Plant-Based Eating Plan:
It is no secret that what we eat directly impacts our heart health. Diets high in saturated fats and sodium can lead to high blood pressure, while diets lacking of fruits and vegetables can increase our risk for heart disease. That is why experts recommend following a plant-based diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Not only will this help keep your heart healthy, but it can also help reduce your risk for other chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity.
Regular Exercise:
There are many different types of exercise, so it can take time to figure out where to start. However, any kind of movement is better than none at all. And, as you build up your fitness level, you can try different exercises to find what works best for you. Mixing up workouts can provide more heart-health benefits than sticking to the same routine daily. For example, aerobic exercise is excellent for heart health, while strength training can help improve cholesterol levels. So be sure to mix things up and get a little bit of everything. Remember to check if your body is ready for the strenuous workout in Heartify! And be careful with your heart.
Avoid Cigarette Smoke:
Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of heart disease. That's because the chemicals in tobacco smoke damage your blood vessels and increase your risk for plaque buildup. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your heart health. The research shows that 15 years after quitting smoking, the risk of coronary heart disease drops to close to that of someone who does not smoke. If you don't smoke, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke as much as possible.
Get Enough Sleep:
You might not realize it, but sleep is crucial for maintaining well-being. One study found that less than six hours of sleep a night can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Another shows that those who sleep less than six hours per night are 20% to 32% more likely to develop hypertension than people who get seven to eight hours. That is because sleep is when our bodies repair and regenerate cells. So, when we do not get enough sleep, our bodies have less time to recover, and the stress hormone cortisol levels increase. All this can lead to high blood pressure and inflammation, following an increased risk for heart disease.
Stress Less:
We all know that stress can affect our mental and physical health. But did you know that it can also impact our heart health? That is because our bodies release hormones that raise our blood pressure and increase our risk for plaque buildup when stressed. So find ways to relax and destress every day! Whether reading, yoga, or spending time with friends and family, make time for activities that bring you joy. We have all the tools in Heartify to provide daily data about stress levels, let you know your body better, and be ready for new life challenges.
Adhering to a few simple lifestyle habits can significantly impact your heart health. All these activities may seem daunting at first, but taking small daily steps is the key to making lasting changes. And remember – your efforts will pay off in the long run! So what are you waiting for?
Respectfully yours,
Heartify
