Keeping your heart healthy and strong not only contributes to good health and weight loss, but it reduces your risk of disease, cancer, and infection as well. As we age, our chances of cardiovascular disease increase, so it’s important to know what we can do now to reduce the risks of complicating our health in the future. There are many things you can do to keep your heart healthy, no matter your age, and knowing that you want a change is the first step to making a difference.
A Better Lifestyle for a Better Heart
Creating better habits can help you shed pesky fat, as well as strengthen your heart. If you consistently keep up with good routines every day, it’ll do your heart and body a massive favor.
Here are some tips we recommend for better heart health:
Avoid trans fat: It’s important to incorporate healthy fats, such as polyunsaturated, saturated, and unsaturated fats. However, trans fat is known to increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. It also clogs your arteries by lowering your good cholesterol levels and raising your bad cholesterol levels. Cutting trans fat from your diet can not only improve your weight, but the blood flow in your body as well.
Sleep: Getting enough sleep every night is essential to a healthy heart. When our bodies lack sleep, our chance at cardiovascular disease increases no matter how old or young you may be. Sleeping too little also contributes to disruptions in health conditions, such as blood pressure and inflammation.
Avoid secondhand smoke: It might be obvious that smoking tobacco is not good for your heart, but what if you live or work with someone who’s an avid smoker? Studies show the risk of developing heart disease is 25 to 30 percent higher in individuals exposed to secondhand smoke. There’s also no “safe level” for breathing in these harmful chemicals; just 30 minutes of exposure can cause damage to the heart, even if you’ve never smoked a day in your life. In fact, secondhand smoke can be as damaging to an unborn baby as if the mother were inhaling the smoke directly from a cigarette.
Avoid sitting for long periods of time: Research suggests that sitting for too long can be associated with risks for several types of diseases. This is especially relatable for those who work a 9-5 desk job, where sitting takes up almost all your time. It’s important to keep yourself moving throughout the day, whether it be by parking a little farther away from the office to make longer walks, or by setting up a break schedule to take daily strolls.
Path to Improved Health
Incorporating healthy habits takes time, and nothing good ever comes easy. Everyone is different, and what works for some may not work for you. It’s important to remember that change doesn’t need to come instantly; gradually adding good habits will eventually pay off in the long run, so stay motivated and keep your goals in mind whenever you’re feeling disheartened.
Ready to get serious about your heart health? Contact us online or dial (504) 475-9817 today!