In today's world of fast foods, it's far too easy to slip into the perils of an unhealthy diet. Aside from the extra pounds on the scale and tight-fitting clothes, there's also the issue of your heart health. Bad dietary choices combined with a sedentary lifestyle are extremely detrimental to your cardio health and state of mind. But the good news is, with these simple tips, you can add years to your life and reduce those numbers on the scale.
7 Tips to Maintain a Healthy Heart & Circulatory
1. Avoid Fried Foods (Lifeless Food)
Yes, we know french fries and other fried and salted foods smash those cravings and satisfy your hunger in an instant. But while you think you can make up for it with an extra 10 minutes on the treadmill, there is no escaping a bad diet. Deep-fried foods don't just eliminate all the valuable nutrients from the foods being cooked; they contribute to arterial plaque build-up and put your overall health at serious risk.
You can't expect to live a long and healthy life with fried foods as your primary source of nutrition. These foods are almost always high in trans fats, which are directly correlated to dangerous bad cholesterol levels in the body. High cholesterol is linked to heart disease and other serious conditions and illnesses that can be fatal. Do your best to eliminate these lifeless foods from your diet, and if you want to treat yourself once in a while, ensure that you don't fall into a consistent pattern of unhealthy eating.
2. Eat Heart-Healthy Foods
Just as there are foods that are bad for your heart, there is a long list of foods that give your heart and body the nutrients they need to function with resilience every single day. Plant-based foods such as nuts, whole grains, leafy greens, avocados, nuts, fruits contain a plethora of vitamins, proteins, and healthy fats that won't shave years off your lifespan the way a diet of fried and processed foods will.
Also, they can taste great too! Just because something is good for you doesn't mean it has to be bland. Take some time to research healthy recipes and before you know it you'll be preparing mouthwatering dishes your heart will thank you for. Eating well can also contribute to living longer and happier.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
This point is often overlooked, and with so many soft drinks and energy drink options, it's easy to forget just how much our body needs to be hydrated with water that doesn't contain sugars, caffeine, and other additives. Adequate water intake has many benefits for the body. It helps to regulate our body's pH levels as well as aids in the proper function of our major organs, including the heart.
Dehydration causes your body's overall performance to suffer and since your heart is one of the hardest working organs in your body, you need to be sure you're not subjecting it to more stress than it's already dealing with. And no, caffeine drinks do not count as hydration. Caffeine is a stimulant and a mild diuretic, which means it forces your body to release water while making your heart work harder.
4. Cardio Exercise for at Least 30 Minutes a Day
Cardiovascular exercise offers a wide array of benefits that can keep your heart strong even as you enter your later years. Exercising regularly promotes better blood circulation to and from your heart, as well as contributes to healthy weight loss and lower cholesterol levels. If you're new to exercise, remember not to overexert yourself on your first day of training. Start with moderate intensity and slowly build up your stamina. Results and progress will come with consistency and always be sure to warm up beforehand.
5. Reduce TV Time and Go Outside
In this age of mobile phones and laptops, it's far too easy to burn several hours while staring into a screen and letting your brain and body go numb. First, you're not stimulating your mind all that much, and that comes with its own list of problems. But from a heart-health standpoint, all that sedentary time means you're not activating your cardiovascular system, slowing your metabolism, and storing calories that could be used for more beneficial activities.
Press pause on your Netflix and take a break from the monotony of laptops or TV. Get some fresh air by playing outdoor sports with friends or heading out for walks. These are great ways to keep your heart active and enjoy yourself at the same time.
6. Laugh Often
You've probably heard the saying “stress is a silent killer”, or something along those lines, and the fact is, it's true. High-stress levels lead to your body producing more of a hormone called cortisol. This raises the level of inflammation in your body and puts more pressure on your heart. This can ultimately lead to several chronic conditions as well as a heart attack or stroke.
Yes, life can be stressful, but you can also relax your mind and make time for some enjoyment. Watch a funny movie, listen to a hilarious podcast, spend time with friends, or do anything else that puts a smile on your face. You deserve to be happy and when you are, your heart benefits from it.
7. Herbs for Heart Health
For centuries, ancient Chinese medicine has turned to herbs as a way to cure and strengthen the body's vital organs. Supplementing with the right herbs can give your heart the support it needs to beat with vigor well into your golden years. Herbs such as hawthorn berries, capsicum, astragalus, garlic, ginger, licorice root, are just some of the premium ingredients our supplements consist of. They are of the highest quality, GMO-Free, and derived from the most reputable sources in the industry.
Keeping your heart and circulatory system strong doesn't have to be a complicated process. Lifestyle choices like healthy eating, regular exercise, and high-quality herbal supplementation will help reduce stress and allow you to live a longer, happier life. If you're ready to get on the path to longevity contact Common Sense Herbs today! We will be happy to show you our impressive selection of herbal supplements that both you and your heart will love.