Heart health is vital for overall well-being, and there are various ways to support and maintain a healthy heart. Mohit Tandon from Chicago suggested 15 natural remedies for heart health, elaborated in detail:
A Heart-Healthy Diet:
Firstly, Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is crucial for heart health. These foods provide essential nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber that support cardiovascular function and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Regular Physical Activity:
Secondly, Engaging in regular exercise helps improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week. – Mohit Tandon Chicago
Maintain a Healthy Weight:
Thirdly, Being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular problems. Adopting healthy eating habits and staying physically active can help achieve and maintain a healthy weight. – Mohit Tandon Chicago
Quit Smoking:
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Quitting smoking can significantly improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. Seek support from healthcare professionals, counseling services, or smoking cessation programs to quit smoking successfully. – Mohit Tandon Chicago
Limit Alcohol Consumption:
Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure, increase triglyceride levels, and contribute to weight gain, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. Limit alcohol intake to moderate levels, which is up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Manage Stress:
Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health by raising blood pressure, increasing inflammation, and contributing to unhealthy coping behaviors such as overeating or smoking. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or spending time in nature to manage stress effectively.
Get Quality Sleep:
Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can increase the risk of hypertension, obesity, and heart disease. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support overall health and cardiovascular function. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimize your sleep environment for better sleep quality.
Monitor Blood Pressure:
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Regularly monitor your blood pressure at home or during doctor visits. Take steps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels through lifestyle modifications, medication if necessary, and regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.
Eat Heart-Healthy Fats:
Include sources of heart-healthy fats in your diet, such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon and mackerel. These fats contain omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. These components can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and support heart health.
Reduce Sodium Intake:
High sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Limit your consumption of processed and packaged foods, which are often high in sodium, and use herbs, spices, and other flavorings to season foods instead of salt.– Mohit Tandon Chicago
Increase Fiber Intake:
Dietary fiber helps lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote a healthy digestive system, all of which are beneficial for heart health. Include plenty of fiber-rich foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Stay Hydrated:
Drinking an adequate amount of water is important for overall health, including heart health. Dehydration can strain the heart and increase the risk of blood clots and other cardiovascular problems. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day and limit consumption of sugary beverages and caffeinated drinks. – Mohit Tandon Chicago
Consume Antioxidant-Rich Foods:
Antioxidants help protect the heart from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to heart disease. Include foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, cherries, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, dark chocolate, and green tea, in your diet to support heart health.
Herbal Supplements:
Some herbal supplements have been studied for their potential benefits for heart health. Examples include garlic, hawthorn, ginger, and turmeric. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any herbal supplements, as they may interact with medications or have side effects.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering triglyceride levels, reducing inflammation, and improving blood vessel function. Consider incorporating omega-3-rich foods into your diet or taking fish oil supplements under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
By incorporating these natural remedies into your lifestyle, you can support heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or supplementation regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.