Jeremy Clarkson opens up on battle to stay healthy while filming WWTBAM as he reveals ‘it’s impossible’
JEREMY Clarkson has shared a fresh health update after his major heart surgery forced him to overhaul his life.
The Sun columnist and Clarkson’s Farm star was rushed in for an emergency operation last year to clear blocked arteries.
Jeremy, 64, discovered his urgent medical problem after falling ill while on holiday.
After overhauling his life following the life-saving op, the former Top Gear host has now shared an insight into his day-to-day life.
He said: “My phone flashed up this morning saying: ‘you are taking far fewer steps this week than last’.
“I thought ‘yeah I would be as I am sitting here’. It also says you are eating far fewer sausages.
“I just sit here and eat celery. I am feeling better on it. I do feel very well.”
Jeremy added that he now has a dietician who advised him to avoid processed foods.
He said: “I have been to see a dietician. The dietician has given me a pretty good list and said: ‘don’t eat processed food’.
“If it’s got more than one ingredient in it, don’t eat it. I feel great.”
Jeremy previously detailed his hospital dash in his Sun column where he revealed there was a five per cent chance his heart would stop.
He wrote: “The doctors were skilled professionals and they had all the tools they’d need, so during the procedure I was so relaxed that at one point, I nodded off.
“I felt like a car. My fuel lines had become all clogged up and they were mending them. Easy.
“Sure, they said there was a five per cent chance that my heart would stop but there’s a five per cent chance I’ll be eaten by a lion this afternoon and I’m not worried about that.”
The petrol head is back at the helm of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire this Sunday for a brand new celebrity series at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke
You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods.
Heart attacks and strokes, althouh affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events.
Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and diabetes.
Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions.
Here are ways you can prevent the two:
Healthy diet
- More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
- Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
- Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults.
- Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels.
Exercise
Walking, running, cycling, swimming – whatever you like, do it!
Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation.
The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week.
Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS.
Manage blood pressure
Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check.
But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Quit smoking
One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good – and it’s free.
Limit booze
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk.
The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week.