Astonishing Ways to Improve Your Heart Health
By Sara Butler
The promotion of heart health is at an all-time high these days, but for a very good reason. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25 percent of deaths are related to cardiovascular disease, which makes it the number one killer in the United States today. A sedentary lifestyle combined with increased stress and a poor diet have taken its toll on Americans, which is why heart disease has become so prevalent. You know that to have a healthy heart you must eat well and exercise, but there are a few surprising things you can do that help improve the health of your heart.
Spend Time with Friends and Family
Research has shown that spending time with the people you love can help improve the health of your heart. Spending more time with your family and loved ones releases the hormone oxytocin, a hormone which helps to reduce stress, ease any anxiety, and lower blood pressure -- all very important things for heart health. That must be why the heart is the international symbol of love!
Laugh More
Laughter truly might be the best medicine. Research has shown that the act of laughing has emotional and physical benefits such as easing pain, reducing stress, supporting a healthy immune system, and easing depression. As for your heart health, some studies have shown that laughter expands the blood vessels, which allows the blood to more easily flow through the heart.
Make Sleep a Priority
There are a lot of benefits to a good night’s sleep and a healthy heart is one of them. Studies have found that for every extra hour of sleep you can add to your nightly average, your risk of cardiovascular disease decreases by one-third. Just as with any other healthy habit, the key is consistency. So make sure you try to consistently get about eight hours of sleep per night for your heart health.
Floss
Yes, the health of your teeth plays a role in the health of your heart! There is an established correlation between gum health and the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Take care of those gums by brushing and flossing daily and you’ll take care of your heart too.
Taking care of your heart is important, so make sure you know how to do it right!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mission Viejo, Calif.