Looking for ways to boost your health? The following are some of the best habits to create for your heart (and overall health).
Nobody’s perfect, which is why we all have at least one bad habit that we can’t shake. However, some habits are worse than others, as studies show some harmful habits can lead to heart disease.
Certain bad habits, whether by themselves or grouped together, can cause atherosclerosis and other damages to the body. They can also affect blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol – significant factors in heart disease.
As a result, people can suffer from peripheral artery disease, aortic aneurysms, heart attacks, and strokes. To avoid this, avoid the following five bad habits as they can significantly increase the risk of heart disease.
Tobacco
If you want to protect your arteries, heart, and overall health, avoid tobacco at all costs. Smoking cigars, pipes, and cigarettes is bad for both the heart and lungs.
Moreover, secondhand smoke can also cause damage to your health. Stay away from secondhand smoke and quit if you already smoke to decrease the risk of heart disease.
Exercise
Make it a goal to be physically active and get regular exercise. By making physical activity a normal part of your routine, you can significantly decrease the risk of heart disease.
If you haven’t exercised in a while, it’s better to start slow and increase intensity as you go along. Make it a goal to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.
Healthy Weight
In addition to improving your heart health, exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, another important heart health factor. When you carry extra pounds, particularly belly fat, it can strain your heart and even lead to diabetes.
On the bright side, even losing as little as 5% can make a big difference in both your blood sugar and blood pressure. To maintain a healthy weight, two things stand out: regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Eating Healthy
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food plays a crucial role in promoting health. Every five years, they release Dietary Guidelines that explain which foods are healthy for your body.
These foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, nuts, and low-fat dairy. Furthermore, you should either limit or avoid certain foods like red meat, high sodium foods, and processed foods.
Alcohol
While some studies show the benefits of drinking some alcohol, that does not mean it should be a mainstay in your diet. In fact, you should only drink alcohol in moderation – if at all.
This means that men should drink no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day and women should have no more than 1 drink per day. However, this is not a steadfast rule, as some alcoholic drinks are stronger than others and should be limited even more.
The Outlook
If you want to improve your heart health and give it the best chance, follow these heart-healthy tips. Making a change in your life is not easy, especially when it comes to bad habits that you’re used to.
Nevertheless, it is completely worth it as it strengthens your heart and decreases the risk of heart disease. Another thing you can try is taking a heart health supplement like L-arginine Plus to your routine.
Its ingredients improve circulation, blood pressure, energy, and more. Try L-arginine Plus along with the tips mentioned to give your heart the best boost possible.