10 Life-saving Tips on World Heart Day: Healthy Heart, Healthy You
There is no reason for your Heart to Skip a Beat unless it is Love. This World Heart Day, let’s resolve to keep our hearts healthy and functioning…
The heart—one of the most vital organs of the body is believed to be the center of all emotions, poetically. While we can’t guarantee the credibility of the heart as the chauffeur of human feelings, we do know it plays an important role in the body that is, supplying oxygen-rich blood to cells, and carrying off carbon dioxide to the lungs for release.
What can you start on this World Heart Day?
Good heart health is important for sound physical, mental, and psychological health. This is why, every year on 29th September, we celebrate World Heart Day to generate awareness regarding factors that contribute to cardiovascular diseases (or heart diseases) and cause thousands of deaths worldwide.
Here are 10 simple tips that you must follow to keep your heart healthy:
Start LOLing:
Cholesterol, the arch-nemesis of the heart, is a lipid molecule that deposits inside the vessel walls thus, interrupting the blood flow, and resulting in an attack. Laughter therapy is the best way to reduce bad cholesterol naturally. When you laugh, your body produces fewer stress hormones and triggers the release of ‘feel good factors’ that increase HDL (High-density Lipoprotein) or good cholesterol. It also decreases inflammation in your arteries.
Avoid Tobacco—No ifs and buts:
Nicotine present in tobacco damages the inner lining of the arteries and produces atheroma (a fatty material) which blocks the vessel walls. Finally, you end up suffering from angina or a heart attack. This is why, the American Heart Association advises you to stay away from cigarettes, weed, and its by-products.
Don’t Just Sit, Move it:
Recent researches show that sitting in a place for a long time increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The people employed in sedentary jobs are vulnerable to strokes caused by deep vein thrombosis or blood clots.
Brush your Teeth Daily, Twice a Day:
It may sound strange but studies reveal that bacteria causing gum diseases often enter the bloodstream, stimulating the release of C-reactive protein. The molecule marks the inflammation in the blood vessels. So, it is not just the cavities that you need to worry about.
Flat Tummy is a Bliss:
Cut the extra flab on your middle, not just for aesthetics, but to lower the lipid levels in the blood. According to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, belly fat causes hypertension—the cause of most disorders in the world.
Sweat Out:
Research published in the Journal of Evidence-based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, yoga, stretching, brisk walking, and cardio improves flexibility, strength, and balance of your body. Also, it relieves stress, helps you relax, and improves heart health.
Say Cheers:
Drinking a moderate amount of red wine, according to the Mayo Clinic, elevates the level of HDL, prevents artery damage, and controls clot formation. However, it doesn’t mean you can guzzle it after every meal.
Say Hi to Omega-3s and Bye to Trans Fat:
Polyunsaturated and unsaturated fats, such as Omega-3 fatty acids present in fish are good for health. On the contrary, Trans fats present in snacks, packaged foods, and margarine clog your arteries with LDL accumulation. Try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. When shopping for snacks, go for products with 0 trans-fat.
Get Chummy with Your Partner:
Play on top of the sheets! Yes, regular sexual activity adds more to your life than just pleasure. According to research published in the American Journal of Cardiology, it lowers heart disease risks.
Find a Relaxing Spot:
Calm, serene settings are good for your mood, as well as the heart. Scientists at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered that spending quality time in your favorite spot reduces anxiety, anger, stress, and depression—factors causing heart failure.