Top Tips For Keeping Your Heart Healthy
We all know the benefits to our heart health from increasing our physical activity and cutting down on fat and sugar, but there are other steps you can take that you might be less familiar with. Here are our tips for keeping your heart healthy.
Fuel your body
While the negative effects on your heart of eating too many calories are well known, it might come as a surprise to learn that too few can be just as detrimental to heart health. According to studies, undereating can cause a drop in vital minerals, leading to potentially fatal heart rhythms. There is also evidence to suggest that a lack of sustenance might cause fat to be released throughout the body into the blood, and then reach the heart. A lack of essential macronutrients, such as protein, is also thought to damage your heart. Protein is crucial for building and maintaining muscle and, since your heart is a muscle, it needs protein to stay healthy. It’s therefore really important that you get all the vitamins and minerals to keep your heart in top condition. Make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet and consider taking a supplement like Nestle BOOST Optimum. Designed to address adult nutritional needs, Nestle BOOST Optimum contains high-quality protein, as well as all the vitamins and minerals you need to keep you in good health. Another way of fueling your body with necessary vitamins is IV hydration in Miami. IV hydration therapies are an effective and quick way of enriching your body with vitamins and minerals.
Manage stress
Some stress in life is normal and inevitable, so don’t be too concerned about the odd moment of panic. It becomes unhealthy, however, when you feel stressed most of the time. Long-term stress is associated with a range of health conditions but is particularly detrimental to your heart. Stress can also indirectly affect your heart by causing unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, over or undereating, or alcohol abuse. Studies suggest that constant stress can increase your risk of heart disease because the hormone released in response can raise your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. It’s also thought that long-term stress might contribute to inflammation in the body, which is also associated with diseases of the heart. Avoiding stress is easier said than done, but it’s important if you want to protect your heart. Consider learning about mindfulness techniques like meditation that can help to calm you down. If you think your stress is severely impacting on your health, then make an appointment with your doctor or other health professional.
Avoid sitting for long periods
Regular exercise is certainly beneficial for heart health, but did you know that all your good work can be undone if you spend most of your time sitting down? Research shows that 30 minutes of exercise every day is not enough to counteract the health risks caused by sitting too much. Sitting for hours on end is thought to hinder your metabolism, reducing your body’s ability to regulate blood pressure and sugar, and break down fat, outing you at risk of heart disease. It’s therefore vital that you move around as much as possible. If you have a desk job, consider taking a short break every half hour to stand up and do gentle stretches, or get yourself a standing desk.
Conclusion
Nourishing your body with the fuel it needs, managing stress, and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle will all help you to maintain a healthy heart.
Leave a Reply