Food suitable for cardiac and gastric patient

Hello @progresschisenga and welcome to Mayo Connect. What a good question! You do not mention the type of gastric and/or heart issues that your mother has and that is an important factor in diet. Can you fill in that information?

I also have cardiac problems and have had three surgeries of the upper digestive tract, so I have some idea of an eating plan that might be of help. For example, fried foods are usually restricted for the heart as well as the gastrointestinal tract. Broiled, baked foods are much healthier. Small, frequent meals are far easier to digest than three larger meals. As much as possible, substitute fish and poultry for beef. If salt is a restriction, there are no-salt seasoning products (like Mrs. Dash) that add flavor without the sodium.

You are so thoughtful to be looking out for your mom and wanting to help her with a new eating plan. I'm looking forward to hearing more about the type of heart/gastric issues and what, if any, foods have been a problem for her.

Will you post an update?

My spouse age 70 has had heart operation and is diabetic; also had anal canacer so bowel problems every day from radiation; I have ibs-d, although they used to call most bowel issues that; and fecal incontinence; so a healthy diet of fruit and veg is not possible for us. Our diets/meals are very plain and am sure we are not getting a healthy balance of foods so also interested in reading more comments... i used to like making home made soups but even those play havoc, the veggies... we also have other issues on top of these so mealtime is not enjoyable nor nutritious. ..... J.

@lacy2
That does sound challenging, Valerie. If you like soups, have you thought about using an immersible blender after the soup is cooked? That way the veggies are pureed. Just a thought. I also drink vegetable juice (V-8). Have you used a juicer?

One resource that many people (and doctors) don't often use is a consultation with a registered dietitian. These folks are great in helping with eating plans for those of us with complicated health issues. I consulted with a registered dietitian after my second digestive tract surgery and then again after a pre-diabetes diagnosis, and it was very helpful.

Can you ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian at your local hospital?

....thanks for response and ideas. Years ago, as I was first to have bowel issues from pelvic radiation, saw a naturopath a few times and tried the Fodmap diet I think it was called - stuck to it 2 weeks and results terrible - explosive diarrhea etc. (sorry) he thought maybe the barley.... etc. And I have found suggestions on Internet... I can ask nurse practitioner about dietician but a year ago she tried me on psyllium husk and after couple of weeks I gave up sonot sure she would refer me again..... never having had psyllium before the Internet says 1/2 tsp in 8 ounces of water and she said 1 Tbsp. in porridge, and in 3 days time 2 Tbsp etc., and I just couldn't get it down...she was very nice but she was quite firm in suggestion. But your idea of "emulsifying" the soup might work.. will get my "stick blender" back from daughter and give it a try - thank you... doubt if can add onions to it but maybe onion powder.... will make a change from such plain meals!

I look at least 10 years younger than I am. Needless to say, I resent being treated like I have dementia. I had a pacemaker implanted just over 2 years ago. I had no complaints with it. Then I got a new technician to do my biannual check up. He decide to play "God." He upped my heart rate to 81. My heart rate when I was 16 was 72. He has refused to change it. I am experiencing tiredness, some "fluttering" as I call it where I have trouble keeping my eyes open and I am just plain miserable. I have left comments at my heart specialist's office. No reply. I am to see him this Feb. 14th! If he refuses to change the heart rate, what do I do? Take off my cloths. Stand in the middle of the street and holler "rape?" Any suggestions to get my doctor and technician to listen to me? I did agree the first time the technician decided to up the heart rate. I followed instructions and after a couple of months I made an appointment to get it reduced. The technician refused.

Any advice would be appreciated.