Great news — cheese doesn't have to be completely off the table with heart failure! The key is choosing the right types and keeping portions in check.
Here's a quick guide to heart-friendlier cheese choices:
- Go for: Cottage cheese, ricotta, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or Swiss — these are lower in salt and fat
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Great news — cheese doesn't have to be completely off the table with heart failure! The key is choosing the right types and keeping portions in check.
Here's a quick guide to heart-friendlier cheese choices:
- Go for: Cottage cheese, ricotta, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or Swiss — these are lower in salt and fat
- Limit or avoid: Processed cheeses like American cheese, canned cheese spreads, or nacho cheese sauce — these are high in sodium, saturated fat, and preservatives
- Portion tip: Around 30 grams a day is a reasonable amount to aim for
A MyHeartDiseaseTeam member put it well: "No more Cheez Whiz or Velveeta — too high in salt. I miss them. Cheddar always tastes better, but now it's Swiss — which is lower in salt."
The main things to watch with cheese and heart failure are sodium and saturated fat, as both can put extra strain on your heart. As for going gluten-free — there's no specific heart failure-related reason to cut gluten unless your doctor has advised it for another reason. It's not a standard recommendation for managing heart failure.
What does matter most for heart failure is focusing on:
- Low sodium — to reduce fluid retention and blood pressure
- Low saturated and trans fats — to protect your arteries
- High fiber foods — like oats, nuts, seeds, and fruits
- Healthy fats — like avocado instead of mayo or full-fat spreads
Always check in with your cardiologist or a registered dietitian — they can tailor dietary advice specifically to your heart health needs and treatment goals.
May 13
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