Ways to Keep Your Heart Healthy
It is so important to make sure your cardiovascular system is healthy at any age! There are many ways to make sure that ticker is still ticking well! Read below for ways to keep your heart healthy!
Quitting smoking
More than 37 million adults smoke. Smoking damages blood vessels and can cause heart disease. Not only that, but also loss of limbs and lung cancer. Vaping is not a safer alternative as it causes the same damage to the lungs and arteries. Quitting is not easy but there are many ways to try. If you work closely with your doctor, you can become smoke free!
Eating less refined carbs and more fiber
Bad carbs like pasta, rice, breads- can cause increase of LDL (bad cholesterol) and that clogs your arteries. Eating more fiber (good carbs) makes your body get rid of bad cholesterol and lowers your blood sugar. It also increases your metabolism!
Drinking more water
This helps your body get rid of wastes and keeps your heart from having to pump too much. Water maintains your normal blood pressure, so without water, your heart has to pump more to keep your blood pressure up. Drink up!
Exercising
In several studies, researchers found that people who exercised two to three times a week for 30 minutes a session had healthier medium sized arteries which are important for blood flow to the head, neck, and extremities. People who exercised four to five times a week for 30 minutes or more, had healthier large sized arteries which are important for blood flow in the chest and abdomen, as well as healthier medium sized arteries. As we age, our arteries become stiffer which can lead to heart disease or stroke.
Keeping stress low
Easier said than done! But we know that stress causes a host of things to happen to the body- increased cholesterol, heart issues, weight gain, fatigue, and mood changes. Finding an outlet to your stress like exercise, yoga, therapy, and fun activities, can help lower your stress.
Talking with your doctor regularly
We make it easy to talk to your provider anytime with a text, call or email. Your provider can give you the best advice when it comes to your health. Ask your doctor all the questions and avoid going down a wormhole with the internet!
It’s never too late to take control of your heart health! Make moves, not excuses! And as always, get regular check-ups with your doctor and stay up to date on your health!
If you or your loved one have questions about heart disease or concerns, make an appointment with one of our family doctors at Elevated Health in Huntington Beach, California and Redding, California. We are more than happy to help answer any of your questions!
