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9 ways of loving your heart

9 ways of loving your heart
By Blackmores 8 years ago 28646 Views No comments

Time can possibly heal all heartaches when it comes to relationships with your loved ones but this is definitely not the case if you have heart problems that have extremely serious consequences. In many cases, adopting healthy diet and lifestyle can reduce this risk. Blackmores advisory team has identified 9 ways to a healthier heart.

1. Watch your waistline

For a healthy heart – reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight is important. While getting to your ideal body weight and staying there can be tricky at times – the health benefits are worth it. If you are overweight losing five to ten percent of your weight may have a positive effect on your heart health - including blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Plus you will feel good about fitting into your favorite pair of jeans again!

2. Limit your intake of unhealthy fats

We love to snack and it is hard work resisting momentarily indulgence. It all adds up! Watch how much saturated and trans fats you eat - limiting your intake of these fats may be helpful in managing healthy cholesterol levels. Other recommendations to reduce your intake of these fats by trimming the fat off your meat or choosing lean cuts of meat. Other common sources of saturated and trans fats include margarine, bacon, butter, and cream.

3. Fill-up on fresh fruits & vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are nature’s treat and they are fun to snack on. They add different textures and colors to your plate. Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals and fibre. They also contain phytonutrients that may help to keep your heart healthy. Diets that are high in fruits, vegetables and legumes have been seen to be protective against many different chronic conditions. Try to incorporate lots of different fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet.

4. Increase your intake of whole grains

Whole grains are a good source of fibre – as well as vitamins and minerals. Whole grains, and whole grain products (breads, cereals, etc.) include all the parts of the grain, and are higher in fibre and nutrients than white and refined grains. A diet rich in whole grains may help to protect heart health. Try a variety of grains in your diet - wheat, maize, rice, barley, oats, rye, millet, polenta, cous cous and quinoa are some great options.

5. Cut down on salt

High intakes of salt can result in an increase in blood pressure. While salt is found in nearly every food we eat, and around 75% of the salt we consume is found in processed foods. You can cut down your salt intake by not adding salt to food while cooking, or at the table, and by reducing the amount of processed foods that you eat.

6. Stress less

Emotional stress can affect heart health. High stress situation can lead to an increase in blood pressure, and have other negative physical effects on the heart. Managing your stress is important for overall heart health.
There are many techniques you can try to help manage your stress. These include: breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, proper nutrition, exercise, taking up a sports activity and social support. Try each one to find which is best for you. Also try to avoid situations and people who make you anxious or angry!

7. Exercise

Physical activity and exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is also important for heart health. Regular physical exercise can help reduce the risk of developing many chronic health conditions, including heart disease. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

8. Move just a little bit more

Another way to bump up the amount of activity in your day is to take little steps and incorporate more movement into your day. There are lots of things you could do to move more throughout your day, without really trying.

Try some of these:

  • Park your car as far away from the door as you can and walk
  • Carry your grocery up the stairs, instead of the lift or escalator
  • Go for a walk on your lunch break
  • Get up from your desk every hour and do a lap around the office premise.

9. Stop smoking or be exposed to second hand smoke.

This one almost goes without saying these days – but, if you smoke – stop!
If you’re a smoker the best thing you can do for your health, is to give the smokes away. Yes – it may be difficult, but the benefits are immeasurable. Smoking not only damages the lungs, but also damages the heart and blood vessels. To add on, think about the people around you as they could be suffering because of your smoke!