Though it would have admittedly been easier (and more visually pleasing) to write five heart health tips, we all know that our most vital organ deserves better than that.
One extra tip barely does this grand piece of organic machinery justice – but something is better than nothing! Though the workings of the heart is too complicated to address without introducing readers to a doctorate level course, we can stand by these six small tips to increase heart health before problems ever develop:
1. Avoid the Nasties!
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are two of the most obvious “nasties” to avoid when trying to increase heart health. However, there remain much more innocent-looking culprits that can counteract our best intentions. Lay off the salt, reduce “bad” cholesterol, and generally avoid processed foods and fatty meats. Keep it simple, natural, and healthy.
2. Keep It Moving
All it takes is a measly thirty minutes five times a week to reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke by up to half! Break these routines into small intervals if that’s what it takes to fit a bit of healthy exercise into your busy schedule. Not only does plenty of physical activity boost “good” cholesterol, but it will burn calories making you look as good as you will feel. Notice a pattern starting to form? All of the most powerful heart health tips also work to improve the condition of the entire body.
3. Doctors Say “Relax”
Stress causes your body to mobilize energy sources and tells your brain to take the sugar stored in your liver and dump it into the bloodstream. This keeps insulin levels high and contributes to fat gain.
More directly, stress strains the heart and increase blood pressure. The effects accumulate dangerously fast, leading you on an uphill battle against weight gain, high triglycerides, and clogged arteries.
4. Avoid Secondhand Smoke
A close friend or loved one’s smoking habit is not only affecting their health, it could be exponentially increasing your risk for heart disease. Those who are constantly exposed to secondhand smoke at work or home have an increased risk of up to 30%. If you currently smoke, do your best to kick the habit and enjoy the money you save for a well-deserved vacation. Make the big change with a support group to increase chances for success.
5. Consume Super Heart Power Foods
There is more that you can do besides simply eating healthy to combat the risk of heart complications. Avocado, fish, almonds, olive oil, blackberries, legumes, and plenty of fiber are additions that can make a significant positive impact on the health of the heart. Adding these simple additions to your diet could prove to be one of the easiest and most enjoyable heart health tips to implement.
6. Sweat the Small Stuff…
No, this tip has nothing to do with stress or anxiety! We really want you to SWEAT over the small stuff. This means that on top of the previously mentioned tips, you should also go out of your way to get the heart beating and muscles moving each time you get the chance. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, get off the bus one stop early, or bicycle instead of driving. Fitting in this extra calorie-burning time is especially critical for those who refuse to begin a regular exercise routine.
Each of these heart health tips are important, but achieving total body health may make even the best tips obsolete!
