With a growing number of Americans struggling with heart disease and diabetes, it’s important for you to make healthy lifestyle changes now to improve your health. By following the South Beach Diet, you’re on the right track because you’re eating a balanced diet that includes disease-preventing fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Here's how you can improve your health:
Get Heart Healthy
According to the American Heart Association, approximately 62 million Americans suffer from heart disease and don’t know it. Fortunately, there are ways to reverse the risks and effects of heart disease.
Healthy-Heart Advice
As the leading cause of death in Americans, the first step in preventing heart disease is learning how to eat right.
What’s Your Heart Disease Risk?
One way to detect whether you’re at risk for heart disease is to asks your doctor about taking a blood test to check your lipoprotein profile and triglyceride levels.
6 Tips to Help Lower Your Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels are one of the risks in developing heart disease. But by following the South Beach Diet lifestyle, you’re on the path to lowering your cholesterol levels.
Keep Gas Under Control
While experiencing gas is not a serious medical condition, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for some people. By slowly incorporating gas-producing foods, such as broccoli and sweet treats made with sugar alcohols, into you diet, you can help keep gas under control.
Sleep Apnea and Your Health
If you’re overweight, snore loudly and wake up tired every morning, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea happens when your larynx collapses during the middle of the night, causing you to stop breathing.
When Is It An Eating Disorder?
Unlike people who are overweight and want to shed some pounds to improve their health, people with eating disorders are obsessed with becoming thin and will take extreme, usually harmful, measures to get there. The South Beach Diet is not intended for those with an eating disorder.
How Omega-3s Benefit Your Health
Not all fat is bad for you — omega-3 fatty acids are an example of the “good” fats that your body needs to maintain your health. Omega-3s aid in your heart health by reducing LDL “bad” cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation that leads to the formation of blood clots.
Beyond Diet and Exercise: How to Protect Your Heart
If you have a high risk of developing heart disease, changing your diet may not be enough to reverse the effects. So you may want to consult with your doctor about taking heart medication to help lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
8 Tips to Help Lower Your Cancer Risk
In addition to being a heart-healthy diet, the South Beach Diet may also reduce your risks of developing cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that you eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and low-fat dairy, which also what the South Beach Diet recommends.
Type 2 Diabetes: Are You at Risk?
Approximately 57 million Americans are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, but if you're following the South Beach Diet, you're on track to reducing your risk and improving your health.
Foods That Fight Prediabetes and Diabetes
Eating South Beach Diet-recommended foods like whole grains, vegetables, fruits and lean protein is the first step in preventing the onset of prediabetes and diabetes. Get guidelines on how to incorporate these foods into your diet.