Tips to Live By for a Healthier Heart
By Brandi Goodman
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. With that fact alone, you should desire to be more diligent in keeping yours healthy. With some important tips to live by, you can maintain a healthier heart and lower your risk of developing heart disease.
Make Moving a Habit
Physical activity is one of the best ways to keep your heart pumping efficiently. Blood and oxygen flow through your body better when you're engaging in regular aerobic exercise. Go for a walk. Swim. Jog. Bike. Make moving a habit and get in more exercise so you can keep your heart working well.
Get Enough Sleep
Your heart needs sleep. Fail to rest as intended, and your heart may never get the recovery time it needs. When you aren't sleeping well, you may be more likely to feel irritable and stressed the next day. Long periods of stress can lead to an increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and problems with your heart overall. Make sure you're reaching at least six full hours of sleep each night in order to keep stress to your heart to a minimum.
Look at Every Nutrition Label
It's fine to indulge in a tasty treat every once in a while, but it shouldn't be a habit. You need to look at every nutrition label and ensure high amounts of sodium are not included. A diet high in sodium is one of the major contributors to heart disease and heart attacks.
You should also watch out for trans fat on labels. This type is more likely to raise your cholesterol, clog your arteries, and contribute to your heart problems. Processed foods that list hydrogenated oil are also among the list of things you should avoid. Unsaturated fats are what you should look for on your nutrition label. Fish and nuts are good sources of healthy fats.
Brush and Floss Daily
You may not realize it, but poor oral health can have an impact on heart health. If you have periodontal disease, for example, you may have some of the same factors as heart disease. The bacteria in your mouth can get into your bloodstream and inflame the vessels. You need to brush and floss daily to avoid this happening.
Your heart should be considered in everything you do. The healthy habits you utilize do far more good for your heart than you can imagine. The unhealthy habits you fall into, on the other hand, can cause far more damage than you might realize. Always strive to live healthy so you can keep your heart in good standing.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Long Beach, Calif.