Diet and Heart Failure Healthy diet and lifestyle are the most effective weapons to fight heart disease. Healthy diet helps in both prevention and controlling of heart diseases. If we make a few simple changes to our diet, we will get long lasting benefits. If the chosen diet can be maintained for a life time then only will get the full benefit. High calorific foods like bakery products, meat products and faty foods must be fully replaced with low calorific diets like fruits and vegetables in your diet. Control Sodium/Salt in your diet Consuming too much sodium can cause high blood pressure. Reduce the amount of salt adding to the food . Consume low salt food such as egg, milk, plain rice, oatmeal etc Avoid pickles, papadam, dried fish and bakery items Salt-Free Herb Blends can be used instead of salt Canned and processed foods are high in salt hence to be avoided. Choose Low Cholesterol, Low Saturated Fat Diet It is important to limit saturated and trans fat in your diet for reducing blood cholesterol and to reducing the risk of Coronary Artery Disease Choose fish in your diet Use vegetable oil Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables Vegetables and fruits are good source of Vitamins and minerals Use variety of fruits and vegetables Avoid using sauce,oil with fruits and vegetables Consume more fiber rich food like whole grains Whole grains are good sources of fiber and other nutrients helps in regulating blood pressure and heart health. Control fluid intake as adviced by your physician You should limit your total fluid intake to 2 quarts (64 oz or 8 cups) per day. This is to help keep your body from retaining fluid. Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco completely Alcohol can raise your blood pressure which makes your heart work harder It is important to learn to read food labels to avoid foods high in sodium