4 Tips to Improve Your Heart Health
By Brandi Goodman
Eating healthy foods and getting more exercise are often touted as the ways to keep yourself healthy. While you should, of course, abide by these instructions, there is far more that you need to consider when you're trying to improve your heart health specifically. A few particular foods can help more so than others, and certain exercises can make for better blood flow. With some tips in mind, you can work to improve your heart in more beneficial ways.
Learn the Difference Between Good and Bad Cholesterol
Many people believe they have to avoid cholesterol at all costs. There are actually good and bad cholesterol to consider. The good version is necessary for your heart. It keeps blood vessels open so blood can flow through freely.
The bad version, on the other hand, can clog your arteries and cause unnecessary stress on your heart. The foods you want to eat for good cholesterol include oatmeal, rice, almonds, beans, and peas. These contain soluble fiber that are beneficial for your HDL levels.
Get Plenty of Rest
Poor sleep can improve your risk of heart disease due to the stress it causes you. You need to make sure you're getting plenty of rest so that you can avoid unnecessary periods of stress and keep your heart health in check. Your immune system will benefit from adequate rest as well, which is also necessary for improved heart health.
Do More Moving
Sitting for hours at a time can lead to stress on your heart as well. You need to do more moving throughout each day. When you find yourself sitting for hours, make sure to get up and stretch and walk around the house for a bit to get the blood flowing again. Try your best to avoid sitting for too long at once and be sure you're getting plenty of exercise as everyone suggests.
Avoid Smoking and Secondhand Smoke
Smoking should always be avoided if you want to keep your heart working well. The toxins found in cigarettes can narrow your blood vessels and raise your risk of heart disease. Even secondhand smoke can be detrimental. If someone is smoking, make sure to move away from them so you aren't impacted by their harmful habits.
Your heart health needs to be considered in everything you do - each and every day. Be sure to keep these tips in mind so you can maintain proper heart health and keep yourself entirely healthy and well for as long as possible.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Thousand Oaks, Calif.