Did you know that in America, in every 40 seconds, someone has a heart attack and that 25% of deaths in the US are caused by heart disease?
The statistics may sound scary, but if you adopt a healthy lifestyle (like limiting your alcohol consumption, getting enough sleep), you’ll be one step closer to having a healthy heart and so, preventing future health problems.
If you’re looking for health and wellness tips for keeping your heart healthy, you’re in the right place. Continue to read to find out more.
1. Healthy Eating Is Key
Meals are more than fuel; they’re medicine too. According to the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a good diet for your heart includes poultry, whole grains, nuts, fruits, low-fat dairy, veggies, and fish. Plus, it’s best to avoid processed foods, red meat, and foods high in sodium.
Keep in mind that drinking plenty of water every day can also be quite beneficial. In addition, some dietary supplements (such as coenzyme Q10, fish oil, and magnesium) and specific foods (like artichoke and garlic) might help reduce cholesterol and inflammation and improve high blood pressure.
2. Workout Regularly to Stay Healthy
Regularly working out may help prevent heart disease. Adults need to do aerobic activities at a moderate intensity for at least 150 minutes each week. This includes any physical activity that makes your heart beat faster, like biking, walking, hiking, and dancing.
Are you an exercise newbie? Then, take it easy! Try waking up earlier to go for a quick walk. Even 15 minutes can be incredibly beneficial (as it can increase your lifespan and boost your brainpower) and help you build endurance so that you can exercise for longer over time.
If you feel your heart is thumping, fluttering, or racing, it may be worth checking your heart palpitations with a doctor, especially before starting a new workout routine.
3. Healthy Living Includes Regular Sleep
Regular, quality sleep is a must for anyone trying to have a healthy life. Just like your mood, your heart is affected when you’re sleep-deprived. In fact, someone who frequently doesn’t get enough sleep is more at risk of facing heart disease and heart attacks.
Therefore, try to sleep for at least seven hours a night: it will be good for your heart and body. If you’re struggling to stay asleep or fall asleep, it might be worth booking an appointment with your doctor to check if you have a sleeping disorder.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
It’s very easy to gain a few extra pounds after the holidays or after going on vacation, but don’t let it linger, especially if you’re currently overweight. Excess weight might put you at a higher risk for several health issues, including high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, which are all linked with heart disease.
Therefore, come up with a realistic weight loss plan and stick to it. Once you reach your goal, try to maintain your weight so you won’t have to put in extra effort to go through the process again.
5. Manage Stress
Stress is strongly associated with heart disease. For instance, extreme stress may trigger a heart attack, while ”daily stress” might raise your blood pressure. Plus, typical ways of dealing with stress, such as smoking and heavy drinking, are harmful to your heart.
Yet, there are some strategies you can adopt to help you manage stress: you can try to practice yoga, meditate or simply listen to music.
Health and Wellness Tips
Now that you read these health and wellness tips, go on and adopt a healthy lifestyle! Sure, you’ll have to put some effort to change some habits, but it’s worth it. You’ll feel better, and you’ll be preventing future health issues.
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