Boost Your Heart Health With These Suggestions
By Brandi Goodman
February is American Heart Month for good reason. It's important that you take care of your heart because its strength and ability is necessary for many areas of health. With a few suggestions in mind you can boost your heart health and keep it as strong and able as possible.
Exercise 5 Days Per Week
You should be getting 150 minutes of exercise each week. Break this up into 30 minutes per day, five days per week and you have a strong schedule that will work to get your heart improved. Aerobic activity is necessary so your hurt is pumping and really getting the oxygen flowing. Strength training will help with toning your muscles and getting your body stronger but aerobic exercise is really what your heart needs. Go for a swim. Take a walk. Jog. Dance.
Make Your Meals and Snacks Heart-Healthy
Incorporating a few healthy foods into your diet won't be good enough to improve your heart health. You need to regularly choose heart-healthy meals and snacks that provide antioxidants and nutrients that can lower your blood pressure, fight toxins, and keep your heart working well. Enjoy healthy fats, such as avocado, salmon, and walnuts, which can slow the buildup of plaque and lower your blood pressure. Dietary fiber is ideal for keeping your blood cholesterol levels in check. Whole grains are necessary for this purpose. Fruits and vegetables should of course be in the mix as well.
Avoid Overeating
The number of heart attacks tend to spike around the holidays. This is in part due to the amount of overeating being done. When you eat fast and eat lots, your blood has to shift quickly between the digestive system and the heart. Your heart may even beat irregularly because of it. Take your time when eating so you have time to digest and feel full and so you don't cause your heart to work harder than it can. Avoid foods that make you feel strange when eating them, especially if they regularly give you heartburn or cause chest pains.
Finding Healthy Coping Techniques for Stress
Stress can be a cause of concern for your heart. It allows your blood pressure to rise significantly and can cause feelings of anxiety and upset. Find healthy coping techniques that work to reduce your stressful feelings and keep your blood pressure down. Writing down positive thoughts in a journal, exercising, and laughing are all healthy options. Smoking and drinking are not as these can exacerbate symptoms.
A strong and healthy heart is necessary for our overall well-being. Boost your heart health with these suggestions and remain well. Lots of heart-healthy options exist and just one change at a time can make a huge difference.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pace, Fla.