Nordic Secret SINKS Heart Risk! (EASY)

When you think of the best activities for your heart health, exercise is probably at the top of the list.

But there’s another activity that’s great for your heart that’s doesn’t involve getting your heart rate up… and you don’t have to lift a finger.

In fact, I think you’ll find this Nordic secret incredibly relaxing.

And it turns out that doing it just two to three times a week can lower your risk of heart attack AND stroke.

As we head into the fall season and the air turns cool and crisp, you might be tempted to draw yourself a hot, relaxing bath.

And I say go for it!

Because in addition to giving you a much-needed rest, taking a bath can be incredibly good for your heart.

Most Americans don’t do nearly enough of “nothing,” and our health pays the price for it.

But some cultures prioritize relaxing, and they’re all the healthier for it.

In Japan, for example, tub bathing is part of their culture. Researchers followed 30,000 for about 20 years, asking questions about their bathing habits (frequency, temperature, etc.).

The researchers found that compared to people who took baths less than twice a week, those who took baths nearly every day had a 28 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and a 26 percent lower risk of stroke.

The temperature of the bath didn’t seem to affect things, but keep in mind that a typical bath in that culture is 104-107 degrees Fahrenheit.

In Finland, people sit in saunas multiple times a week, which dates back thousands of years.

These wood-lined rooms are warmed to a balmy 176-230 degrees Fahrenheit, and people sit in them for up to 20 minutes.

Studies have shown that sitting in a sauna four or more times a week decreases blood pressure and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease—including sudden cardiac death and stroke.

That’s because people who regularly use saunas tend to have improved blood vessel function, improved cholesterol levels, and reduced inflammation.

And you can’t overlook the heart-healthy benefits of destressing.

When you’re stressed out all the time (and always on the go), higher levels of cortisol can lead to an increase in blood pressure, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood cholesterol—all risk factors for heart disease.

Letting your body AND your mind relax in a sauna—even for 20 minutes or less—can be all it takes to destress and unwind.

And your heart will know the difference.