Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in 19401

Photo of Pat Dinunzio-Ruth, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Pat Dinunzio-Ruth
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Serves Area
I am a licensed, registered dietitian with over 25 years of expertise in counseling individuals on nutrition. I enjoy working with clients and helping them make life-long changes in their eating habits, addressing not only what foods to eat, but how to eat, when to eat, and why we eat. I have worked successfully with individuals with many different diagnoses, helping them deal with multiple health issues. I enjoy developing an ongoing working relationship with my clients, showing how nutrition can make a positive difference in their lives, as it has in my own.
I am a licensed, registered dietitian with over 25 years of expertise in counseling individuals on nutrition. I enjoy working with clients and helping them make life-long changes in their eating habits, addressing not only what foods to eat, but how to eat, when to eat, and why we eat. I have worked successfully with individuals with many different diagnoses, helping them deal with multiple health issues. I enjoy developing an ongoing working relationship with my clients, showing how nutrition can make a positive difference in their lives, as it has in my own.
(215) 650-3956 View (215) 650-3956
Photo of Olena Zinshtein, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Olena Zinshtein
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Serves Area
Olena Zinshtein, founder of Key Nutrition LLC is a registered dietitian. Olena has been working with a variety of patient populations including but not limited to managing Diabetes, Heart disease, Renal disease, Gastrointestinal disorders, weight loss/gain, and food allergies. Olena works closely with her clients learning what their struggle with food is in order to help them establish a healthy relationship with food. She provides knowledge and tools for a long-term success in achieving client’s goals to fit personal lifestyle, health concerns, and food preferences. Olena practices medical nutrition therapy based on the latest evidence based research.
Olena Zinshtein, founder of Key Nutrition LLC is a registered dietitian. Olena has been working with a variety of patient populations including but not limited to managing Diabetes, Heart disease, Renal disease, Gastrointestinal disorders, weight loss/gain, and food allergies. Olena works closely with her clients learning what their struggle with food is in order to help them establish a healthy relationship with food. She provides knowledge and tools for a long-term success in achieving client’s goals to fit personal lifestyle, health concerns, and food preferences. Olena practices medical nutrition therapy based on the latest evidence based research.
(215) 488-7290 View (215) 488-7290

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Rosemary Couzens, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, CIC
Rosemary Couzens
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CDE, CIC
Yardley, PA 19067
Nutrition is my mission! As a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and Intrinsic Coach, I have dedicated over 20 years to helping people achieve their best health. I enjoy helping my clients work through their struggles with weight, diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, thyroid issues, disordered eating and digestive problems. I now offer integrative functional nutrition therapy and nutrigenomix testing to allow us to dig deeper and get to the root cause of your health issues, in addition to alleviating the symptoms.
Nutrition is my mission! As a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator and Intrinsic Coach, I have dedicated over 20 years to helping people achieve their best health. I enjoy helping my clients work through their struggles with weight, diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, thyroid issues, disordered eating and digestive problems. I now offer integrative functional nutrition therapy and nutrigenomix testing to allow us to dig deeper and get to the root cause of your health issues, in addition to alleviating the symptoms.
(215) 488-7309 View (215) 488-7309
Photo of Maria Seitz, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Maria Seitz
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Specialties include: Sports Nutrition, Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Intuitive and Mindful Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Plant Based Diets, Heart Health, Kidney Health, and General Lifestyle and Nutrition.
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
Specialties include: Sports Nutrition, Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Intuitive and Mindful Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Plant Based Diets, Heart Health, Kidney Health, and General Lifestyle and Nutrition.
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
(872) 259-9747 View (872) 259-9747
Photo of Brittany Payton, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Brittany Payton
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Brittany Payton, RD, LD, is a licensed dietitian with over 19 years of experience helping clients heal chronic conditions using food as medicine. After facing her own health challenges, she adopted a root-cause, whole-body approach. Brittany blends functional nutrition, clinical insight, and compassion to create personalized, practical plans. She truly listens to each client, empowering them to make lasting change—no quick fixes or restrictive diets here.
Brittany Payton, RD, LD, is a licensed dietitian with over 19 years of experience helping clients heal chronic conditions using food as medicine. After facing her own health challenges, she adopted a root-cause, whole-body approach. Brittany blends functional nutrition, clinical insight, and compassion to create personalized, practical plans. She truly listens to each client, empowering them to make lasting change—no quick fixes or restrictive diets here.
(615) 909-4087 View (615) 909-4087
Photo of Kelly Bay, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CNS, DC
Kelly Bay
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CNS, DC
Online Only
My ideal clients are individuals experiencing complex, chronic health concerns such as gut issues, hormone imbalance, autoimmune conditions, thyroid dysfunction, food sensitivities, and low energy or poor sleep. They often feel frustrated by vague symptoms or inconclusive conventional testing and want deeper answers. I use a functional, whole-body approach with in-depth assessment and diagnostic testing to identify root causes. Together, we use personalized nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and education to improve symptoms and restore confidence in their health.
My ideal clients are individuals experiencing complex, chronic health concerns such as gut issues, hormone imbalance, autoimmune conditions, thyroid dysfunction, food sensitivities, and low energy or poor sleep. They often feel frustrated by vague symptoms or inconclusive conventional testing and want deeper answers. I use a functional, whole-body approach with in-depth assessment and diagnostic testing to identify root causes. Together, we use personalized nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and education to improve symptoms and restore confidence in their health.
(708) 938-3273 View (708) 938-3273
Photo of Kristen Braconnier, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Kristen Braconnier
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Serves Area
Do you feel completely overwhelmed by the vast amount of nutrition information on the internet? Do you feel frustrated that all of your hardwork isn't revealing the results you want? Have you hit a plateau with your progress? That's exactly how most of my clients feel before we meet! We work together to create a customized plan based on your schedule, lifestyle and goals so you feel that you are reaching your goals week by week! I specialize in sports nutrition, disordered eating, gastrointestinal issues, bariatric surgery, weight management, autoimmune disorders, pediatric nutrition and other medical nutrition therapies.
Do you feel completely overwhelmed by the vast amount of nutrition information on the internet? Do you feel frustrated that all of your hardwork isn't revealing the results you want? Have you hit a plateau with your progress? That's exactly how most of my clients feel before we meet! We work together to create a customized plan based on your schedule, lifestyle and goals so you feel that you are reaching your goals week by week! I specialize in sports nutrition, disordered eating, gastrointestinal issues, bariatric surgery, weight management, autoimmune disorders, pediatric nutrition and other medical nutrition therapies.
(610) 557-3956 View (610) 557-3956
Photo of Beth Chiodo - Beth Chiodo, MS, RD, LDN, CWC, CLT, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CWC, CLT
Beth Chiodo, MS, RD, LDN, CWC, CLT
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CWC, CLT
Ambler, PA 19002
As a Certified Gastrointestinal Nutritionist with over 12 years of experience, I can help you improve digestion, reduce symptoms of gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, and help you feel your best. As a fellow Crohn's disease sufferer, I work with IBD, IBS, Celiac, SIBO, Gluten Intolerance and Food Sensitivities, Intestinal Permeability (AKA Leaky Gut), and more. I can empathize with the social and emotional struggles that accompany these disorders, and I provide a supportive, gentle approach to help you gain control and take your life back. Healing your gut can help may other health issues too!
As a Certified Gastrointestinal Nutritionist with over 12 years of experience, I can help you improve digestion, reduce symptoms of gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, and help you feel your best. As a fellow Crohn's disease sufferer, I work with IBD, IBS, Celiac, SIBO, Gluten Intolerance and Food Sensitivities, Intestinal Permeability (AKA Leaky Gut), and more. I can empathize with the social and emotional struggles that accompany these disorders, and I provide a supportive, gentle approach to help you gain control and take your life back. Healing your gut can help may other health issues too!
(484) 494-2928 View (484) 494-2928
Photo of Elizabeth Rothschild, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Elizabeth Rothschild
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Morrisville, PA 19067
With 20 years of experience, I specialize in long-term solutions for weight, diabetes, and heart health.
Accepting clients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Missouri. I have an office option in Missouri. I specializing in diabetes management, blood sugar stability, and weight concerns. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by blood sugar spikes, food rules, or inconsistent results — you’re not alone. I specialize in helping adults with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and weight-related health issues gain confidence in their eating habits, lower their A1C, and feel better after meals — no strict diets required. My approach is realistic, flexible, and rooted in evidence.
With 20 years of experience, I specialize in long-term solutions for weight, diabetes, and heart health.
Accepting clients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Missouri. I have an office option in Missouri. I specializing in diabetes management, blood sugar stability, and weight concerns. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by blood sugar spikes, food rules, or inconsistent results — you’re not alone. I specialize in helping adults with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and weight-related health issues gain confidence in their eating habits, lower their A1C, and feel better after meals — no strict diets required. My approach is realistic, flexible, and rooted in evidence.
(573) 828-2177 View (573) 828-2177
Photo of Linda Matthews, Nutritionist/Dietitian, NTP
Linda Matthews
Nutritionist/Dietitian, NTP
5 Endorsed
Collegeville, PA 19426
If you’ve been to doctor after doctor without real answers, you’re not alone—and I’m here to change that! I specialize in complex health challenges and help clients recover from issues like autoimmune disease, severe digestive symptoms, hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue, brain fog, and stubborn weight that just won’t budge. I also work with SIBO, histamine intolerance, oxalates, salicylates, lectins, PMS, thyroid issues, joint pain, eating disorders, mold toxicity, anxiety/ depression and arthritis. As a functional nutritionist, I go beyond symptom management—I uncover and address the root cause so true healing can begin.
If you’ve been to doctor after doctor without real answers, you’re not alone—and I’m here to change that! I specialize in complex health challenges and help clients recover from issues like autoimmune disease, severe digestive symptoms, hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue, brain fog, and stubborn weight that just won’t budge. I also work with SIBO, histamine intolerance, oxalates, salicylates, lectins, PMS, thyroid issues, joint pain, eating disorders, mold toxicity, anxiety/ depression and arthritis. As a functional nutritionist, I go beyond symptom management—I uncover and address the root cause so true healing can begin.
(484) 749-9525 View (484) 749-9525
Photo of Sharon Howard, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDE, FAND, CHWC
Sharon Howard
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDE, FAND, CHWC
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Who do you talk to about how you eat? What other health professional cares about what you had for breakfast today, or how you are going to avoid gluten at the wedding reception this weekend? Who helps the person with diabetes learn how to carb count? I am the professional who REALLY knows how to help you with food facts, food fears, and food decisions. If the internet alarms you, your doctor doesn't have the time, and cousin is selling diet pills on the side---talk to me about the real scoop!
Who do you talk to about how you eat? What other health professional cares about what you had for breakfast today, or how you are going to avoid gluten at the wedding reception this weekend? Who helps the person with diabetes learn how to carb count? I am the professional who REALLY knows how to help you with food facts, food fears, and food decisions. If the internet alarms you, your doctor doesn't have the time, and cousin is selling diet pills on the side---talk to me about the real scoop!
(610) 347-2045 View (610) 347-2045
Photo of Erika Lannaman, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Erika Lannaman
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Erika specializes in women’s health, weight management, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications, PCOS, general healthy nutrition, meal planning, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, heart conditions, fatty liver disease, and GERD.
Erika is a Registered Dietitian who helps clients build sustainable nutrition habits that support a life they feel good about. She takes a whole-body approach to understand each client’s health, lifestyle, and goals—considering food, sleep, stress, mindset, and daily routines. Erika believes meaningful change happens through collaboration, so she partners with clients to create realistic, empowering plans tailored to their preferences and needs, using a day-by-day approach for long-term success.
Erika specializes in women’s health, weight management, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications, PCOS, general healthy nutrition, meal planning, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, heart conditions, fatty liver disease, and GERD.
Erika is a Registered Dietitian who helps clients build sustainable nutrition habits that support a life they feel good about. She takes a whole-body approach to understand each client’s health, lifestyle, and goals—considering food, sleep, stress, mindset, and daily routines. Erika believes meaningful change happens through collaboration, so she partners with clients to create realistic, empowering plans tailored to their preferences and needs, using a day-by-day approach for long-term success.
(470) 397-5913 View (470) 397-5913
Photo of Meghan Anderson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Meghan Anderson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
If your thoughts about food or your body feel constant, overwhelming, or hard to quiet—you’re not alone. Working with individuals and athletes, I support you in healing your relationship with food and fueling your body with balance and intention—so you can build trust with your body, feel confident in how you care for it, and reconnect with your strongest, healthiest, and happiest self. I specialize in eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, chronic dieting, sports nutrition and performance fueling, and managing a range of health conditions—all through a weight-inclusive, non-diet approach.
If your thoughts about food or your body feel constant, overwhelming, or hard to quiet—you’re not alone. Working with individuals and athletes, I support you in healing your relationship with food and fueling your body with balance and intention—so you can build trust with your body, feel confident in how you care for it, and reconnect with your strongest, healthiest, and happiest self. I specialize in eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, chronic dieting, sports nutrition and performance fueling, and managing a range of health conditions—all through a weight-inclusive, non-diet approach.
(610) 638-6150 View (610) 638-6150
Photo of Addison Hagge, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Addison Hagge
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Addison is a registered dietitian who works to understand your needs by taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to nutrition therapy. She believes in weight-inclusive care, Health at Every Size, and strives to help her clients find balance with nutrition, movement, and their bodies. You can expect Addison to listen to you, support you, and provide you with the tools to find healing and balance. She will work with you to find ways to achieve your goals and understand the challenges you face. She is devoted to providing you with the most effective and up-to-date nutrition care and information possible.
Addison is a registered dietitian who works to understand your needs by taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to nutrition therapy. She believes in weight-inclusive care, Health at Every Size, and strives to help her clients find balance with nutrition, movement, and their bodies. You can expect Addison to listen to you, support you, and provide you with the tools to find healing and balance. She will work with you to find ways to achieve your goals and understand the challenges you face. She is devoted to providing you with the most effective and up-to-date nutrition care and information possible.
(410) 886-7744 View (410) 886-7744
Photo of Julie Ann Wilkers - FitFindsBalance, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
FitFindsBalance
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Serves Area
Julie has been practicing as a dietitian for over 15 years. She has a passion for helping clients improve their health by improving their relationship with food. Julie specializes in a non-diet approach to health and wellness. If you are exhausted by the cycle of: diet, weight loss, weight gain, reach out to FItFindsBalance, we can help you on a path to a more healthful lifestyle.
Julie has been practicing as a dietitian for over 15 years. She has a passion for helping clients improve their health by improving their relationship with food. Julie specializes in a non-diet approach to health and wellness. If you are exhausted by the cycle of: diet, weight loss, weight gain, reach out to FItFindsBalance, we can help you on a path to a more healthful lifestyle.
(302) 329-3546 View (302) 329-3546
Photo of Kristie L Finnan, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Kristie L Finnan
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
1 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18902
Looking to improve your health & wellness? Every client is different. Let me help you individualize a plan to meet your needs. Whether you are looking to lose weight, improve your digestive health (I specialize in the Low FODMAP diet) lower cholesterol or blood sugar, I am happy to help! I also have experience and am passionate about helping athletes eat right for top performance. Food is fuel. Let me help you figure out the best fuel for you! I am a Registered Dietitian/Licensed Nutritionist in Doylestown, PA (NOTE: I also offer tele-health and phone consults for those too far away) Book appointment online: www.EatRightBucks.com
Looking to improve your health & wellness? Every client is different. Let me help you individualize a plan to meet your needs. Whether you are looking to lose weight, improve your digestive health (I specialize in the Low FODMAP diet) lower cholesterol or blood sugar, I am happy to help! I also have experience and am passionate about helping athletes eat right for top performance. Food is fuel. Let me help you figure out the best fuel for you! I am a Registered Dietitian/Licensed Nutritionist in Doylestown, PA (NOTE: I also offer tele-health and phone consults for those too far away) Book appointment online: www.EatRightBucks.com
(267) 573-8057 View (267) 573-8057
Photo of June Kuz, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CLT, IFNCP
June Kuz
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CLT, IFNCP
Downingtown, PA 19335
Are you struggling with chronic health issues like obesity, migraines, fatigue, brain fog, or digestive problems like IBS or fibromyalgia? Have you seen multiple health professionals but still feel unwell? You're not alone, and there is hope. Together, we’ll focus on tailored nutrition, lifestyle changes, and sustainable wellness practices that help you feel better, think clearer, and live pain-free. It’s time to take control of your health. Let's work together to achieve your goals and help you feel your best!
Are you struggling with chronic health issues like obesity, migraines, fatigue, brain fog, or digestive problems like IBS or fibromyalgia? Have you seen multiple health professionals but still feel unwell? You're not alone, and there is hope. Together, we’ll focus on tailored nutrition, lifestyle changes, and sustainable wellness practices that help you feel better, think clearer, and live pain-free. It’s time to take control of your health. Let's work together to achieve your goals and help you feel your best!
(610) 298-1482 View (610) 298-1482
Photo of Anna Grumm, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Anna Grumm
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Anna supports clients with weight management, women’s health, PCOS, diabetes, bariatric nutrition, oncology, celiac disease, GI concerns, emotional eating, food allergies, heart health, autoimmune conditions, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, and sports nutrition.
Anna’s ideal clients are individuals looking for practical, personalized support to improve their health through realistic nutrition and lifestyle changes. Many come to her feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. She helps clients build sustainable habits through a supportive, collaborative approach that considers the whole person, including nutrition, mental well-being, physical health, and each client’s unique goals.
Anna supports clients with weight management, women’s health, PCOS, diabetes, bariatric nutrition, oncology, celiac disease, GI concerns, emotional eating, food allergies, heart health, autoimmune conditions, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, and sports nutrition.
Anna’s ideal clients are individuals looking for practical, personalized support to improve their health through realistic nutrition and lifestyle changes. Many come to her feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. She helps clients build sustainable habits through a supportive, collaborative approach that considers the whole person, including nutrition, mental well-being, physical health, and each client’s unique goals.
(971) 449-1216 View (971) 449-1216
Photo of Nada Mays, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Nada Mays
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Philadelphia, PA 19134
Providing evidence-based, clinical nutrition counseling to support you in achieving your health goals.
Providing evidence-based, clinical nutrition counseling to support you in achieving your health goals.
(973) 846-9414 View (973) 846-9414
Photo of Dana Curley, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Dana Curley
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Serves Area
I specialize in helping people navigate weight management, diabetes, nutrition, GI concerns, & heart health with a realistic approach.
Start where you are. I believe that good nutrition is attainable through personally tailored, evidence-based, doable, accessible, dietary changes. Building a sense of partnership with clients is the key to our success. I specialize in weight management, diabetes, prediabetes, cardiovascular concerns such as cholesterol and high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders, and GI issues including IBS, Crohn’s, lactose and gluten sensitivities.
I specialize in helping people navigate weight management, diabetes, nutrition, GI concerns, & heart health with a realistic approach.
Start where you are. I believe that good nutrition is attainable through personally tailored, evidence-based, doable, accessible, dietary changes. Building a sense of partnership with clients is the key to our success. I specialize in weight management, diabetes, prediabetes, cardiovascular concerns such as cholesterol and high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders, and GI issues including IBS, Crohn’s, lactose and gluten sensitivities.
(760) 973-2237 View (760) 973-2237
Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians
How does nutrition affect heart health?
Nutrition plays a significant role in heart health, affecting conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Consuming too much saturated and trans fats can raise "bad" cholesterol levels, potentially leading to clogged arteries and heart disease. In addition, high-sugar and refined carb foods, common in the American diet, are often high in calories but low in nutrients. Abundant consumption of such foods can lead to conditions such as weight gain and diabetes, which put extra strain on the heart. Excess sodium intake is yet another dietary component that can impact heart health. Consumption of too much sodium can raise blood pressure, making the heart work harder. Conversely, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps support heart health through the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels and the reduction of inflammation.

What diet is best for heart health?
In general, experts recommend a plant-based diet high in fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein as the best nutrition approach to a heart healthy diet. The "Mediterranean diet," characterized by the consumption of lots of healthy fats, vegetables, beans, and whole grains is one common diet with abundant evidence supporting its efficacy in reducing blood cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is another common diet shown to reduce blood pressure and positively impact heart health; the DASH diet emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy products with a particular focus on reducing the consumption of saturated fats. Conversely, diets that include the consumption of large amounts of protein and fats—such as the keto diet and atkins diet—are generally not recommended for those with heart conditions or high cholesterol levels due to the high levels of saturated and trans fats such diets can include.

What foods increase one's risk of heart disease?
Foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meats, cream, butter, and pastries, can have a very negative impact on heart health. In addition, sweets, high-sugar drinks, and refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta are usually good to avoid in order to positively impact heart health. Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fat alternatives, such as consuming lean fish high in omega-3 fatty acids instead of red meat, is often a good strategy, as is replacing highly-processed and sugar-rich foods with alternative carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Why should someone with heart disease see a dietitian?
Dietitians are specifically trained to use diet modifications to manage health, so individuals with heart disease may greatly benefit from seeing a dietitian to improve their cardiac health. Dietitians can help clients identify foods that support heart health, such as whole grains, as well as help clients eliminate foods that can place a strain on the heart when consumed in large quantities over time, such as saturated and trans fats. Dietitians can also help hold clients accountable for their nutrition and provide resources for other lifestyle modifications that support heart health, such as exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption reduction. Additionally, dietitians can assist in managing other chronic diseases often associated with heart disease, such as kidney conditions or diabetes.