Newtrist Nutritionist Myocarditis Diet Plan consists of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, heart-healthy fats, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean meats, fish, and eggs. Limitations of sodium, saturated fats, and sugars help to reduce inflammation and boost heart health.
- Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Green tea
- Breakfast @ 9 am: Oatmeal with fruits and dates
- Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Avocado salad
- Lunch @ 1 pm: Brown rice with methi dal, carrot-beans sabzi, and low-fat curd
- Evening snack @ 4 pm: Mixed sprouts chat
- Dinner @ 7 pm: Jeera rice with paneer curry and low-fat turmeric milk at bedtime
Consult 19 years experienced Chief Nutritionist Vasanthi for expert advice and a personalized diet plan. In-person consultation at HSR, Koramangala, Bellandur, Haralur, and video consultation across India.
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Table of Contents
What is Myocarditis?
Myocarditis is a rare condition characterized by chest pain, heart failure, and sudden death in its severe forms. The heart muscle (myocardium) becomes inflamed mainly due to viral infections or bacterial infections, or some external factors. Several other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and exposure to radiation and heavy metals may also be the risk factor for myocarditis.
Myocarditis may also occur due to the side effects of medicines such as cardiac medications, antidepressants, antibiotics, diuretics, weight loss medications, and medicines used for seizures.
Young men are more affected when compared to females. Diagnosis is done with imaging tests based on the symptoms such as shortness of breath and loss of consciousness. Myocarditis is usually diagnosed with the help of ECG, chest X-rays, blood tests, MRI scans, and heart biopsy.
Our expert nutritionists advise following a heart-healthy diet helps you to speed up the recovery process and reduce the risk of complications.
What are the symptoms of Myocarditis?
The symptoms of Myocarditis are
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Swelling of the legs
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Palpitations of the heart
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Lightheadedness
Myocarditis may be asymptomatic in a few cases, whereas, it may be more severe in some cases. Lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, general infections, cancer medications, advanced-stage of renal diseases, and cardiac injury may pave the way for Myocarditis.
What are the stages of Myocarditis?
The stages of Myocarditis consist of
- Acute
- Sub-acute
- Chronic
The acute stage is mainly due to the entry and replication of the virus. This virus causes direct damage to the myocardium and induces myocardial injury. The viral infection stimulates the body to produce an antiviral immune response which causes infiltration of the natural antibodies.
Infiltration of the inflammatory cells is observed in the sub-acute stage. The chronic stage involves cardiac remodeling to improve the condition.
What are the types of Myocarditis?
Some of the rare types of Myocarditis are
- Lymphocytic myocarditis
- Giant cell myocarditis
- Fulminant myocarditis
- Eosinophilic myocarditis
Myocarditis Diet Plan
The Myocarditis diet plan mainly consists of heart-healthy foods such as nuts, fish, and colored vegetables such as Pumpkin and tomatoes that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Insist more on seafood such as fish that contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health.
Consistent consumption of healthy foods such as green leafy vegetables and whole grains helps to combat inflammation and lowers the risk of heart ailments.
- Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Tender coconut water
- Breakfast @ 9 am: Vegetable upma with tomato chutney and egg white omelet
- Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Pumpkin soup
- Lunch @ 1 pm: Rice with fish curry and stir-fried broccoli
- Evening snack @ 4 pm: Roasted nuts with sweet lime and kiwi juice
- Dinner @ 7 pm: Multigrain roti with double beans curry
Foods to avoid with Myocarditis
Foods to avoid with Myocarditis include
- High-sodium foods such as packaged foods, pickles, papads, ready mix soups, noodles, and dried meats
- Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks
- Processed meats
- Refined carbohydrates such as cakes, cookies, pastries, and chocolates
- Sugary beverages, sodas, sweets, and desserts
- Fried and oily foods
- Foods rich in saturated and trans fats
Best vegetables for Myocarditis
The best vegetables for Myocarditis consist of
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Beetroot
- Fresh beans
- Bell peppers
- Garlic
- Okra
- Gourd vegetables
- Karela
- Green peas
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
- Kale
- Butternut squash
- Potatoes
- Edamame
- Leafy greens
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
Vegetables contain high levels of fiber and antioxidants that promote heart health and combat inflammation. The powerful antioxidants fight against free radicals and protect the heart from diseases. The phytochemicals present in garlic, onions, and leafy greens reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease.
Vegetables are vital sources of vitamins, minerals, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, selenium, iron, and zinc that prevent the deposition of bad cholesterol and inflammation and maintain heart health.
Best fruits for Myocarditis
The best fruits for Myocarditis include
- Avocados
- Apples
- Berries
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Jamun fruit
- Papaya
- Pomegranates
- Sweet lime
- Guava
- Amla
- Peaches
- Plums
- Mangoes
Adding fruits regularly to the diet increases the fiber intake as fiber aids in reducing the bad cholesterol levels of the heart. Avoid peeling fruits such as apples, pears, and guavas to avail the benefits of fiber in them.
Fruits are rich sources of antioxidants, polyphenols, fiber, and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent the risk of heart diseases and maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Avocados are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids that help to maintain healthy arteries.
Avoid straining fruit juices and adding additional sugars to them, which can make them unhealthy.
Tips for Myocarditis
Some of the useful tips for Myocarditis are
- Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats regularly in the diet to promote heart health
- Limit salt, refined foods, sugary beverages, sodas, processed meats, packaged foods, and foods high in saturated fats and trans fats in the diet
- Move from a sedentary lifestyle to an active lifestyle to avoid further deterioration of heart health. Avoid rigorous activities such as weight lifting and high-intensity training
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent infection caused due to germs
- Check your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels regularly to avoid the risk of heart diseases
- Get sufficient rest and care
- Consult with your cardiologist for regular follow-ups and do not miss your prescribed medications
Foods to prevent Myocarditis
Myocarditis may result due to various reasons among which unhealthy food choices may be one among them. Consistent intake of healthy foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, cold water fish, olive oil, and eggs form the baseline of a healthy platform.
Mediterranean diet and DASH diet consist of the best food choices for a myocarditis patient. Olive oil contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids that promote heart health and prevents the risk of heart disease.
Garlic is anti-inflammatory which provides numerous benefits for heart health.
Cold water fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that provide cardiovascular benefits like lowered blood pressure and reduced inflammation of the arteries. American Heart Association (AHA) recommends including fish twice a week to avail of its benefits.
Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds reduce the risk of heart disease by 35%. Nuts and seeds are rich in unsaturated fats, fiber, folate, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Myocarditis FAQs
Is Myocarditis curable?
Mild forms of myocarditis may resolve on their own, but severe cases may require lifelong medical treatment and medications. The symptoms may last for about 6 weeks and it depends upon the overall health of a person and the degree of inflammation.
Severe myocarditis causes permanent damage to the heart muscle which may even lead to heart failure and sudden death.
What are the best foods to eat for Myocarditis?
Plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, soy products, lean meats, fish, and healthy fats such as olive oil and cold-pressed seed oil are some of the best foods to eat for myocarditis.
High-fiber foods lower inflammation and benefits the heart in many ways. Choose unpolished grains and millet over refined grains like white bread and white rice.
Avoid foods that contain high sodium content as it is likely to damage the heart’s functions.
What is the natural remedy for Myocarditis?
Neem leaves and motherwort are considered effective natural remedies for myocarditis. Neem leaves contain anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and antioxidant properties that can be used orally and topically to revitalize the heart.
Motherwort is used to treat viral myocarditis and repair damaged arterial pathways. Eliminating the intake of ultra-processed foods also plays a main role in the management of myocarditis.
How can I reduce Myocarditis?
Myocarditis can be reduced by avoiding exposure to radiation, heavy metals, infections, and sources of toxins that contribute to inflammation. Antibiotics, corticosteroids (to suppress the immune system), analgesia, and anti-inflammatory medicines are prescribed to reduce the symptoms of myocarditis.
Maintain good hygiene practices to stay away from the risk of infections caused by bacteria and viruses.
Are proteins and vitamins good for Myocarditis?
A balanced intake of proteins and vitamins is essential for the maintenance of cardiac health. Excess protein may contribute to oxidative stress which impacts the vascular system and cause contraction of the myocardium.
What are the first signs of Myocarditis?
Shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, abnormal heart rhythms, loss of appetite, and weakness are some of the first signs of Myocarditis. A feeling of tightness may be observed in the chest for some people.
Myocarditis may be asymptomatic in some individuals which may reveal its symptoms in its severe form. Sometimes myocarditis symptoms may resemble heart attack or heart failure for which immediate medical attention is required.
Is Myocarditis a serious condition?
Myocarditis may not be a serious condition in its mild form as it is mostly self-resolving. But severe forms may lead to serious complications such as permanent damage to the heart muscle and heart failure which requires the assistance of a pacemaker or heart transplant.
Myocarditis weakens the heart muscles and lowers the heart’s ability to pump blood to various parts of the body. Regular check-ups and treatment with a medical practitioner are advised.
How can I treat Myocarditis at home?
Myocarditis is usually self-resolving with adequate rest for a period of three to six months without performing high-intensity exercises. Doctors prescribe corticosteroids to suppress the immune system if myocarditis is caused due to autoimmune response.
A balanced diet with healthy food choices keeps you away from inflammation and unnecessary health issues.
How to reverse Myocarditis?
Myocarditis can be reversed with the help of corticosteroids, beta blockers which help in the remodeling of the heart muscles, and diuretics which help in the prevention of fluid congestion in the body. A pacemaker may help with abnormal heart rhythm if the condition does not improve.
Dietary modifications and lifestyle changes can help in the reversal of the condition.