Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated: June 29, 2016, 5:56 PM
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If you have had heart surgery recently, your doctor must have recommended a sample diet plan. In addition, there are a few things like not eating green leafy vegetables or not drinking coconut water that will help you. Our expert Dr Nilesh Gautam, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Head of the Department of Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation, Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai reveals some key diet tips you should keep in mind.
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If you have had a valve replacement surgery and take blood thinners, then avoid green leafy vegetables in your diet completely. This is because, it not only slows down the metabolism but also makes the blood thinner by 4- 5 times more than that needed, thereby increasing the chances of bleeding.
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If you are diabetic and also suffer from hypertension, then say no to coconut water or coconut products for the rest of your life. Also, fruits like banana and papaya are best avoided as they might spike your blood glucose, putting your heart in trouble after surgery.
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If you have a kidney problem, make sure you lower the intake of proteins in your diet as high amount of protein in the diet increases the pressure on the kidneys, thereby aggravating your condition, which can put pressure on your heart health.
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Do not eat out for at least a period of three months post surgery. And even after that, make sure you eat in limited quantity when eating out and lower your intake of oily foods. You can eat out once a month or 15 days, depending upon your heart health.
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Post surgery, one must have a liquid diet for the first two days. And post that, it is important to increase your intake of fluids like soups and rice starch, which is easy to digest. After a week, make sure you eat small meals for 4 – 5 times a day. This will keep you full and also decrease the intake of calories or binge eating, unlike eating three full meals in a day. Make sure your diet is rich in protein, medium amount of carbohydrates and low in fats.
