How Alcohol Affects Your Heart @ClevelandClinic -Cardiologist Leslie Cho, MD.
You likely know that drinking alcohol too often or to excess isn’t a good idea, health-wise. But when it comes to alcohol and heart health, you may have heard different sides. Is drinking all that bad for your heart? Can a glass of wine help reduce your risk of heart disease — or make it worse?
First things first: If you drink alcohol, you should do so in moderation to avoid alcohol-related heart issues. And you should never intentionally use alcohol to try to reduce your risk of heart disease.
To further explore the relationship between your ticker and your favorite glass of merlot or IPA, we chatted with cardiologist Leslie Cho, MD.
Ways alcohol can impact heart health
Here are some of the effects of alcohol on your heart:
Increased heart rate
One of the most important things your heart does is keep a rhythm. On average, a regular heart rate is about 60 to 100 beats per minute when your body is at rest. But alcohol can lead to your heart rate temporarily jumping up in speed, and if it goes over 100 beats per minute, it can cause a condition called tachycardia. Too many episodes of tachycardia could lead to more serious issues like heart failure or going into irregular rhythms, which can cause heart attack and stroke.
Raises blood pressure
That fourth drink at the bar may feel like it’s relaxing you, but it’s actually affecting your body differently than you might think. Alcohol can affect your blood pressure, causing it to go up temporarily. This is especially true when you engage in binge drinking (that’s defined as four or more drinks within two hours for women and people assigned female at birth, and five or more drinks within two hours for men and people assigned male at birth).
And sure, we’ve all had a night here or there where we’ve had one too many and we know it. But it’s important to make sure those nights of overindulgence are the exception and not the rule. If you’re not sure, make a note to tune into how much you’re having over the course of the next month or so. If it’s more than recommended, try to consciously pace your drinking to help reduce the spike in your blood pressure that excessive alcohol causes.
And if you have a history of high blood pressure, it’s best to avoid alcohol completely or drink only occasionally, and in moderation.
Irregular heartbeat
Whether it’s a glass of red wine with your turkey or toasting champagne for the new year, alcohol definitely becomes more present during the holiday season. And while enjoying celebratory spirits in moderation is alright for most people, it’s important to be aware you can fall victim to holiday heart syndrome if you overdo it. This is when overeating and overindulging in alcohol lead to an irregular heartbeat.
Holiday heart syndrome can happen if you don’t typically drink alcohol, but then have a few at a holiday party or if you binge drink. This can cause you to develop an irregular heartbeat, called atrial fibrillation, which can increase your risk of stroke, heart attack and heart failure.
Prolonged drinking can cause alcoholic cardiomyopathy
The short-term effects of alcohol (headache, nausea, you know the rest) are easy to pinpoint. But there are ways that alcohol affects your body over time that are important to understand. One of the long-term effects of alcohol on your heart is alcoholic cardiomyopathy. This is when your heart-pumping function gets weaker and your heart gets larger due to changes from heavy alcohol use over a long period of time.
OK, don’t panic. If you’re an occasional drinker, there’s no cause for worry. But it may be worthwhile learning about what counts as binge drinking and whether or not you may be drinking too much and don’t even know it.
Is some level of alcohol safe or beneficial?
It’s true, red wine is a better choice than hard liquor. But can a trip to the wine bar boost your heart health?
You should never consider wine or any other alcohol as a way to lower your heart disease risk. And, in fact, the study also showed that drinking one or fewer drinks per day was related to the lowest likelihood of dying from a stroke. However, Dr. Cho points out that more recent data shows that there may be no amount of alcohol that is truly safe. “The myth that wine is beneficial for heart health is no longer true,” she states.
“It’s not a good idea to start drinking alcohol in an effort to lower your risk of heart disease,” Dr. Cho continues. “It’s better not to drink any alcohol at all.”
The American Heart Association recommends the same.
Other factors to keep in mind
It’s also important to know that the ways in which alcohol affects your heart will vary from person to person, depending on your age and other conditions you may have.
Age
Let’s face it, a hangover in your mid-40s doesn’t feel the same as one in your early 20s. This is because your age plays a factor in how well you tolerate alcohol. While some people develop a tolerance to alcohol over time, this isn’t true for everyone — and this ability doesn’t last forever, Dr. Cho notes.
“As we get older, our ability to clear alcohol definitely decreases and our sensitivity to alcohol probably increases,” she explains. “Also as we get older, we end up having more diseases, so we could be on medicines that can interfere with the way our bodies metabolize alcohol.”
Other medical conditions
In many ways, your medical history (and present) can tell you a lot about your future with alcohol. That means, if you’re living with other medical conditions and/or taking certain medications, this will all have an impact on how alcohol affects you.
“Certain health conditions can make drinking alcohol more dangerous,” Dr. Cho says.
For example, some people who are on cholesterol-lowering medicines may experience muscle aches when they drink alcohol. Because alcohol and cholesterol medicine both are processed through your liver, they are, in a sense, competing for clearance. So, it’s important to think about your overall health and talk to a healthcare provider about your personal risk factors.
“Alcohol is made out of sugar,” Dr. Cho points out. “So, if you’re predisposed to diabetes or if high triglycerides are one of your issues, it’s not a good idea to drink alcohol.”
Dr. Cho also warns that if you have liver dysfunction or take other medicines that are processed through the liver, your risks might be different. Talk to your healthcare provider about how alcohol might interact with your prescription medicines.
The last thing you want is for that casual drink after work or glass of wine at dinner to negatively impact your heart health. There’s a way to have a healthy, balanced relationship with alcohol that lets you enjoy a drink occasionally and celebrate with friends and family. But your heart is an important organ that should also be cared for, so be sure to drink in moderation, learn about binge drinking and know what your body can (and can’t) tolerate before opening that tab.FACEBOOKTWITTERLINKEDINPINTERESTEmailalcoholalcohol and healthalcoholic beveragesbinge drinkingheart health
Tropical Fruits: Pineapple, Mango, Papaya deserve a place on your shopping list @HarvardHealth
Harvard Health
@HarvardHealth
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These tropical #fruits deserve a place on your shopping list at least once in a while. Try these suggestions when you’re craving something sweet for a snack or after dinner. https://bit.ly/3fUfqEq #HarvardHealth
Tropical fruits are those native to warm, tropical climates and include everyday favorites such as bananas and oranges. Here, we’re highlighting a few slightly more exotic choices that deserve a place on your shopping list at least once in a while. Try these suggestions when you’re craving something sweet for a snack or after dinner.
Pineapple. Sure, canned pineapple is convenient, but the flavor of a fresh pineapple is far more vibrant. Try pineapple chunks tossed with chopped fresh mint.
Mango. The pale orange, creamy flesh of ripe mango has a sweet, slightly spicy or pine-like flavor, according to some people. To serve, slice the mango close to the pit, then score the flesh crosswise, as shown above. If you like spicy food, sprinkle with a little chili powder.
Papaya. These large, pear-shaped fruits have reddish-orange flesh with a flavor akin to a melon with a faint floral quality. If you like, you can eat the black seeds, which have a peppery bite. Scoop the flesh out with a melon baller or spoon. A squeeze of fresh lime juice helps temper the sweetness.
Recipe: Caramelized Pineapple With Raspberries @ClevelandClinic
Cleveland Clinic
@ClevelandClinic
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This is a last-minute dessert that can be made post-dinner, while you brew the coffee and finish clearing the table
This is a last-minute dessert that can be made post-dinner, while you brew the coffee and finish clearing the table. Have ingredients and equipment ready beforehand — just be sure to turn the pineapple once and give the skillet a couple of shakes and voila! You’ll have a delightfully sweet dessert ready at your fingertips.
Ingredients
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup sugar substitute
1 pineapple, peeled, cored and sliced into six wedges lengthwise
Butter-flavored cooking spray, refrigerated
1 tablespoon trans-fat free margarine
2 tablespoons Cognac or fresh orange juice
1 cup fresh raspberries
Directions
- Combine the sugar and sugar substitute. Sprinkle half of the mixture over one side of the pineapple. Turn and sprinkle the rest on the other side.
- Lightly coat a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray. Add the margarine and melt over high heat. Place the pineapple in the skillet and cook, turning once and shaking the pan often, until it turns golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. (The pineapple can be prepared to this point and held for one hour.)
- Transfer the pineapple wedges to six dessert dishes, leaving the sauce that has formed in the pan.
- Stir the cognac into the pan to thin the sauce. Heat briefly. Drizzle the sauce over the pineapple and sprinkle with equal portions of the raspberries. Serve warm.
Nutritional information (per serving)
Makes 6 servings
Calories: 118
Total fat: 3 g
Protein: 0.1 g
Carbohydrate: 22 g
Dietary fiber: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 0 mg
Potassium: 122 mg
— Cleveland Clinic Healthy Heart Lifestyle Guide and Cookbook (© 2007 Broadway Books).
Looking to stabilize your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, reduce inflammation and feel full longer? Look no further than the delicious apple! @ClevelandClinic
@ClevelandClinic
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You go to the store to pick up some apples. Seems simple enough — until you’re faced with a dozen different varieties in the produce aisle. You want the healthiest apple, so which one will keep the doctor away?
Dietitian Mira Ilic, RD, LD, reveals the juicy details about this popular fruit.
Big difference in taste, not nutrition
Apples have slightly different nutrients depending on their type and color. For instance, Red Delicious apples have polyphenols that are exclusively found in dark red fruits. Polyphenols are plant compounds that may help prevent cancer, heart disease and other conditions.
But if the thought of biting into a Red Delicious isn’t appealing, don’t worry. Any apple you buy will deliver a punch of health-boosting nutrients.
“The nutritional differences among apple varieties are small,” says Ilic. “But the taste differences are big. Don’t choose an apple based on a small nutrient difference if you don’t like the taste.”
Choose fresh and local apples
Whatever apple variety you pick, make sure it’s fresh. Old apples aren’t as nutritious, don’t taste as good and could be rotten. “Choose a firm apple with no bruises,” says Ilic. “Look for bright color, keeping in mind that some apple varieties are naturally more colorful. Fresh apples usually have a nice aroma, too.”
Whenever possible, go with local apples. The less your apple had to travel, the more nutritious it is when it gets to you. July through October is prime apple season in the U.S. During these months, local apples are easy to find.
When you choose apples in the off-season, check the sticker for its country of origin. If your apple traveled a long distance, it probably lost some of its nutrition in transport. Try to choose apples that come from a nearby country. “We don’t have the option to eat local apples year-round,” Ilic says. “In the off-season, we have to get apples from other parts of the world. No matter where they come from, wash them thoroughly.”
You don’t need any chemicals or tools to wash your apples. Wash your hands first. Then wash your apple with running water. Gently scrub the skin with a cloth or brush.
Are organic apples healthier?
Some organic fruits may be slightly more nutritious than conventionally grown ones. But you don’t need to buy organic apples. They tend to cost more, which can be a downside if you’re sticking to a grocery budget.
“Growers use different growing practices for organic apples and while pesticides are used on conventionally grown apples, some organic growers may actually use pesticides approved for organic farming,” explains Ilic. “The government has guidelines about what pesticides growers can use. Both types are safe and nutritious. Just wash them well if you’re still concerned about pesticide residue or you can peel your apples, but you’ll lose some nutrients and fiber found in the skin.”
Have fun with apple sampling
With so many apple varieties, you’re bound to find one you like. Hold an apple sampling by picking a few different types. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, put them on a plate and label them. Have your family members try the different apples and choose their favorite.
An apple sampling can be a fun way to get kids to eat more apples, too. Kids often like having some control over the types of foods they eat.
All apples are amazing
Whether your favorite is a sour Granny Smith or a sweet Honeycrisp, you can’t go wrong with apples. “All apples are a good source of fiber, including pectin, which may help lower cholesterol,” Ilic says. “They also contain phytochemicals like polyphenols, which are antioxidants linked to multiple health benefits. Some studies have suggested that apples may also help reduce the risk of some cancers.”
Bottom line: An apple a day is a healthy habit, so don’t stress about picking the right one. “Eat the apples you like because they’re all healthy,” Ilic says.
apples fiber
Our best balance boosters #physiotherapy😉 @HarvardHealth
Harvard Health
Image: Jacob Ammentorp Lund/iStock
Many older adults focus on exercise and diet to stay healthy. But one of the worst offenders to health—poor balance—is often an afterthought. “I see a lot of older adults who are nonchalant about balance,” says Liz Moritz, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Unfortunately, imbalance is a common cause of falls, which send millions of people in the United States to emergency departments each year with broken hips and head injuries. But there are many things you can do to improve your balance. The strategies below are some of the most effective.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy for balance focuses on the ability of the joints and brain to communicate, the balance system in the ear (the vestibular system), and vision. “We coordinate all three with exercises such as standing on one foot, first with the eyes open, and then with the eyes closed. We also work on joint flexibility, walking, and lower-extremity exercises on one or two legs,” says Moritz. Other exercises that boost balance include chair stands (see “Move of the month”) and squats. Make sure you get training before attempting these exercises at home.
Muscle strengthening
“Core strength is very important for balance. If the abdominal muscles in your core are weak, they cannot support your limbs, especially when you’re walking. If the gluteal muscles in your buttocks and hips aren’t strong, they won’t be able to propel you forward,” says Moritz. Muscle strengthening can help. Moritz suggests starting with gentle core exercises like a pelvic tilt (lie on the floor with your knees bent up, then roll your pelvis up) and then moving to more intense exercises such as wall planks (stand six inches from a wall, keeping your body rigid, then lean forward with your forearms flat against the wall, and hold the position for 20 seconds). Leg lifts will strengthen the gluteal muscles, and adding resistance bands to leg lifts makes the exercise even more effective.
Tai chi and yoga
“Tai chi and yoga are exercises that make you pay attention to the control and quality of movement, rather than the quantity, which improves your balance,” says Moritz. In tai chi, you practice slow, flowing motions and shift your weight from one limb to another. Yoga incorporates a series of focused postures and breathing. Both exercises increase flexibility, range of motion, leg and core strength, and reflexes. The result: you become better at balancing in a number of different positions, which helps you avoid falling if you encounter uneven pavement or obstacles in your path.
Vision correction
“If you can’t see where you’re going, your fall risk goes up,” says Moritz. “A lot of people I treat for balance are here be-cause they tripped when they didn’t see something on the floor.” The fix may be as simple as a new eyeglasses prescription. Get a comprehensive, dilated eye exam every one or two years if you’re 65 or older, every one to three years if you’re age 55 to 64, and every two to four years if you’re 40 to 54. If you have an increased risk for other eye conditions, you may need an eye exam more often.
Assistive walking devices
A cane or a walker can complement your balance and give you more stability and confidence walking. But don’t buy a device on your own. “If it’s too high or too low, that can cause a fall. You need to get it measured, and you need training to learn how to use it,” says Moritz. Training takes just a few physical therapy sessions. Walkers are available with wheels intended for different terrain, lockable brakes, seats, baskets, and other features such as headlights. Canes are available with various handgrips and bases.
As you grow your practice, your comfortability with downward dog will also grow! @YogaWorks
YogaWorks
@YogaWorks
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Will you downward dog today? As you grow your practice, your comfortability with downward dog will also grow! It is a full body strengthener and stimulates blood circulation. Eventually, dogward dog becomes a resting pose to help reconnect with your breath. : @MiaTogo
Why Avocados Are a Healthy — and Delicious — Addition to Your Diet @ClevelandClinic
Cleveland Clinic
@ClevelandClinic
Avocados are jam-packed with nutrients and vitamins and can make a delicious, nutritious addition to your diet.
Millenials may get flak for being the “avocado toast generation,” but honestly, they may be onto something! Avocados are as nutritious as they are delicious, and they’re jam-packed with vitamins and nutrients.
Avocados include vitamins C, E, K1, B6 and folate, plus essential minerals like potassium and copper. They’re low in sugar, loaded with fiber and high in monosaturated fats, aka “good” fats. Oh, and did we mention that they taste great and they’re super versatile?!
Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, shares a few more good reasons to give these wrinkly green fruits a second look — plus, how to add them to your regular rotation.
Are avocados good for you?
“Avocados are a great addition to a healthy diet,” Zumpano confirms, “and there are hundreds of varieties to choose from, ranging from big to small and wrinkly to smooth.”
What they have in common: A big round pit, creamy green flesh and a whole lot of nutrients crammed into a handy, pear-shaped package.
Just don’t go overboard. Avocados are packed with nutrients, but they’re also packed with calories. A 50-gram portion — about a third of a medium-sized avocado — has about 75 calories. And an entire large avocado can add upward of 400 calories to your daily diet.
Like most things, Zumpano says, moderation is key. “As long as you’re paying attention to portion sizes, avocados are very healthy foods to include in your food repertoire.”
Benefits of avocados
Whether you’re adding a slice to a salad or sandwich or using them as an ingredient in a more complicated recipe, Zumpano says avocados have a lot going for them health-wise.
Here are some of the many nutrients and vitamins packed into just a single avocado:
High in ‘good’ fats
You might’ve heard that avocados are high in fat — and that’s true, but it doesn’t mean you should avoid them! A medium avocado has 22 grams of fat, which includes 15 grams of monounsaturated fats, aka “good” fats.
“Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which help lower your LDL, or ‘bad’ cholesterol,” Zumpano says. “Low LDL levels reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.”
The American Heart Association says most of the fats you eat should be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, confirming that avocados fit the bill as part of a healthy diet.
You can even swap avocado in for less-healthy fats in your home cooking. Here are some additional ways you can add this smooth, creamy fruit to your diet.
- Spread avocado on a sandwich in place of mayonnaise.
- Instead of dunking veggies into dips made with cheese or sour cream, try guacamole.
- Forego shredded cheese on your salad and add avocado slices instead.
- In baking recipes, replace butter or oil with mashed avocado, like in these chocolatey avocado brownie bites.
“If you use avocado to replace other fats, you can enjoy the flavor and nutrients and also cut down on saturated fats,” Zumpano says.
Lots of vitamins
Let’s talk vitamins: In simple terms, avocados have a lot of them! Here are the vitamins that are most abundant in avocados and what they do for your health:
- Vitamin K1, or phylloquinone, is important for blood clotting, which helps stop wounds from bleeding. It also plays a role in strengthening your bones. For most adults, the daily recommended amount of vitamin K ranges from 90 to120 micrograms. Half an avocado has about 21 mcg.
- Vitamin C, aka ascorbic acid, helps keep your immune system healthy. It also plays a role in the health of your tissues, blood vessels, bones and more. Depending on your age and sex, you need anywhere from 75 to 120 milligrams of vitamin C per day; half an avocado has about 10 mg.
- Vitamin E, or alpha-tocopherol, is a powerful antioxidant that prevents cell damage and helps maintain muscle function. Most adults only need 15 mg of vitamin C per day, and half an avocado will give you about 4 mg of it.
- Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, helps your body convert food into energy. You only need a small amount of vitamin B6 each day (just 1.2 to 2 mg, depending on your age and sex), but half an avocado has about .25 mg, putting you well on your way to that daily goal.
- Folateis a B vitamin that’s important for normal cell function and tissue growth. It helps your body form red blood cells and DNA, which is especially critical when you’re pregnant (but still important if you’re not). Half an avocado has about 20% of your daily recommended amount.
Low in sugar
Though most fruits are high in natural sugars, avocados rank very low on the sweetness scale. “A whole avocado has under 1.5 grams of sugar, while one medium apple, by comparison, has about 19 grams,” Zumpano points out. (Psst: It’s important to note that not all sugars are created equal! Fruit is still super-healthy.)
High in fiber
Avocados are a good source of fiber, which is a type of carbohydrate that your body can’t break down. You need both soluble and insoluble fiber — and lucky for you, avocados have both.
“Fiber can lower cholesterol and blood sugar, keep you regular and help you feel full and satisfied after a meal,” Zumpano states. Most adults need 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day, depending on your age and sex. Half an avocado provides about 7 grams.
Packed with potassium
Surprise! “Avocados actually contain more potassium than bananas,” Zumpano reveals. Half a large avocado provides about 485 mg of potassium, while a whole banana provides about 420 mg. (Most adults need 2,600 to 3,400 mg per day.)
This essential mineral is beneficial for blood pressure control and heart health. Low blood potassium can increase your blood pressure, raise your risk of kidney stones and even pull calcium out of your bones.
Increases your copper intake
Think past pennies: Copper is actually an essential trace mineral that your body needs in order to function correctly. Most Americans don’t get enough of it in their diets, but half an avocado will get you 20% of your daily recommended amount.
“Copper helps your body metabolize iron, and it plays a role in a healthy immune system and nervous system,” Zumpano explains.
Tips for enjoying avocados
“A perfectly ripe avocado is slightly firm but not rock-hard,” Zumpano says. “If it’s not ripe but you can’t wait to eat it, store it in a paper bag on the counter until it gives a little when you squeeze it.”
A ripe-but-not-too-ripe avocado is a time-limited treasure, so dive right in and get creative with your avocado creations, or embrace the millennial method and enjoy some avocado toast.
But if you need to store it for a couple of days, just be sure to keep it in the fridge — not submerged in water, as some TikTokkers recommend. Some people call it a “food hack,” but it can easily lead to foodborne illness.
“You can even freeze avocado slices if you’re worried you won’t use them in time,” Zumpano suggests. “Then, you can easily throw them into a smoothie.”
Among all fruits, #bananas are one of best sources of potassium, with about 450 milligrams (mg) per banana @HarvardHealth
Harvard Health @HarvardHealth·
Among all fruits, #bananas are one of best sources of potassium, with about 450 milligrams (mg) per banana. https://bit.ly/39sYzFj#HarvardHealth
Cherry blossoms are the national flower of Japan, representing a time of renewal and optimism. @StPatricks #mentalhealth 🌸 🌼 ♥️
St Patrick’s Mental Health Services
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The beautiful cherry blossom tree at our St Patrick’s University Hospital campus is in full bloom! 
Cherry blossoms are the national flower of Japan, representing a time of renewal and optimism. We hope our service users and staff are enjoying this pretty view!
Healthaware 