Lessons From a Community With No Heart Disease

By Stepy Kamei

It's no secret that heart disease is one of the most common -- not to mention devastating -- health conditions our nation deals with every year. Heart disease can affect people from all backgrounds and medical histories. However, there are certain risk factors that can make your chances of developing heart disease even worse. Of course, it's important to know what these risk factors are so you can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. But what if there were a group of people who reportedly never experienced heart disease -- wouldn't you want to learn more about their lifestyle, and maybe pick up on some if their healthy habits? As it turns out, there are a handful of societies and communities who are renowned for their astounding health. Most significantly, there have been recent studies showing a particular community in the Amazon that never suffers from heart disease. So, what exactly are they doing right, and what can we learn from them?

A Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Health experts have recently concluded that the Tsimane, a community in Bolivia, have the healthiest hearts in the world. The reason why this is the case can be broken down into various aspects of their everyday lives.

First, their diet is mainly made up of carbs. Rice, corn, cassava, and plantains make up most of the meals of the Tsimane. These foods are wholesome and natural, meaning they don't contain any additives or unhealthy artificial ingredients. This diet is also full of important nutrients such as fiber, potassium, selenium, and magnesium.

Another important aspect of the Tsimane's lifestyle is how active they are. They are often standing or walking, and hardly lead sedentary lives. Active movement is an easy way to keep up blood circulation and improve heart health. You can easily get more activity into your day by taking walks during your lunch break and taking the stairs instead of elevators.

Finally, the day ends early for the Tsimane -- and without the glare of smartphones and electronics disrupting natural circadian rhythms, they receive quality, deep sleep.

The good news is that you don't need to pack up and move to the Amazon to start living a heart-healthy lifestyle. It's more about learning from the way the Tsimane live. Fresh, wholesome ingredients, active days, and restful sleep are just some of the most important ways in which you can benefit the health of your heart.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Seminole, Fla.