Call for an appointment today!
908.818.0129
Convenient Locations in Flemington and Somerville
Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Digestive Health Specialists – Flemington, NJHunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Digestive Health Specialists – Flemington, NJHunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Digestive Health Specialists – Flemington, NJHunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Digestive Health Specialists – Flemington, NJ
  • Services
    • Digestive Health
      • Upper GI
      • Lower GI
      • Hemorrhoids
      • Bowel Control/ Fecal Incontinence
      • FAQs
    • Liver Disease Program
      • Hepatitis Care
      • Liver Function Testing
      • Alcohol-related Liver Disease
      • Liver Cancer
      • FAQs
    • Colon Cancer Prevention & Detection
      • Minimize Your Risk
      • Risk factors
      • Symptoms
      • FAQs
  • Education
    • Barretts
    • Celiac Disease
    • Colon Cancer Prevention
    • Crohn’s Disease
    • Digestive Health
    • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
    • Hemorrhoids
    • Hepatitis C
    • Pancreatic Cancer
    • Primary Biliary Cholangitis
  • Patient Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Insurance Information
    • Procedure Instructions
    • Preparation Instructions
    • FAQs
    • Newsletter
  • Hunterdon Endosurgery Center
    • Procedures
    • Procedure Instructions
    • Preparation Instructions
  • About Us
    • Our Doctors
    • Our Staff
    • Success Stories
    • Careers
    • Blog
    • Privacy policy
  • Contact
  • Online Bill Pay
    • Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates
    • Hunterdon Endosurgery Center

February is National Heart Awareness Month: Healthy eating for your Digestive System and your Heart

    Home Digestion February is National Heart Awareness Month: Healthy eating for your Digestive System and your Heart
    NextPrevious

    February is National Heart Awareness Month: Healthy eating for your Digestive System and your Heart

    By Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Digestion, Heart Health | Comments are Closed | 1 February, 2020 | 0

    Research has shown that some of the same fiber-rich foods that are good for your gastrointestinal health are also good for you heart.

    Vegetables and Fruit

    Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale and collard greens, are known for their wealth of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. But did you know that they are also a great source of vitamin K!

    Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are full of important nutrients.  Berries are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which can protect against the oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to the development of heart disease. Also rich in fiber, berries are an excellent way to help control blood sugar (glucose) levels, avoid constipation, reduce some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, maintain a healthy body weight, and avert diverticular disease. So, make sure that you are including a serving of berries each day to help you reach the recommended daily fiber intake of 25-38g!

     

    Psyllium

    If you experience bowel irregularities, you may be relying on psyllium.  Psyllium is a type of soluble dietary fiber found in foods like breakfast cereal and as a supplement (e.g. Metamucil).  It is shown to improve stool frequency and consistency by absorbing water in the small intestine to help food pass through more easily.  But did you know that psyllium also can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels!

     

    Avocados

    Avocados are an excellent source of healthy monounsaturated fats which have been linked to reduced cholesterol.  But that’s not the only benefit!

    Avocados are rich in potassium, a nutrient that’s essential to heart health. In fact, just one avocado can supply 975 milligrams of potassium, or about 28% of the amount that you need in a day.

    What you might not know is, despite its creamy texture, an avocado is high in fiber with approximately 6-7 grams per half fruit. Eating foods with natural fiber, like avocados, can help prevent constipation, maintain a healthy digestive tract, and lower the risk of colon cancer while also keeping your heart healthy!

     

    Fatty Fish and Fish Oil

    Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which research indicates is great for your heart and digestion.   Fish oil supplements are another option for getting your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids.

    Omega-3 can help improve blood pressure and cholesterol while also improving your digestive tract.

     

    Walnuts

    Walnuts are a great source of fiber and micronutrients like magnesium, copper and manganese.

    Research shows that incorporating a few servings of walnuts in your diet can help protect against heart disease by helping to reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol.

    Besides heart health, walnuts are also beneficial for digestive health by increasing the amount of good probiotic-type bacteria in the gut. Walnuts act as a pre-biotic (promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms) to help grow and nourish the bacteria, further keeping the digestive system healthy.

    Beans

    Beans contain resistant starch.  Resistant starch can improve heart health by decreasing blood levels of triglycerides and cholesterol.

    Beans also contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, so they work double to keep your digestive system running smoothly. The first slows down digestion, which gives you that full feeling, and the second helps prevent constipation.

    Eating right and incorporating gut healthy foods can not only can aide in your digestion but also keep your heart healthy. If you have questions on how to keep your digestive system healthy, visit a doctor at Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates today and let us help make sure you are eating for optimal health! Give us a call at 908-483-4000

    Resources:

    Gi Society: https://badgut.org/information-centre/health-nutrition/diet-thats-good-for-the-gut-the-heart/

    Healthline: Putting your heart first. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/heart-healthy-foods

     

     

     

    No tags.

    Related Post

    • How an incorrect irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis caused needless suffering

      By Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Comments are Closed

      Jack’s Story Donna, Jack’s wife of 28 years, began experiencing severe stomach pain, so went to a specialist who told her she suffered from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). After several months with no relief, theRead more

    • How’s Your Digestive Health?

      How’s Your Digestive Health?

      By Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Comments are Closed

      A Healthy Digestive System is Essential to Our Overall Health Digestive health is one of the foundations of our overall health, and our digestive system is one of the most important systems of our body.Read more

    • Crohns Disease

      The Facts Behind Crohn’s Disease

      By Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Comments are Closed

      There are many types of gastrological diseases out there, but one of the most common is Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is a disease that involves inflammationRead more

    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

      Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

      By Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Comments are Closed

      Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be a very tough condition to live with. Every meal can become a chance at painful consequences. Living in fear of meals can be stressful, especially when you’re trying toRead more

    • What is GI Endoscopy?

      By Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Comments are Closed

      We know the thought of a gastrointestinal endoscopy procedure can be a little daunting and intimidating. There are many factors to consider, and many questions you may have. You may not be sure exactly howRead more

    • The Top 5 IBS Myths Debunked

      By Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Comments are Closed

      Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal condition. Yet many people are still misinformed of some of the most basic facts about IBS, and disregard it as an actualRead more

    • Healthiest Foods For Digestion

      By Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Comments are Closed

      Your digestive tract is a complex system that involves many stages to break down food into nutrients to be absorbed into the body. Your body isn’t supposed to have difficulty digesting, but with the added fatsRead more

    • Causes of Celiac Disease

      By Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Comments are Closed

      By definition, celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disorder in which the body creates antibodies to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Over time, as the body produces these antibodies, the liningRead more

    NextPrevious

    Why More Doctors Refer To Us

    • All physicians trained in American universities and Board-certified in Gastroenterology and Hepatology
    • Specially-trained liver specialist
    • The only endoscopic ultrasound physician in the area
    • Highly trained registered nurses (RN) and medical technicians
    • Convenient weekend and evening hours
    • AAAHC-accredited ambulatory care center
    • Leading-edge technology only available here
    • On-site phlebotomy (blood drawing), and pathology laboratory

    Flemington Office

    1100 Wescott Drive
    Suite 206 / 207
    Flemington, NJ 08822
    Phone: 908.483.4000
    Fax: 908.788.5090

    Directions

    Somerville Office

    135 West End Avenue
    Somerville, NJ 08876
    Phone: 908.483.4000
    Fax: 908.788.5090

    Directions

    FAQs

    • General FAQs
    • Colorectal Cancer FAQs
    • Digestive Health FAQs
    • Liver Disease FAQs

    Accreditation

    © 2016 Hunterdon Gastroenterology AssociatesFreshySites
    • Services
      • Digestive Health
        • Upper GI
        • Lower GI
        • Hemorrhoids
        • Bowel Control/ Fecal Incontinence
        • FAQs
      • Liver Disease Program
        • Hepatitis Care
        • Liver Function Testing
        • Alcohol-related Liver Disease
        • Liver Cancer
        • FAQs
      • Colon Cancer Prevention & Detection
        • Minimize Your Risk
        • Risk factors
        • Symptoms
        • FAQs
    • Education
      • Barretts
      • Celiac Disease
      • Colon Cancer Prevention
      • Crohn’s Disease
      • Digestive Health
      • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
      • Hemorrhoids
      • Hepatitis C
      • Pancreatic Cancer
      • Primary Biliary Cholangitis
    • Patient Resources
      • Patient Forms
      • Insurance Information
      • Procedure Instructions
      • Preparation Instructions
      • FAQs
      • Newsletter
    • Hunterdon Endosurgery Center
      • Procedures
      • Procedure Instructions
      • Preparation Instructions
    • About Us
      • Our Doctors
      • Our Staff
      • Success Stories
      • Careers
      • Blog
      • Privacy policy
    • Contact
    • Online Bill Pay
      • Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates
      • Hunterdon Endosurgery Center
    Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Digestive Health Specialists – Flemington, NJ