13 Tips for a Healthier Heart
Heart disease remains the number one killer in the US.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
There’s no ONE THING that makes or breaks heart health.
Every decision you make throughout the day impacts your heart either for the good… or the bad.
That’s why today, I’m going to share 13 ways to protect your heart. Some are obvious (like avoiding excess weight), but many are ones you may not have realized have anything to do with heart health (like having sex).
- Stop smoking. I hope you’re not a smoker—or if you were, that you quit a long time ago. Smoking is one of the MAIN controllable risk factors for heart disease.
- Lose the spare tire. Excess belly fat is tied to higher blood pressure and excess lipids.
- Have more sex. It lowers your blood pressure and your risk for heart disease.
- Eat more fish. Fish are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that have heart-healthy benefits.
- Do some yoga. This form of exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. It helps you relax, relieves stress, and boosts balance and flexibility.
- Drink some wine. In addition to boosting HDL “good” cholesterol levels, it can help prevent blood clots and artery damage.
- Get moving. I’m not talking about exercise specifically… I’m talking about sitting less. A sedentary lifestyle is bad for your lipids and your blood sugar, and has been tied to a reduced lifespan.
- Eat more nuts. Nuts of all kinds are loaded with heart-healthy fats and have been tied to a lower risk of heart disease.
- Drink tea. I’m a coffee guy myself, but drinking green and black tea has been linked to lower rates of angina and heart attacks.
- Brush your teeth. Good oral hygiene helps prevent the bacteria that causes gum disease—which can increase your risk of heart problems.
- Reduce stress. Chronic anxiety and stress increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Laugh more. Laughing has been shown to lower stress hormones, decrease inflammation in your arteries, and boost levels of HDL cholesterol.
- Eat chocolate. Dark chocolate contains healthy compounds called flavonoids that reduce inflammation and lower your risk of heart disease.
P.S. I recently wrote about a one of the best ways to reduce your risk of heart failure. Read about it, right here.
