By: Carrie Dennie, ND, RAc
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet: Focusing on incorporating lean meats, leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats, nuts and seeds in your diet. These whole foods while help combat the inflammation that contributes to heart disease development. It is also important to reduce sugar and salt intake and enjoy healthy Omega 3 fats.
- Be active each week: Cardio exercises like walking, running, swimming, cycling and others that increase your heart rate are important to strengthen the heart muscle and improve circulation. Even taking small breaks at work to stand up and walk for 5-10 mins are helpful to break a sedentary lifestyle.
- Get quality and sufficient sleep: Sleep is essential for overall health and is a time for the body to repair and replenish itself. There are many studies that show that poor sleeping habits increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Take care of your teeth: The body is an interconnected whole and there is a link between good dental health and heart health. Studies show that bad bacteria that can cause gum disease and an increased risk of heart disease.
- Reduce your stress levels: Physical and emotional stress can increase the demand on heart function. Relaxation techniques, for example, meditation, prayer, exercise, and laughter can help reduce your stress and decrease your risk of heart disease.
