Diet Changes to Help Heart Disease

A great article shared for Keloland.com -

Keep in mind that taking fish oils is also a great way to improve your heart health.

SIOUX FALLS, SD - Former President Bill Clinton is adding attention to the possible link between a vegan diet and heart disease.

Clinton has a history of heart problems. He says after a second heart procedure last year, he decided to cut out animal products entirely.  The former meat lover now says he's a vegan, which means he doesn't eat anything that comes from an animal.

Dietitians at Avera Heart Hospital say they don't usually recommend a vegan diet for those fighting heart disease because it can be difficult to get the needed nutrients and vitamins, including calcium, iron and B12.

"You could develop deficiencies of B12, which is only available through animal foods. A vegan diet restricts all animal foods, including dairy foods, eggs, milk, yogurt, all those foods," Registered Dietitian Joanne Shearer said.

Instead, Shearer recommends a Mediterranean Diet, which allows meat, such as fish, poultry and extra-lean red meat. The focus is on fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and also includes healthy oils and dairy foods. With fewer restrictions, it may also be easier to maintain.

"This is a style of eating that is very easily adaptable to the typical, average American's food choices with some modifications, and it also has very good evidence to support that it's actually a very good way to eat to reduce your heart disease risk," Shearer said.