolutely fit into a heart‑healthy diet. What matters most is: The type of fat The amount of fat How often you eat it “Bad” Fats: What to Limit 🚫 Accordi...

Bread gets a bad rap these days. You’ve probably heard someone say “bread is fattening,” but that’s a myth. Most breads are naturally low in fat and moderate in calories — the real difference lies in how they’re made. While some breads are highly processed and offer little nutrition, others are packed with whole grains, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health. When dietitians are asked which sandwich breads they recommend most, one type consistently rose to the top — but several other nutritious options earned praise too. 🍞✨ 🥖 What to Look for in a Healthy Sandwich Bread Choosing the right bread doesn’t have to be confusing. Dietitians recommend focusing on these key features: 🌾 Whole Grains & Seeds Whole grains deliver fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals , while seeds add omega‑3’s, healthy fats, and anti‑inflammatory benefits . 🧵 Fiber (Aim for 3g per slice) Fiber helps keep you full, supports gut health, and helps regulate blood...

Every time you turn on the TV, there are ads for all kinds of foods and supplements.   Not everyone provides reliable information based on scientific facts. If your goal is to eat healthier in 2025, what are some easy tips to start with?      1.        Start a heart-healthy diet plan. Want a heart-healthy diet that is good for your heart and helps lower blood pressure?   Then look at the DASH diet.   It stands for D ietary A pproaches to S top H ypertension.   Much like the Mediterranean Diet, the DASH diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy (real dairy), poultry, fish, and beans.   (For more information see:   Best Diets for Healthy Eating in 2024 .) 2.         No need to skip the seed oils . I just finished reading Good Energy by Casey Means, MD.   She provides a lot of good advice except perhaps for her recommendation to avoid seed oils.   As the ...