4 Dangerous Effects Of Rapid Weight Loss On Heart

“How I lost 7 kilos in a week”!!! Something touches the heart and we too feel tempted to try out this quick-fix remedy that will shed that chubby fat. People nowadays have become impatient and want to lose weight rapidly (that too without any side effects)!!! But is it that simple? NO. Rapid weight loss results are scary and can prove dangerous to your body in more than one way.

For those who are looking for quick weight loss results, read this first and then decide.

As per a research conducted by Weill Cornell Medical College, rapid weight loss can make you easily susceptible to heart attack.

Here is how the heart functions are affected by quick weight loss

• When you undergo a strict workout regime, it may disrupt the heart’s function of pumping blood and oxygen throughout the body. When you try to lose weight quickly, the heart is unable to adjust to these sudden changes.
• Another common diet plan noticed is the low calorie diet. When you are putting your body on a low calorie diet, you are basically starving the body and not feeding enough nutrients that are necessary to keep the vital organs functioning. If the body fails to utilize the nutrients and convert proteins to metabolism (i.e. energy), the heart could be severely damage.
• Ever heard of Anorexia nervosa? That’s right – an eating disorder that occurs when you implement low calorie diet. Restricting daily consumption of calories can lead the body to starvation. This will increase the risk of heart disease to a great extent. As a matter of fact, University of Maryland Medical Center claim that anorexia can lead to further and permanent health complications such as high or low blood pressure, arrhythmic heartbeats and chances of heart attack.
• For those who love crash diets for quick weight loss, note that it can prove fatal. It triggers irregular heartbeat throwing the body haywire leading a person to death. This occurs when the weight loss formulas fail to deliver necessary nutrients to the body.
• When you are thinking about opting weight loss products, it is important to consider one’s heart rate as well. This helps in burning calories as well as while performing any workouts. It is also important that you get your heart rate and health monitored by a medical practitioner regularly. This includes before and after implementing the weight loss program.

We always recommend losing weight gradually using natural methods than trying “fast and quick weight loss pills”. Besides, a healthy lifestyle will always reduce heart risks or any other health conditions at bay.

The American Heart Association suggests weight loss for cardiovascular health while following a proper dietary lifestyle. This includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products combined with moderate exercise or workout sessions.

Further on, we give you 9 steps to prevent heart disease naturally.

9 Steps to Preventing Heart Disease naturally

Be it Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or acid reflux (GERD), they have been well-accepted by medical researchers and physicians as one of the main reasons for heart disease. However, many medical professionals still believe that cholesterol can also play a great role in causing cardiovascular conditions.

So the primary goal is to prevent the causes of heart conditions thus reducing oxidative damage and inflammation that increases the risk of CVD. Follow these 9 tips.

Eat traditional saturated fatty foods

For decades we have been convinced that saturated fat can cause heart disease. But today there are many studies that confirm the fact that saturated fat does not cause CVD as promoted in earlier times. In fact, saturated fats protect the body against oxidative damage that is one of the primary causes of heart disease. The best part is saturated fats are known to deliver numerous benefits on the body.

Consume less sugar

This includes cutting down on simple carbs as well. As many are aware by now that sugar can wreak havoc on your body. Even simple carbs such as rice, potatoes, pasta, and bread can spike up the level of blood sugar and insulin in the body. This can contribute to oxidative damage and increase chances of inflammation increasing risk of cardiac diseases.

Stay away from industrial vegetable oils.

Industrial vegetable oils such as corn, soy, cottonseed, sunflower, and safflower contain high omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFA). There are many studies that show that n-6 PUFA can increase the chances of oxidative damage including inflammation. As a result, the risk of heart disease is more. You will find industrial vegetable oils in almost all processed and packaged foods, especially foods in restaurants. In simple words – packaged foods are a strict no-no. Having an “eat out” can be once-in-a-month ritual, not everyday habit.

Have a control over the portion size

What you eat is directly related to how much you eat. Loading the plate and your stomach is easy. The portion served in restaurants are more than what anyone actually needs. Use a small plate or bowl to control the portions. Consume more of low-calorie yet nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and veggies. Smaller portions should include high-calorie, high-sodium foods. This includes processed or fast foods. This will also help you lose weight easily.

Include fiber-rich whole grains

Whole grains are full of fiber and nutrients that regulate blood pressure and heart health. Increase the number of whole grains that will help you maintain good weight and cholesterol, sugar levels. Unlike refined grain products, switch to whole grains such as quinoa, wheat, or barley.

Choose low-fat protein foods

While eggs, meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products are best sources of protein, try to choose skimmed milk or skinless chicken breasts than chicken patties.

Fish is a good alternative to high-fat meaty foods. Certain types of fish are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that can lower triglycerides. The highest amount is in mackerel, salmon etc. For those who are vegetarians/vegans, high amount of omega-3 is found in flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans, and canola oil.

Even legumes such as beans, peas, and lentils are rich in protein and less fat. There is literally no cholesterol in them which makes a good substitute for meat.

Reduce sodium level in your food

Though a taste enhancer without which foods can become pale, limit the amount of sodium in your diet. Apart from promoting good weight loss, having a sodium-restricted diet can promote heart-healthy life, says The American Heart Association. Do not have more than 2300mg of sodium a day i.e. about a tsp of salt. Go with herbs and spices that enhance the quality of food and satisfy your craving without going overboard on sodium level.

Plan a day ahead

You are in control of your life. So go ahead and create your daily menus. Don’t just plan but put it into action as well. Creating daily menus will emphasize control of your life and motivate you to do better. It also ensures that you are feeding your body with necessary nutrients and adding a variety to your everyday food ritual to make it more interesting.

An occasional treat is a must-have

What’s life without a little adventure!!! Indulge yourself in a bag of potato chips or a scrumptious piece of chocolate cake!!! That’s right. We are humans and cutting off from a good treat can make us grumpy. However, make sure that you don’t go overboard with your treat. Once in a month is a definite possibility but once a week is a no-no.

Incorporate these 9 tips while keeping your heart in mind. The beginning is always the challenging phase till it becomes a habit. With a regular routine, you will find that healthy eating can be enjoyed without feeling guilty. Here’s to a healthy heart!!!