Managing heart failure isn’t just about medications. It’s about the everyday food choices that can either ease the strain on your heart or quietly make symptoms worse. In this episode, we break down why sodium has such a powerful impact on heart failure, how it drives fluid retention and shortness of breath, and why even small changes can lead to noticeable relief within days. You’ll learn how to spot hidden sodium in common foods, what to eat instead, and how to build meals that support your heart without feeling restrictive or bland. We also explore simple, realistic nutrition strategies for real life, from eating well when energy is low or appetite is poor, to using flavor-forward ingredients that make low-sodium meals satisfying and sustainable. Whether you’re living with heart failure, supporting a loved one, or trying to protect your heart long-term, this conversation offers practical, evidence-based guidance you can start using right away. Guest Bio: Julia Zumpano has been a registered dietitian with Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation at the Cleveland Clinic for 20 years. Her time in patient care is spent counseling on a cardio-protective diet, with focus on lipid, hypertension, diabetes, and weight management. She also serves as the Nutrition Media Liaison, where she manages the media requests to the outpatient Nutrition Therapy department, played an integral role in the development of the Cleveland Clinic diet app, and is the co-host of the Nutrition Essentials Podcast. “Simplify what you're consuming. Keep it very simple. Do what's with whatever is in your means, but if you are able to commit, let's say, three or four days to a low-sodium diet, you may find that you'll be able to get rid of some of that fluid you're retaining.” Question of the Day: What are some tips you use in your kitchen to make meals more flavorful without adding that extra sodium? On This Episode You Will Learn: Why sodium plays such a critical role in heart failure management, including what happens in the body when intake is too high and how it contributes to fluid buildup and worsening symptoms. How sodium affects blood pressure and heart function, why this added strain is especially dangerous for people with heart failure, and how even small reductions can lead to noticeable symptom relief. Common high-sodium foods that often go unnoticed, from packaged staples to restaurant meals, and practical tips for identifying hidden sodium on labels. What to eat for a stronger heart, highlighting staple ingredients and eating patterns that support fluid balance, reduce symptoms, and help meet nutrient needs even when appetite or energy is low. Making low-sodium eating realistic and enjoyable, with strategies to preserve flavor, honor food traditions, and build sustainable habits that support long-term heart health. Connect with Yumlish! Yumlish Website: Yumlish Yumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_ Yumlish on Facebook: Yumlish Yumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_ Yumlish on LinkedIn: Yumlish Connect with Julia Zumpano! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zumpano-julia-4757482a Nutrition Essentials Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMG0zKOgNqNmoVhXKP1zvIuFS5BcVXJyG
