Managing Your Chronic Health Disease

Chronic Health Disease States

Welcome to Nourish to Flourish, where we believe that good nutrition is the cornerstone of health and wellness. Chronic health diseases such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney disease and gastrointestinal conditions affect millions of people. Fortunately, you can play a pivotal role in managing these conditions. Our Registered Dietitians can help make informed dietary choices to support your health and wellness and help you manage your chronic health disease.

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High Cholesterol

High cholesterol can lead to heart disease and stroke caused by too many lipids or fats in your blood. At Nourish to Flourish, we may suggest that you adjust what you eat to help lower your cholesterol levels and to help you get your health back on track. Some of these nutritious foods include:

  • Healthy Fats: Opt for monounsaturated fats found in foods like olive oil, avocados and nuts.

  • Fiber: Foods rich in soluble fiber, such as oats, beans and fruits, can help lower your cholesterol levels.

  • Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve your heart health.

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to serious health issues down the road. At Nourish to Flourish, we’re here to help you make informed choices about your diet to help lower your blood pressure, such as:

  • Introduce More Whole Foods: Incorporate more whole foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

  • Limit Sodium: We may recommend lowering your sodium intake to around 2,300 mg per day.

  • Increase Potassium-Rich Foods: Bananas, sweet potatoes and spinach can help balance your sodium levels and even lower blood pressure.

Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a chronic health disease that affects the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood. This leads to a buildup of toxins. Our team of Registered Dietitians can help you manage your kidney disease through eating more foods that will nourish your body and protect the health of your kidneys. This includes:

  • Monitoring Your Protein Intake: A lower protein diet may help reduce the workload on your kidneys. Focus on high-quality protein sources like fish and poultry.

  • Reducing Phosphorus And Potassium: Processed foods are high in phosphorus, while foods like bananas and potatoes are rich in potassium.

  • Staying Hydrated: You’ve heard it time and time again—staying hydrated is crucial to keeping your kidneys healthy. Make sure you drink water throughout your day!

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A Holistic Approach To Nutrition

Managing a chronic health disease involves more than just dietary changes. It is also different for everyone. At Nourish to Flourish, we encourage you to adopt a more holistic lifestyle that can help you feel our best. Try incorporating regular exercise into your weekly routine to enhance your health and overall well-being. You may also consider mindful eating, which involves paying attention to what you eat and savoring each bite, which can help prevent the uncomfortable feeling of being too full and promote better digestion. Ultimately, we are here to help you find the foods and lifestyle changes that best help you manage your specific chronic condition.

Gastrointestinal Conditions

When your stomach is upset or you suffer from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, it can disrupt your digestion and overall health. We understand that when you aren’t feeling your best, it can be difficult to enjoy making plans or participating in social settings. Our goal is to provide you with dietary tips that may help you manage your chronic health diseases, including:

  • Identify Trigger Foods: Keeping a food diary to track the foods you eat that exacerbate symptoms is important in helping cut those from your diet. It also helps you find triggers such as dairy, gluten and foods that are high in fat.

  • Increase Fiber Gradually: Soluble fiber can help with symptoms of IBS, while insoluble fiber may need to be reduced during flare-ups. Foods high in soluble fiber include brussel sprouts, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, carrots, flax seeds and apples, while nuts, whole grains, vegetables and beans contain insoluble fiber.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is important for proper digestion, approximately 6 to 8 cups a day.

Chronic Health Disease Nutrition For Every Body

At Nourish to Flourish, we believe in the power of nutrition to transform lives through nutrition, and that health and nourishment can be achieved at any size. By making mindful choices, you can take control of your health and manage your chronic health disease effectively. To get started, call Nourish to Flourish in Richmond, VA at (804) 592-0095 or fill out our appointment request form today. 

Compassionate Nutritional Counseling For Your Best Health

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