The heart is the hardest working organ in our body. Without it, pumping blood around the body, we would be unable to survive, which is why it is so important that we take good care of our hearts.
With that in mind, here are my top tips for maintaining a healthy heart, a few of which may surprise you…
- Give up smoking
If you’re a smoker, the absolute best thing you can do for your heart health is to give up right now! Tobacco will clog up your arteries and make it difficult for your heart to do its job, and since it’s one factor that is under your control you must do something about it. Of course, that’s often easier said than done, but these days, with vapes and nicotine replacement products readily available, it’s totally doable.
- Take good care of your teeth and gums
Your oral health is inextricably linked with your heart health. If your teeth and gums are in a bad state, you’re more likely to have high blood pressure and suffer from heart disease, amongst other things, So, a really easy way to look after your heart is to look after your teeth. From brushing and flossing regularly to using teeth aligners to straighten out teeth and lower the risk of cavities, anything you can do to improve the state of your mouth will be great for your heart too.
Close-up of wine glasses tapping in a bar. Party and nightlife concept
- Drink alcohol
Yes, really, but only in moderation. Studies have shown that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol can raise the HDL levels in your body. This is good cholesterol which helps the heart to function optimally, and which can also help to prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries. Just be aware that too much alcohol is undoubtedly bad for the heart, and the body as a whole, so keep it sensible.
- Laugh more
Laughter really is the best medicine when it comes to your heart, anyway. Studies have shown that laughing regularly lowers the presence of stress hormones in the body, lowers blood pressure, and raises your levels of goods cholesterol. Being healthy really doesn’t have to be a drag!
- Eat less salt
Salt may give your food more flavor, but it can also increase your blood pressure to unhealthy levels if you have too much of it. That would be bad for your body because it would cause your heart to work harder than usually necessary.
It’s no surprise that people who develop heart disease tend to consume more salt than average, but studies have shown that if everyone was to lower their salt intake by just half a teaspoon the number of people with heart disease would drop considerably. Start removing some of the salt from your meals gradually and your tastebuds will adapt and you won’t even notice the difference, but you will reap the heart-healthy benefits.
Your heart is so important which is why you need to take the best possible care of it. Doing the above will help immensely, but always consult your doctor before you make any sigificant changes to your health.
Speak Your Mind