QuestionMy husband has many the same problems you have ie. high cholesterol, high blood pressure, reflux disease, history of diabetes in his father, and he is only 37 years old. He new of his problems very early on and we also beleive he has a leaky mitral valve. My question is even though he is on lipitor, blood pressure meds and nexium, what is the best vitamin combination he should be taking and the type of diet and excercise program should he REALISTICALLY be expected to keep. He has a terrible sweet craving and has never really eaten anything that's been too good for him. Any help in this department would be helpful. I just feel so overwhelmed if I'm just refered to the american heart assocation website as far as vitamins and diet tailor made for him specifically.
AnswerDear Cynthia, As for a vitamin, the simple MULTI-vitamin should be enough... His problem is NOT lack of vitamins but lack of HEALTHY eating and exercise... Vitamins taken as written on the label will NOT interfer with any medications he is currently taking....
With respect to exercise, there does not have to be a specific exercise regimen... Walking 1/2 mile to start with 2-3 times per day is a healthy exercise and will help with his blood pressure, and possible future diabetes...
With respect to diet, he MUST start now to eat properly... This means to cut back on red meat, cut out fats (bake of broil instead of frying) and cut back on butter/margarine and all other high fat and cholesterol foods.... If he has a family history of diabetes, then he is more apt to get diabetes himself and eating all the sweets and high carbohydrates and sugars is NOT good... He MUST cut back on them.... Medications he is currently taking for high cholesterol and high blood pressure are NOT enough... He MUST correct his faulty diet habits and exercise or he is heading for more major health problems in the near future....
thank you, karen
