Given the heart’s many essential functions, it is important that we take proper care of the heart. However, heart diseases have risen considerably over the last century, mainly due to changes in diet and lifestyle.
Ways to Improve and Boost the Heart
Healthy diet, regular exercise, controlling stress level and avoiding smoking are some of the important changes /habits one has to bring about for a healthy heart.
- Healthy Diet: Foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fats are to be introduced. Cut back on cholesterol contributors like red meat or animal products. Salt and sugar and other high- sodium diets like canned soups, frozen meals etc are to be avoided as well, since they are linked to an increase in blood pressure and are therefore at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Eat plenty of fresh green vegetables, fish and fruits.
- Regular Exercise: Inactive lifestyle is one of the highest causes of a heart failure. Various forms of exercises including walking, swimming, and jogging aid in boosting the heart, and elevate blood pressure. Exercise also reduce body fat and help you reach a healthy weight and keep you relaxed.
- Controlling Stress Level: Keep a positive attitude. The demand for oxygen increases during mental stress, which in turn causes an increasing work for the heart. Therefore, meditation or yoga is to be practised to help one to be in control of the body.
- Quitting Smoking: Nicotine raises one’s blood pressure, and constricts the blood vessels thereby increasing the heartbeat. Certain chemicals in smoke also cause blood to clot more easily. Therefore, it is essential that one should quit smoking in order to have a healthy heart.
