It’s no surprise that a healthy heart is the key to a long, healthy life. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease was the leading cause of death among women in the United States in 2017. The good news is that you can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease with a healthy lifestyle. Here are four ways to keep your heart healthy.
Consider a DASH Diet
The Mediterranean DASH Diet puts a lot of emphasis on fresh foods and healthy fats and is highly recommended for a healthy heart. According to research, this diet lowers your risk of heart attack by reducing your blood pressure levels and keeping your cholesterol down.
As part of the diet, you’re advised to consume plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains and eat healthy fats such as dairy products and fish. It’s also recommended to reduce your sugar intake and limit the amount of saturated fat that you consume.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep gives your heart time to recharge, so it’s important to get enough rest. Not sleeping enough raises your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, regardless of your age and lifestyle. National Sleep Foundation recommends that a healthy individual should get at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night, and there’s no compromise on that!
Getting less sleep also affects your ability to work out, which is harmful itself. So, make it a priority to get adequate sleep every night so you can keep your heart young and healthy.
De-stress
Stress itself is bad for your heart. On top of that, it can cause unhealthy eating and a lack of will to exercise. This can lead to high cholesterol and raised blood pressure levels. So, taking excessive stress should be a big no for you.
While we understand that it’s hard to avoid being stressed, we recommend that you try meditation and deep breathing exercises that have already helped so many people worldwide.
Strictly Stay Away From Smoking
If you’re a smoker, we strongly advise you to quit since it significantly increases your risk of developing heart disease. If you’re not a smoker but are exposed to second-hand smoking, you’re still at a high risk for cardiovascular disease. According to studies, the risk of developing heart diseases is 30% higher among people engaging in second-hand smoking. It’s best to quit not only for your health but also for the health of your loved ones.
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