Our hearts are the tireless engine rooms of our bodies, ceaselessly beating to keep us active, healthy, and alive.
Yet, despite their immense importance, many of us don’t give our hearts enough consideration in our daily lives. Despite our best intentions, we find ourselves eating and drinking the wrong things, and neglecting to exercise, all in favour of curling up on the couch with the latest Netflix hits. Something many of us are likely guilty of doing on multiple occasions.
If you’re guilty of these unfortunate habits and you want to start prioritising your heart health, the good news is that all you need to do is make a few simple changes to your daily routine. Let’s find out what they are, and get you back on track to a healthy, happy heart.
Get Yourself Checked Out
When you start focusing on improving your heart health, it’s a good idea to find out what condition your heart is currently in. Book yourself an appointment at a specialist centre, such as the Expert Cardiologist clinic in London, and have a thorough assessment that will help you identify any potential problems. The more knowledge you have about your heart’s current state of health, the easier it will be for you to tailor your lifestyle to improve its well-being.
Tweak Your Diet
Does your diet lean more towards food high in salt or saturated fat? If yes, then it’s time to make some healthier food choices to reduce your risk of serious conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Check the packaging of the foods you’re buying to monitor their salt content and choose meat and dairy products with lower levels of saturated fat.
Take Care Of Your Teeth
Unbeknownst to many, there is a strong correlation between poor dental health and an unhealthy heart. Recent studies have revealed that those who suffer from gum disease are two or three times as likely to go on to develop heart disease. This troubling relationship between your mouth and your heart means that it’s vitally important to do what you can to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing twice a day is a must. After spotting any warning signs of gum disease, go to your dentist right away to nip it in the bud before it gets worse.
Get Moving!
While a healthy diet is essential for a strong heart, you also need to make sure you’re getting enough exercise. Admittedly, this can be tricky when we all lead such hectic lives, but if you can manage to squeeze in just 20 minutes of activity three or four times each week, it can make a big difference to your heart’s well-being. The key is to find a form of exercise that you really enjoy, then you’ll be less likely to avoid it. For instance, maybe you love tap dancing, or going for walks in the park, or swimming. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you’re moving and keeping your heart fit and healthy!
