Diet and heart failure

[Graham3196]

I have been on a diet to control my restless legs. The diet is fairly successful at helping the RLS but it appears to be terribly unhealthy. Now I get sleep I feel pretty good BUT the diet doesnt include much protein. Possibly as a consequence I have noticed that I am not as strong as I used to be. I'm76 so I thought that was just part of maturing.

However I have recently read that reduction in muscles can be the result of not eating enought protien. The basic idea is that your body needs protien so if you cant eat enough then your body will get the protein from your own muscles. It sounds like eating yourself. So now I am adjusting my diet to provide about 1 gram of protein per kg of body weight (92kg)

I have been told that to rebuild muscles I have to do certain excercises like lifting weights The muscles wont just grow back because I eat enough protein.

Question Will my heart muscles have lost strength to a similar extent to my arm muscles?

How do I do the right excercises for my heart muscles to regrow. I dont see an equivalent heart excercise to weight lifting.

[Heyjude31]

Hi Graham3196, I don’t have any views or answers I am sorry, I would speak to a Cardiac Rehab Physio/nurse if you can access one. I would imagine they may be able to advise. Take care, Judi

[Visitingcat]

Hi Graham I cannot help with the muscle wastage problem but have you looked at magnesium for your restless legs?

I had very occasional R L but suffered badly with cramp in my feet and lower legs in the night and magnesium was suggested, I think I’ve had RL and cramp once since I started taking it years ago.

It’d helped so much with insomnia as well.

Maybe ask your GP about it.

Sorry if you have already heard all this, just thought I’d mention it.

Best wishes

VC

[Graham3196 in reply to Visitingcat]

Thankyou. I already take Magnesium for my RLS. Unfortunately its effect for me has been very small.

My wife used to have ferocious cramps in her legs at night but she has started taking magnesium about a year ago and has since then had very few cramps. We have found that if she has a cramp then the best medicine is a dose of very strong sports drink ( Sold as Staminade in Australia) brings relief in a minute. Three spoonfull of powder in a large glass of hot water stir vigourously to make it all dissolve then add ice to cool it quickly and drink. I dont know how important cooling it is but I think it would probably taste horrible hot.

[Visitingcat in reply to Graham3196]

What a shame it does not help you, great that it’s helped your wife so much though.I was reading the reply about cardio exercise lower down, I have been looking at the cardio rehab exercises on on you tube as I thought I might have had to have surgery, my recent tests have shown my mitral leaks are more moderate than severe though so it’s back to regular tests but I will give them a go and will look at the bands mentioned.

They look like simple walking style exercises.

[Clerkenweller]

You should talk to your cardiac nurse. For your heart health cardio exercise such as brisk walking regularly is recommended. Weights are generally okay at a low level but again you should take advice from a practitioner.

[Hidden]

Hi Graham I use exercise bands rather than weights for general fitness and they work for me but best get some expert advice before starting any exercise programme. Good luck.

[genteel]

Hi GrahamI was advised by cardiologist and cardio rehab classes, to do aerobics to improve heart strength. Also walking, cycling and swimming at your own level and pace to build up strength. All the best.

[Graham3196 in reply to genteel]

Thanks That sounds like good advice Its hard to imagine excercising my heart muscle any way other than making them pump a bit harder. Not like building a good bicep by doing press ups