7 Natural Remedies for IBS

When you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), whether it’s marked by frequent bouts of diarrhea (IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C), or mixed symptoms (IBS-M), you might be willing to try anything to relieve your symptoms.

Prescription medication may come with potential side effects and aren’t always as effective as advertised. If you’re concerned about going that route for relief, natural remedies may be helpful. In fact, they may be all you need to manage your IBS symptoms long-term.

“Some natural and over-the-counter remedies can completely put some IBS patients in remission,” says Brenda Powell, MD, medical director at Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Health Department in Port Angeles, Washington.

Keep in mind, you should always talk to your doctor about any treatment to make sure it is safe for you. And if you’re ready, ask your provider, about these eight natural ways to find relief from IBS pain:

1. A Specialized Diet Might Be Enough

New guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) suggest trying a low-FODMAP diet, which cuts out foods that are difficult for the body to absorb. While the diet may seem daunting because it eliminates so many foods you may be used to, it revolves around basic healthy eating habits.

2. Psyllium Powder for Added Fiber

If your IBS symptoms persist even after you change your dietary patterns, consider taking psyllium powder, which is soluble fiber and the active ingredient in the fiber supplement Metamucil. The ACG strongly recommends soluble fiber to treat IBS in their latest guidelines.

“There is a moderate quality of evidence for psyllium for overall symptoms relief,” says Kara Gross Margolis, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Columbia University Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New York City.

According to a review published in March 2021 in Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, psyllium supplementation is recommended to help treat IBS-C and IBS-D. Stir a teaspoon of psyllium powder into your morning oatmeal or into a glass of water, and down the hatch.

“If you’re constipated, psyllium powder helps move your bowels. If you have diarrhea, psyllium powder gives you something to form a bowel movement around,” Dr. Powell says.

3. L-Glutamine to Aid in the Function of Intestinal Tissue

IBS is often associated with chronic gastritis, which may cause the lining of your small intestine to break down, creating tiny openings that allow digestive by-products, called lipopolysaccharides, to slip through and enter your body. These uninvited guests can ignite the immune system, causing a generalized inflammatory reaction and symptoms such as achiness and fatigue. If your IBS makes you feel tired or achy, L-glutamine may be another over-the-counter supplement to try. It’s an amino acid, sold as a powder and found in foods like chicken, fish, lentils, and spinach. In an eight-week study published online in May 2019 in the journal Gut, of 106 adults with IBS-D, those who took oral glutamine supplements safely reduced all major IBS-related symptoms.

“L-glutamine can help the lining of your gut heal to correct the permeability issue,” Powell says. “I recommend taking 2 teaspoons once a day, when experiencing diarrhea.”

4. Acupuncture to Treat Chronic Pain

If constipation is your main IBS symptom, you may want to try the ancient Chinese medicine technique known as acupuncture to find some relief.

“Acupuncture is really good for constipation and getting the bowels moving again,” Powell says. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points to balance the body’s energy or life force, also called qi (pronounced “chee”). It’s based on the principle that qi flows through various pathways in the body called meridians.

“Inserting needles into acupuncture points along meridians is thought to bring energy flow back into proper balance,” says Anne Mok, an acupuncturist and the coowner of Cornerstone Healing in Brooklyn, New York. With IBS-C, acupuncture can help calm down the autonomic nervous system, which helps regulate your GI tract.

Acupuncture may even be helpful if you have IBS-D. A study published in December 2020 in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that acupuncture improved functional connections in the brain that eased symptoms of IBS-D and improved quality of life for patients.

5. Mindfulness for Stress Relief

Reducing stress with breathing exercises and mindfulness may also help calm down the gut nerves that are misfiring. The ACG’s guidelines recommend various mindfulness techniques that have the potential to improve IBS symptoms. A study published in September 2020 in the journal Neurogastroenterology and Motility found that after an eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction practice, more than 70 percent of the participants in the study reported improved IBS symptoms. The reduction in severity also continued for three months after the eight weeks of the study.

“I recommend 5-5-5 to my patients,” Powell says. That is, “smell the roses” by inhaling through your nose for a count of five. Hold that breath for five counts, then exhale through your mouth for a count of five or longer, as if you are blowing out candles on your birthday cake. “This breathing technique is very calming to the autonomic nervous system, which can help with IBS,” she adds. Best of all, it’s portable. “You can do it anywhere, such as when you’re waiting in your car at a stoplight.”

6. Yoga Brings IBS Symptom Relief

While mindfulness may reduce symptoms, physical activity is an integral part of the mind-body connection. One of the most effective ways to pair mindfulness and exercise is through the ancient practice of yoga. And, studies suggest it can be helpful in managing IBS, but the quality of the data is limited.

A review published in December 2019 in the journal Digestive Diseases and Sciences analyzed several studies that looked at the benefits of various yoga practices focused on the mind-body-breath connection. It found that a majority of participants saw improvements in their IBS symptoms, their digestion, and their physical health, as well as improvements in mood, anxiety, and their outlook on life. The results suggest that practicing yoga can lead to improvements in physical health and a more positive outlook on life, which helps decrease IBS symptoms.

7. Try Peppermint Oil to Help With Gas and Bloating

Peppermint oil has been used as an herbal remedy for a number of ailments for centuries. Now the ACG acknowledges that this herb soothes the gut and recommends it to provide relief for all IBS symptoms. A recent meta-analysis published in January 2019 in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies looked at 12 different trials from three different continents, and found that regularly taking a peppermint oil capsule with meals helped reduce IBS symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation.

It’s worth noting that peppermint oil could make heartburn worse so be careful how much you take. Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about trying peppermint oil, since IBS is a complicated condition and she’ll need a complete picture of the remedies you’re using to determine an overall treatment plan.

Additional reporting by Jordan M. Davidson.

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Low-FODMap Diet Guide: Complete Scientific Guide

Medically Reviewed

A frittata with veggies can fit on a low-FODMAP diet. Nadine Greeff/StocksyIf you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a gastrointestinal condition marked by cramping, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, your doctor may have recommended following what’s called a low-FODMAP diet to reduce your symptoms, notes Mayo Clinic.

This diet focuses on eliminating potentially problematic foods (much like an elimination diet) then gradually re-adding foods that suit your body. While many people find this diet brings quick relief, it can be difficult to follow — at least at first. That’s why it helps to have a solid understanding of how it works before adding it to your IBS diet plan.

What Is a FODMAP?

FODMAP is an acronym that stands for “fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols.” According to Monash University, which developed the research behind the low-FODMAP diet, these are “short-chain carbohydrates that aren’t absorbed properly in the gut, and can trigger symptoms in people with IBS.”

More specifically, “the term FODMAP refers to a group of small carbohydrates (sugars and fibers) that are commonly malabsorbed in the gut. These poorly digested sugars can pull water into the small intestine and become food for the gut microbes that live in our colon, resulting in gas,” says Kate Scarlata, RDN, author of The Low-FODMAP Diet Step by Step, who is based in Boston. “The gas and water can be trapped in the intestine or stretch the intestine, contributing to troubling gut symptoms,” she says.

A low-FODMAP diet limits, or in some cases eliminates, foods that are high in FODMAPs and emphasizes eating those that are low in FODMAPs, according to Harvard Health.

Examples of high-FODMAP foods include apples, dried fruit, asparagus, mushrooms, cow’s milk, ice cream, legumes, wheat, honey, and pistachios, notes Monash University.

Examples of low-FODMAP foods include carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, oranges, strawberries, hard cheeses (cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan), eggs, oats, maple syrup, and peanuts.

Some scientific evidence suggests a low-FODMAP diet may improve IBS symptoms. In a systematic review and meta-analysis on 12 papers, which included 9 trials, following the diet decreased gastrointestinal symptoms “by a moderate to large extent” and improved quality of life in participants compared with a control diet, per the European Journal of Nutrition in February 2021.

FODMAP Food List: What to Eat (and Avoid)

Monash University is a great go-to resource for a list of high-FODMAP (foods to mostly avoid or limit) and low-FODMAP foods (foods to eat).

You can also download the Monash University FODMAP app for a complete list and an invaluable resource when following the diet.

Below is a sampling from each food category.

High-FODMAP Foods (to Limit or Avoid)

• Artichoke
• Asparagus
• Cauliflower
• Garlic
• Apples
• Blackberries
• Cherries
• Mango
• Nectarines
• Pears
• Watermelon
• Cow’s milk
• Soy milk
• Yogurt
• Beans
• Lentils
• Wheat
• Pasta
• Rye
• Barley
• Honey
• Cashews
• Pistachios

Low-FODMAP Foods (to Eat)

• Eggplant
• Green beans
• Bok choy
• Bell pepper
• Carrots
• Cucumber
• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Grapes
• Kiwi
• Orange
• Banana
• Pineapple
• Strawberries
• Almond milk
• Brie cheese
• Feta cheese
• Hard cheeses
• Eggs
• Firm tofu
• Plain cooked meats (not marinated)
• Fish and seafood
• Popcorn
• Oats and oatmeal
• Sourdough bread and sourdough spelt bread
• Dark chocolate
• Peanuts and peanut butter (go for natural, without added sugars)
• Olives

Bacon

, maple syrup, table sugar, potato chips, and mayonnaise

are also allowed, though these foods aren’t the healthiest choices.

Moderate-FODMAP Foods (to Limit)

On a FODMAP diet, you can eat the following, depending on the portion size:

• Avocado: A portion that is 1/8 a single fruit is low-FODMAP.
• Sweet potato: A ½ cup portion is low-FODMAP.
• Broccoli: A ¾ cup serving of florets is low-FODMAP.
• Cabbage: A ¾ cup serving is low-FODMAP.
• Canned pumpkin: A 1/3 cup serving is low-FODMAP.

A 7-Day Sample Menu for a Low-FODMAP Diet

It can be tough to get started with a low-FODMAP diet, but here are ideas for the meals, snacks, and desserts you’ll eat:

Day 1

Breakfast Oatmeal with blueberries and walnuts

Lunch Salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, and feta

Snack Small berry smoothie

Dinner Homemade pork fried rice

Dessert Lactose-free frozen yogurt

Day 2

Breakfast Omelet with spinach and feta

Lunch Gluten-free margherita pizza

Snack Crunchy chickpeas (¼ cup)

Dinner Salmon-avocado sushi

Dessert Raspberry sorbet

Day 3

Breakfast Rice cake with peanut butter and mashed raspberries

Lunch Bean-free veggie soup with gluten-free crackers

Snack Walnuts

Dinner Fish tacos on corn tortillas

Dessert Sliced pineapple

Day 4

Breakfast Overnight oats with bananas and macadamia nuts

Lunch Beef vegetable soup

Snack Carrot sticks and peanut butter

Dinner Gluten-free spaghetti Bolognese

Dessert Gluten-free blueberry crumble bar

Day 5

Breakfast Scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese and red bell peppers

Lunch Chili (made with canned lentils instead of beans)

Snack Orange and sunflower seeds

Dinner Beef stew

Dessert A square of 80 percent cacao dark chocolate

Day 6

Breakfast Shakshuka (poached eggs in a tomato sauce)

Lunch Tuna salad over greens

Snack Gluten-free crackers and cheddar cheese

Dinner Pork tenderloin with zucchini

Dessert Sliced strawberries

Day 7

Breakfast Two hard-boiled eggs with cantaloupe

Lunch Quinoa salad with chicken, zucchini, and radishes

Snack Popcorn

Dinner Eggplant Parmesan made with gluten-free breading

Dessert Chocolate sorbet

Benefits of the Low-FODMAP Diet

Once you’ve removed the offending foods from your diet, you may be surprised at the near-immediate change. “As a clinician who has implemented this diet in many people with IBS, the most rewarding experience is that most people will feel better in just a few days,” says Scarlata.

Neha Shah, MPH, RD, a digestive health nutrition expert at Stanford Health Care in San Francisco, tells her patients with IBS that it can take up to two to six weeks to feel better.

“What we’re looking for is less abdominal pain, and less gas and bloating,” she says. It’s possible you can still have symptoms after a low-FODMAP diet. In that case, an evaluation by a registered dietitian can pinpoint potential snags, like hidden FODMAPs or excess consumption of low- or moderate-FODMAP foods, which can also potentially trigger symptoms.

Who Should Avoid a Low-FODMAP Diet?

There are several concerns regarding the low-FODMAP diet, including if it provides adequate nutrition, the cost associated with it, and how tough it can be to learn how to implement it in your life, as it is not an intuitive diet (many high-FODMAP foods are healthy), notes an analysis published in the journal Nutrients in January 2020.

These problems come to a head when people attempt to try a low-FODMAP diet on their own without professional guidance. A later study that was published in August 2020, also in the journal Nutrients, involved 73 patients with IBS who followed a low-FODMAP diet for two months and concluded that the diet was able to improve symptoms while providing adequate nutrients.

Still, “The low-FODMAP diet is science-based for those with IBS. It’s not recommended for everyone in the general public. Most FODMAP-containing foods are healthy, and there is no need to remove them from your diet if they do not exacerbate GI distress,” says Scarlata. Doing so could needlessly increase the risk for nutrient deficiencies. What’s more, going low-FODMAP is not necessary for everyone with IBS, she says.

If you have disordered eating habits, have a history of an eating disorder, or are underweight, a low-FODMAP diet can be too restrictive for you, triggering further restriction, says Scarlata. “In this case, other IBS treatments, such as enteric peppermint oil, probiotics, or gut-directed hypnosis could be alternatives to diet-based treatments,” she says. Work with your healthcare team to find out whether these options may benefit you.

Scarlata also points out that in some cases (like if you have existing dietary restrictions, have IBS and are pregnant, or have a hard time complying with the diet), your healthcare provider may recommend a “FODMAP-gentle” diet. According to a review published in March 2019 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, this diet involves restricting only foods very high in FODMAPs, like onions, wheat, milk, apples, and legumes.

“This is simply a more liberal and flexible application of the low-FODMAP diet,” says Scarlata.

How Do You Start a Low-FODMAP Diet?

The low-FODMAP diet is a three-phase diet. Because the foods removed are not easily identified and it begins as an elimination diet, you’d be prudent to lean on a registered dietitian for guidance, says Shah. Below is the protocol that she uses for patients at the clinic:

Phase 1: Elimination

Pick a start date and remove all high-FODMAP foods from the diet. This is where it’s critical to have a registered dietitian working with you, as they can provide guidance on appropriate food substitutions. “To be successful, it’s important to understand how to eliminate FODMAPs in different life scenarios — at work, traveling, at home — and learn how to find substitutions in each environment,” says Shah.

Extra credit for planning ahead and getting low-FODMAP foods in your kitchen and removing high-FODMAP foods. This lasts for two to four weeks.

Phase 2: Reintroduction

The main goal with phase 2 is to identify your food triggers, says Shah. While there’s no clear-cut method on how to reintroduce foods, she says that often the recommended step is to reintroduce each FODMAP at a time with a select list of foods. So reintroducing lactose may involve drinking 1 cup of cow’s milk, and watching how your body reacts. Reintroducing fructose may be ½ cup of watermelon.

During this time, you’ll continue to follow a low-FODMAP diet so that you can identify what triggers symptoms. Keep a food journal handy, either by using an app on your smartphone or an old-school paper notebook, to track your symptoms. This phase lasts six to eight weeks.

Phase 3: Personalization

“We continue to expand the low-FODMAP diet by eating FODMAPs that are tolerated well and eliminating those that are bothersome,” says Shah. She notes that it’s unlikely any one food needs to be completely avoided. Generally bothersome foods may not be eaten daily or may only be eaten in a small amount, as tolerance often depends on the dose.

One important thing to keep in mind throughout is that you don’t have to be perfect. “The goal isn’t to have a FODMAP-free diet, but rather to reduce FODMAPs in the diet to modify GI symptoms,” says Scarlata. “Added stress with diet changes can impact gut symptoms on its own, and that’s not the goal here,” she says.

5 Low-FODMAP Recipes to Try

1. Oat and Banana Pancakes

It can feel like a learning curve to make your favorites FODMAP friendly, but this pancake recipe, featuring oats, oat bran, rice flour, and unripe bananas will help you learn the necessary substitutions.

Get the recipe from Monash University.

2. Low-FODMAP Roasted Chicken With Maple and Rosemary

This juicy roasted chicken features a low-FODMAP marinade made from lemon juice, oil, maple syrup, and herbs.

Get the recipe from Rachel Pauls Food.

3. Low FODMAP Turkey Chili With Sweet Potato and Lentils

This chili gets its heartiness from sweet potatoes, ground turkey, lentils, and leeks, and its warm-you-up flavor from a low-FODMAP taco seasoning and cinnamon, making it perfect for a chilly day.

Get the recipe from Fun Without FODMAPs.

4. Parsnip Chowder With Crispy Sage (Low FODMAP)

This is one of the most delightfully creamy soups you’ll eat all year. Potatoes and parsnips serve as the base, while coconut milk thickens the soup, and sage leaves makes each bowl beautifully fragrant. To make the recipe more low-FODMAP-friendly, skip the garlic.

Get the recipe from Feed Me Phoebe.

5. Low-FODMAP Pork Loin Roast With Herb Rice Stuffing

When you need a recipe for a dinner party (or just want leftovers for later in the week), this pork loin roast is a winner. Serve it up with the pumpkin seed–studded risotto, and you have a restaurant-worthy dish.

Get the recipe from A Little Bit Yummy.

Best Blogs and Books That Can Help You Follow a Low FODMAP Diet

Monash University The Low FODMAP Diet

The site and accompanying app are well laid out and extremely informative in guiding you through the diet and helping to identify low-, moderate-, and high-FODMAP foods. Everyone on this diet needs to have this resource in their back pocket.

A Little Bit Yummy

Not only will you find low-FODMAP recipes, but also e-courses, entire meal plans, and added support (for example: how to “FOD-ify” your existing favorite recipes) to find success on the plan.

The Low-FODMAP Diet Step by Step

This book, by Kate Scarlata, RDN, and Dede Wilson, is packed with delicious recipes (more than 130) to help you successfully execute the diet throughout its three phases.

The Low-FODMAP Diet for Beginners

A No 1. bestseller in its category, this guide by Mollie Tunitsky teaches you how to shop appropriately, find the recipe depending on your dietary needs, like vegetarian, pescatarian, and more.

The Flexible FODMAP Diet Cookbook

By Karen Frazier, this resource packs in a variety of meal plans, plus a bevy of recipes for every meal, snack, side, and dessert.

5 Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers) About the Low-FODMAP Diet

Q: Do you lose weight on the FODMAP diet?

A: No. The low-FODMAP diet is not a weight loss diet. It’s a diet that helps people with IBS limit or avoid GI discomfort that can accompany eating.

Q: What foods have fructans?

A: Wheat, onion, and garlic are foods that contain fructans, or inulin, according to Stanford Health Care.

Q: Why is a FODMAP diet low?

A: The “low” in a low-FODMAP diet refers to the specific foods that contain low amounts of certain carbohydrates in foods that may be difficult to digest, and can trigger GI symptoms in IBS patients.

Q: What is FODMAPs intolerance?

A: This may refer to someone who has IBS who finds that eating high-FODMAP foods or larger amounts of moderate-FODMAP foods sets off GI symptoms like gas, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation.

Q: What kind of bread can I eat on a FODMAP diet?

A: Low-FODMAP breads include millet bread, corn bread, sourdough bread, sourdough spelt bread, and gluten-free white bread. Work with a registered dietitian for help on identifying more low-FODMAP foods.

A Final Word: Should You Try a FODMAP Diet?

If you’ve been diagnosed with IBS and your healthcare provider recommends a low-FODMAP diet, there is a good chance that this elimination diet can help improve if not resolve GI symptoms to increase your comfort and quality of life.

People with active eating disorders, however, should avoid a low-FODMAP diet.

In some cases, a “FODMAP-gentle” diet may be helpful. This plan restricts only very-high-FODMAP foods.

Following a low-FODMAP diet involves limiting or avoiding foods that are high in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which includes legumes; gluten-containing grains; high-lactose dairy; some fruits, like apples and stone fruit; vegetables such as cauliflower and mushrooms; and certain sweeteners, like honey.

After following the three-step elimination diet protocol, you may see a notable reduction in GI symptoms in two to six weeks, though some people report feeling better within days.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic.
• FODMAPs and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Monash University.
• Try a FODMAPS Diet to Manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Harvard Health Publishing. September 17, 2019.
• High and Low FODMAP Foods. Monash University.
• Get the App. Monash University.
• Halmos EP, Gibson PR. Controversies and Reality of the FODMAP Diet for Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. March 2019.
• Low FODMAP Diet. Stanford Health Care.
• Van Lanen AS, De Bree A, Greyling A. Efficacy of a Low-FODMAP Diet in Adult Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. European Journal of Nutrition. February 14, 2021.
• German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer). Monash University.
• Bellini M, Tonarelli S, Nagy AG, et al. Low FODMAP Diet: Evidence, Doubts, and Hopes. Nutrients. January 4, 2020.
• Bellini M, Tonarelli S, Barracca F, et al. A Low-FODMAP Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Some Answers to the Doubts from a Long-Term Follow-Up. Nutrients. August 7, 2020.
• Halmos EP, Gibson PR. Controversies and Reality of the FODMAP Diet for Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. March 8, 2019.

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Methods of treatment and prevention of coronary heart disease: tips and tricks

Contents

• 1 Methods of treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease: effective means of combating pathology
  • 1.1 What is coronary artery disease: main causes and symptoms : proper nutrition and physical activity
    • 1.2.1 Proper nutrition
    • 1.2.2 Physical activity
    • 1.2.3 Regular medical examinations
    • 1.2.4 Avoid bad habits
  • 1.3 Modern medicines for CHD
  • 1.4 What is the danger of CHD: possible complications and consequences
  • 1.5 Methods of treatment of CHD in modern medicine
    • 1.5.1 Conservative methods of treatment of CHD

    9 0005 1.5.2 Radical treatments for IHD

  • 1.6 Treatments for CAD: arterial revascularization and stenting
    • 1. 6.1 Arterial revascularization
    • 1.6.2 Stenting
  • 1.7 Transmyocardial pacing: a new treatment for CAD
  • 1.8 Management of CAD in the elderly and complicated patients: what you need to know
    • 1.8.1 Symptoms of CAD in the elderly
    • 1.8.2 Treatment of CAD in the elderly 9 0008
    • 1.8 .3 Features of the treatment of coronary artery disease in complicated patients
  • 1.9 Treatment of atherosclerosis obliterans: effective procedures
    • 1.9.1 Vascular surgery
    • 1.9.2 Drug therapy
    • 1.9.3 Comprehensive approach
  • 1.10 Rehabilitation after myocardial infarction: recommendations for patients
  • 1.11 Trendy treatments for coronary artery disease: truth and myths
  • 1.12 Related videos:

  9000 5 1.13 Q&A:

  • • 1.13 .0.1 What treatments for coronary artery disease are recommended by doctors?
    • 1.13.0.2 What measures to prevent coronary artery disease will help reduce the risk of developing the disease?
    • 1. 13.0.3 Is a healthy diet important in the treatment of CAD?
    • 1.13.0.4 What medications are most commonly used in the treatment of IHD?
    • 1.13.0.5 What are the advantages of surgical treatment of coronary artery disease?
    • 1.13.0.6 How important is regular medical check-ups to prevent CHD?

Find out about CHD treatment and prevention. Read the article and gain useful knowledge to improve your health.

Ischemic heart disease, or CAD, is a common heart disease that can lead to serious complications, including myocardial infarction and heart failure. In this regard, it is necessary to know the methods of treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease to maintain the health of your heart.

There are many ways to treat CAD, from widening narrowed arteries to controlling blood pressure. However, the most effective method is a lifestyle treatment that includes regular exercise and a healthy diet. Our recommendations include specific tips for a healthy lifestyle that can help you prevent and treat CHD.

According to the World Health Organization, coronary heart disease is one of the most common causes of death on the planet. However, many cases of CAD can be prevented by making changes to your lifestyle.

What is coronary heart disease: main causes and symptoms

Coronary artery disease (CHD) is a heart disease in which partial or complete narrowing of the lumen occurs in the coronary arteries, which leads to impaired blood supply to the heart muscle.

IHD symptoms may include: 1) burning behind the sternum, pressing pain, feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest, 2) pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, left shoulder or arm, 3) palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, 4) general malaise and fatigue. Symptoms may only appear during exercise or stressful situations, and may also appear at rest.

If you suspect coronary artery disease, be sure to see a doctor. Your health is in your hands.

IHD prevention methods: proper nutrition and physical activity

Proper nutrition

Proper nutrition is one of the most important methods of IHD prevention. All essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients must be present in the human diet. You should stop eating fatty and fried foods, which increase the level of cholesterol in the blood. Instead, it is better to eat fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, low-fat meat and fish dishes.

Physical activity

Regular physical activity is one of the main methods of prevention of coronary artery disease. Exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves blood circulation, increases stamina and reduces the risk of coronary artery disease and other diseases. The ideal option is to exercise 2-3 times a week, but even simple exercises such as walking, yoga at home or simple physical exercises can significantly improve health.

Regular medical examinations

It is important to have regular medical check-ups and check your blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels. This will help to timely identify the initial signs of coronary artery disease and prevent its progression.

Avoid bad habits

Smoking and alcohol consumption adversely affect human health and can lead to serious illnesses, including coronary artery disease. Therefore, you should avoid bad habits and get used to healthy lifestyles to prevent the development of diseases.

Modern drugs for coronary artery disease

Antiplatelet agents are drugs that help prevent platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots in blood vessels. Such drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine and their analogues.

Beta-blockers – drugs that reduce the need for oxygen in the heart muscle, increase the contractile function of the heart, reduce heart rate and myocardial tone. These drugs include metoprolol, otenolol, nadolol and others.

Nitrates are drugs that dilate blood vessels, improve blood supply to the heart muscle, and reduce the need for oxygen. These drugs include nitroglycerin, isosorbide-5-mononitrate, isosorbide-dinitrate and others.

ACE inhibitors are medicines that lower blood pressure, reduce vascular resistance, improve left ventricular function, and improve large artery patency. These drugs include lisinopril, ramipril, enalapril and others.

statins are drugs that lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the amount of fatty deposits on the inside of arteries. These drugs include atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and others.

proantanginal drugs are drugs that increase blood flow to the heart muscle, decrease the workload on the heart, lower blood pressure, and slow the heart rate. Such drugs include verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine and others.

When prescribing any medication, be sure to consult a qualified cardiologist and follow all his recommendations.

Why IHD is dangerous: possible complications and consequences

Ischemic heart disease is a serious disease that can lead to many complications. One of the most terrible consequences is a myocardial infarction. It develops due to insufficient blood flow in the heart and can lead to irreparable consequences.

IHD can lead to systemic disease of the cardiovascular system and damage to most internal organs. This can lead to ischemic stroke, high blood pressure, or even heart failure.

It is important to know that CAD can be disabling. If you do not start treatment on time, your body will slowly break down and it will be impossible to stop the process. Therefore, timely diagnosis is important and methods of treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease begin at the earliest stages of the disease.

IHD treatment methods in modern medicine

Ischemic heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common diseases of the cardiovascular system. Treatment of coronary artery disease can be conservative or radical, depending on the degree of development of the disease and its criticality for the patient’s life.

Non-surgical treatments for coronary artery disease

Non-surgical treatments for coronary artery disease include lifestyle changes, medication, and regular follow-up with a physician. For lifestyle changes, the patient may be advised to exercise, diet, and stop smoking. Medications to lower cholesterol levels, reduce pressure, and control the gastrointestinal tract may also be prescribed by a doctor. Regular follow-up with a doctor is necessary to monitor the dynamics of the disease and adjust treatment.

Radical treatments for coronary heart disease

Radical treatments for coronary artery disease are used in cases of severe forms of the disease, when conservative methods are ineffective. Such methods are angioplasty, bypass surgery, as well as coronary bypass surgery.

• Angioplasty. This method consists in expanding the narrowed portion of the vessel with a valve, internal pump or balloon, which is inflated inside the vessel. Angioplasty is used for partial blockage of the coronary arteries.
• Bypass. This method consists of transplanting a vessel that bypasses the narrowed section of the coronary artery, thereby providing sufficient blood flow to the heart. As a result of this method, the patient’s quality of life improves and his survival increases.
• Coronary artery bypass. This method consists in the rehabilitation of the area of ​​the heart that has suffered from coronary artery disease. Coronary artery bypass surgery is used to block the coronary arteries and provide sufficient blood flow to the heart.

Procedures to help with coronary heart disease: arterial revascularization and stenting

Arterial revascularization

Arterial revascularization is a procedure to restore blood flow in damaged arteries of the heart. It can be performed using transmyocardial laser revascularization or balloon angioplasty.

Balloon angioplasty is a procedure in which a balloon is lifted through a thin catheter to inflate inside the damaged artery and expand it to the desired diameter.

These procedures are usually performed in a hospital, under local anesthesia. They can significantly improve the patient’s condition and reduce the likelihood of myocardial infarction.

Stenting

Stenting is a procedure in which a thin metal stent is placed in an injured artery in the heart. This happens through a catheter that is inserted into a patient’s vein in the arm or leg and travels through the heart to the damaged artery.

There are different types of stents, but they are usually in the form of a tube or mesh to help keep the channel open inside the artery and prevent it from closing off. Stents can be used in combination with balloon angioplasty for best results.

This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and most patients can leave the hospital a few days after. Stenting may reduce the chance of recurrence of CAD and prevent myocardial infarction.

Transmyocardial pacing: a new treatment for CHD

Transmyocardial pacing (TMS) is a new treatment for coronary artery disease (CHD) that is used when other therapies are no longer effective.

The principle of the method is that an electrode is inserted through the chest wall into the heart muscle, which stimulates the work of the heart. This method allows you to increase the amount of blood entering the heart and increase the efficiency of the myocardium.

TMS can also help relieve pain in the heart area and reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease complications. Transmyocardial stimulation of the myocardium requires a certain set of equipment and highly qualified specialists.

Although TMS is a relatively new treatment for coronary artery disease, it has already proven to be effective and is available to patients in some medical centers. However, the decision to use this method of therapy should be made only after consultation with and under the supervision of a qualified cardiologist.

Management of CHD in the Elderly and Complicated Patients: What You Need to Know

Symptoms of CHD in the Elderly Patients

In older patients, CHD may not be as obvious as in younger patients. Often, older people do not experience typical chest pain, but complain of shortness of breath, increased fatigue, and weakness. In this case, the heartbeat may not increase. Such symptoms can lead to the fact that CAD in elderly patients will be diagnosed at a late stage.

Treatment of CAD in the elderly

Treatment of CAD in the elderly may be difficult due to the presence of other diseases and pathologies. Often elderly patients have a complicated cardiac status, so treatment should be individualized and aimed at eliminating specific problems.

1. The main treatment for coronary heart disease in elderly patients are drugs aimed at improving blood flow in the heart and reducing pain.
2. It is also important to control and lower cholesterol levels, which may require the use of statins.
3. Exercise and diet can help reduce the risk of CHD in the future and improve the general condition of older patients.

Treatment considerations for CAD in complicated patients

Patients with complicated cardiac status may have arrhythmias, coronary artery occlusions, or weak heart muscle. In this case, treatment should be aimed at improving blood supply and increasing the contractility of the heart muscle.

• Improving blood flow in the heart can be achieved with calcium blockers and nitrates.
• Antiarrhythmic drugs may be used for abnormal heart rhythms.
• If the heart muscle is weak, ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers may be required.

Treatment of obliterating atherosclerosis: effective procedures

Vascular surgery

One of the main methods of treatment of obliterating atherosclerosis is vascular surgery. It allows you to restore blood flow in the affected arteries and venous beds. Doctors can use various technologies to restore blood flow: from distal proximal resection to intraligamentous angioplasty and endarterectomy.

Depending on the location of the vascular lesion and the severity of the disease, the doctor may recommend an operation using balloon angioplasty or stenting.

Drug therapy

Various groups of drugs are used to treat atherosclerosis obliterans: antithrombotics, statins, and vasodilators. Antithrombotics are designed to prevent blood clots and improve blood flow. Statins are used to lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent plaque buildup on artery walls. Vasodilators help dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow.

Comprehensive approach

For effective treatment of atherosclerosis obliterans, it is important to use an integrated approach that includes not only drug therapy and vascular surgery, but also lifestyle changes. Patients are advised to avoid smoking, exercise moderately and monitor their weight. It is also important to eat right and take the medications prescribed by your doctor.

Rehabilitation after myocardial infarction: recommendations for patients

Myocardial infarction is a serious heart disease requiring long-term treatment and rehabilitation. Recovery after myocardial infarction is necessary to restore heart function and reduce the risk of recurrent complications.

The main tasks of rehabilitation are the restoration of physical activity, control of blood pressure, normalization of blood fat levels, weight loss and stress control. An important place in rehabilitation is also occupied by psychological assistance to relieve psychological problems caused by myocardial infarction.

• Physical activity. After myocardial infarction, it is necessary to gradually increase physical activity. You can start with walks in the fresh air, then add exercises to strengthen the cardiovascular system.
• Diet. It is necessary to limit the intake of fats, salt and carbohydrates. Try to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products.
• Smoking cessation. Smoking is one of the main risk factors for the development of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Following these simple rules will help you return to a fulfilling life and prevent future complications.

Fashionable treatments for coronary artery disease: truth and myths

Ischemic heart disease is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. It occurs due to narrowing or blockage of the arteries that carry blood to the heart. There are various treatments for coronary heart disease, but many of them do not have scientific validity and are more myth than truth.

Treatments for coronary artery disease not supported by scientific research:

• Use of a hyperbaric chamber;
• Hydrogen peroxide infusion;
• Treatment of blood with ultraviolet light;
• Work with patients in areas with mud of volcanic origin.

All of these methods may have only temporary relief of the symptoms of coronary heart disease, but they are not able to cure the disease and are not supported by clinical studies.

Real methods of treating coronary artery disease:

• The use of drugs. Among them, the most effective are antiplatelet agents, antiplatelet drugs, beta-blockers and nitrates.
• Surgical methods of treatment of IHD. They are used in cases where conservative therapy is ineffective. Such methods include angioplasty, arterial bypass, and transmyocardial revascularization.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, not smoking, regular exercise, and weight control.

A properly selected complex of treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease, based on effective and evidence-based methods, significantly improves the quality of life of patients with this disease and increases their duration.

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Q&A:

What treatments for IHD are recommended by doctors?

Depending on the severity of the disease, doctors may prescribe medications and recommend surgical correction of vascular pathology. An important additional step in treatment is the control of risk factors such as smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc.

What measures to prevent coronary artery disease will help reduce the risk of developing the disease?

Important measures to prevent coronary artery disease include lowering cholesterol and smoking, reducing stress and increasing physical activity, and managing diabetes. It is also important to have regular medical check-ups, including checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Is a healthy diet important in the treatment of CHD?

Yes, a healthy diet is of great importance in the treatment of coronary artery disease. It is recommended to reduce the consumption of fatty and sugary foods, increase the amount of vegetables, fruits and cereals in the diet. It is also important to eat small portions of food and not overeat.

What medications are most commonly used in the treatment of IHD?

In the treatment of coronary artery disease, drugs are most often used that improve vascular patency, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and also reduce the risk of thrombosis. These include beta-blockers, antiplatelet agents, statins, ACE inhibitors, and others.

What are the advantages of surgical treatment of coronary artery disease?

Surgery for diseases such as angina pectoris or myocardial infarction may be successful if medical treatment does not help or is not effective. One of the most effective methods is shunting – the surgical correction of vascular pathology by creating a bypass for blood.

How important is regular medical check-ups to prevent CHD?

Regular medical examinations are an important element in the prevention of coronary artery disease. Conducting examinations allows you to identify violations in the work of the body and begin their treatment at the first stages of the development of the disease. Also, during the examination, you can identify the presence of risk factors and start monitoring them.

Treatment of coronary heart disease (ischemia) in a sanatorium in Kislovodsk

The main causes of death are vascular accidents, myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest as a result of coronary heart disease (CHD). A huge role in the prevention of dangerous conditions and rehabilitation is given to sanatorium treatment, which helps to recover faster after a heart attack and several times reduces the likelihood of its development.

Treatment of coronary heart disease in a sanatorium is to minimize the negative factors that cause this disease. The following individuals are at risk for CVD:

• people over forty;
• overweight;
• suffering from hypertension;
• leading a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle;
• under constant stress;
• people with close relatives who have had myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke.

Not every sanatorium for the treatment of IHD in the Stavropol Territory has modern diagnostic equipment and a powerful medical base, which is represented in Victoria. That is why numerous patients come to our health resort every year for quality medical services and protection against ischemia. Among the reasons why people come to treat coronary heart disease are the following:

• daily monitoring of the patient’s condition by the attending cardiologist, therapist and other specialists;
• individual treatment programs, taking into account the severity of the disease, the presence of concomitant pathologies and contraindications;
• unique procedures that improve the condition of not only the myocardium, but also the body as a whole;
• the latest diagnostic equipment that can detect minimal deviations from normal indicators and calculate possible risks;
• highly qualified specialists who have returned to a full life more than one hundred patients with heart disease;
• favorable climatic conditions, which are one of the most important factors in treatment;
• excellent infrastructure of the sanatorium, which plays an important role for a speedy recovery.

Methods of treatment

Treatment of cardiac ischemia in Kislovodsk, in the sanatorium “Victoria”, is carried out in a complex, using various therapeutic methods:

• Taking narzan, iodine-bromine, turpentine, foam-licorice, coniferous-pearl baths, SUV, which have a calming and relaxing effect on the body.
• Sessions of contrast showers, in which the alternation of warm and cold water increases the tone of the cardiovascular system and stimulates the contractile activity of the heart.
• Physical therapy classes (health path, therapeutic swimming in a pool with natural mineral water, exercises on rehabilitation simulators, etc.), during which blood circulation, the work of the respiratory system, and the heart muscle are normalized.
• Physiotherapeutic procedures (microwave, magnetotherapy, electrotherapy) aimed at restoring the myocardium and general strengthening of the body.
• Psychological rehabilitation, helping the patient to tune in to recovery and recharge with optimism.