Heart Healthy Tips for Everyday Life
By Genevieve Cunningham
The heart. When we think about the heart, we associate it with love and kindness and friendship. But the heart is a lot more than a symbol of love. It's a necessary and extremely important part of the body. We know that keeping the heart healthy is important and that we can't live without it. But are we proactive in our quest for better heart health? Or do we simply hope for the best? If you're interested in maintaining or improving the health of your heart, take a look at these tips to help you get moving in the right direction.
Cardio Exercise
The heart likes cardio exercise. It's good for long-term heart health, and it can lead to improved moods, stronger muscles, and overall weight loss as well. There's really no reason not to do cardio! Luckily, sneaking in some cardio exercise is easy. Start by taking simple walks, and then progress to a run. Or if you'd rather avoid running altogether, try an aerobics class or get into bike riding or hiking. There are a lot of ways to get some cardio movement, so choose an activity and start moving.
An Animal-Friendly Diet
Most people enjoy eating animal products, whether that's meat, dairy, or eggs. But the heart isn't thrilled about our consumption of these food items. In fact, clogged arteries -- which can eventually lead to serious heart disease -- can be caused by these foods. By lowering your consumption of animal-based food products, you're significantly reducing the risk of heart disease. If you just can't say no to meat, that's OK! Just try lower fat options such as lean chicken, fish, and turkey bacon to improve your diet and health.
Stress Management
We're all stressed, and because we're so stressed so much of the time, we often completely ignore the fact that stress is bad for the heart. It's never a good idea to accept stress as a permanent part of our lives. Instead, we should be learning to manage it. Good ways to manage stress include creating schedules, saying no to extra work, learning deep breathing exercises, spending time in nature, exercising regularly, and practicing meditation and yoga. Try out a few methods to see what works for you. Once you find out what keeps the stress under control, make it a part of your life to protect your heart and feel your best.
Keeping your heart healthy should be a constant goal. It's extremely important, and in the long run, it can affect your quality of life and longevity. Use these tips to keep your heart healthy starting right now and going into your future.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Nashville, Tenn.