How to Improve Your Heart Health and Prevent Heart Disease
Heart disease and strokes are the leading causes of death worldwide. Yet, eighty percent of these illnesses can be prevented or reduced through lifestyle changes. For example, a diet low in saturated fat and red wine may be heart healthy. Dogs may also help with heart health. These factors may seem overwhelming at first, but they will help you maintain heart health and prevent heart disease. Read on for more information. To start living a healthy lifestyle, start by becoming more familiar with your doctor’s advice.
Your heart pumps millions of gallons of blood through your body every day. This steady blood flow transports oxygen, fuel, hormones and other compounds to the various organs in your body. It also whisks away waste products produced through metabolism. When the heart fails to pump blood, many of its essential functions are compromised. Several factors can cause this failure, including lack of exercise, smoking, infection, and unlucky genes. But there are several ways to maintain good heart health and keep it functioning properly.
One of the most important ways to promote heart health is to get as much exercise as possible. A healthy heart benefits your entire body. Good heart health protects against cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, joint pain, and asthma, and may even reduce your risk of cancer. Healthy lifestyles include eating the right foods and engaging in regular physical activity. It also boosts your mood and reduces stress levels. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends that you engage in 150 minutes of physical activity each week. However, don’t forget to start small with activities that you enjoy.
One easy way to improve your heart health is by reducing your sodium intake. Using condiments with reduced sodium is an excellent way to add flavor to dishes without adding excess salt. A daily meal plan should emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit salty foods and watch portion sizes. To ensure heart-healthy eating habits, you should also try to add variety to your menu. Once you’ve got the basics down, you’re ready to start improving your heart health.
Stress can have many negative effects on your health, so be sure to find ways to manage stress. Although it’s normal to experience stress, it’s best to limit it. Short-term stress (such as exercise) can be beneficial. However, chronic stress can be detrimental to your heart, depressing your immune system and raising your risk of stroke or heart attack. This is why you should avoid chronic stress, even if you’re young and healthy.
Vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. They’re low in calories and rich in dietary fiber. Eating more fruits and vegetables may also help prevent heart disease. Studies have shown that consuming more fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of coronary heart disease by as much as 10-20%. If you want to lower your risk, try to cut back on refined carbohydrates. Whole grains may help you lower your risk of heart disease by up to 20%.
