The way you eat your food could raise risk of deadly heart failure by 13%, scientists warn
FOODS high in fat, salt, and sugar are very bad for the heart.
But as it turns out, it’s not just what we eat, but how we eat that can significantly raise the risk of heart failure, a new study has revealed.
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Scientists from China think eating grub from plastic takeout boxes causes inflammation in the gut, which travels to and damages the circulatory system.
It will be unwelcome news to millions, as Brits now consume 50 per cent more takeaways than before the pandemic, according to a recent report.
Plastic containers like Tupperware could increase the risk of heart failure, a common, but deadly condition which affects around one million people in the UK each year.
Data from 3,000 people found that those who had ‘high exposure’ to plastics that make up these boxes had a 13 per cent increased risk of developing the condition, when compared to those who ate from the boxes less frequently.
Read more on heart failure
In the second part of the study, lab rats were given water from plastic containers that had absorbed harmful chemicals after the tubs had been heated up.
After three months, the rodents showed changes in gut bacteria linked to inflammation and oxidative stress.
Their heart muscle was also damaged, leading the scientists to suspect that gut inflammation spread through the bloodstream and harmed the heart.
“It is essential to avoid using plastic containers for high-temperature food, reduce the use of plastic products in daily life, and implement timely plastic pollution control measures,” researchers from Ningxia Medical University, wrote.
Microplastics are tiny particles that enter the bloodstream, build up in organs, and cause serious harm.
Previous research has found they seep into our food, water, and air and have been linked to heart disease, dementia, and several types of cancer.
The new study, published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety looked at how daily exposure to microplastics from takeout containers affects heart health.
They quizzed 3,179 people on whether they used plastic items like shopping bags, tea bags, water bottles, lunch boxes, takeout containers, and utensils.
After taking into account age, sex, and ethnicity, the team found that high exposure to plastics overall led to a 13 per cent increased risk of developing heart failure.
Those over age 73 were at an 18 per cent increased risk of heart failure, while participants under age 73 had a 10 per cent higher likelihood.
Women were also more likely than men to develop heart failure, with an increased risk of 14 per cent compared to 11 per cent.
For the second part of the study, experts divided 32 mice into three groups based on daily exposure to contaminated water: one, five, or 15 minutes.
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How to slash your risk of heart failure today
Dr Rosie Godeseth, a cardiologist who’s now Associate Medical Director at Vitality Health, recommends the following steps to improve heart health in the long-term.
Healthy diet
Having a healthy balanced diet which consists of plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, and fibre is key to having a healthy heart in the long term.
It’s not about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ food, instead it’s about making regular choices, that limit ultra-processed foods and focus on having a balanced diet.
Incorporating plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and fibre is particularly impactful in strengthening your heart.
Physical activity
Being active can reduce your risk of CVD by 35 per cent, as it helps to control blood pressure, reduces bad cholesterol, and can control your blood glucose levels.
Avoid tobacco
Smokers are almost twice as likely to have a heart attack compared with those who have never smoked.
If you are a smoker, giving up is one of the biggest things you can do to help your heart.
It can be very difficult to give up, but you can speak to your GP who will be able to advise on how best to start.
Know your numbers
Keeping track of your cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure can be a great way to detect early warning signs and can help you identify any changes over time you might be unaware of otherwise.
After three months, they found harmful gut bacteria linked to inflammation and heart muscle damage.
The damage was likely caused by gut inflammation spreading through the bloodstream, affecting blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart failure.
The study had some limitations, the biggest being that it found a correlation between plastic exposure and heart damage rather than proving a direct cause.
It also didn’t include tissue samples from human participants.
The researchers say more studies are needed to understand exactly how long-term microplastic exposure harms the heart.
What is heart failure?
Heart failure is common but deadly because it reduces the ability to pump blood around the body.
The muscle becomes weaker or stiffer over time, often as a result of damage from a heart attack or coronary artery disease.
As it gets more damaged, the heart is forced to work harder to keep blood pumping and more sections of become worn out and damaged until it is eventually fatal.
High blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat or a genetic condition may also trigger it.