How Do We Improve Heart Health?
One key problem when it comes to treating heart disease is that most symptoms are treated in a vacuum, instead of as the extenuating circumstances that may have led to the disease. Now, in many cases, our risk of heart disease is closely intertwined with our genetics. It is important not to lose sight, though, of the impact our lifestyle can have on our heart health. A lifestyle, mind you, that we have complete and utter control of. Let’s talk about some of the things you can do to improve or maintain good heart health.
Increase Your Activity - Even By Just 10 Minutes
An active body is an able body. One of the best things you can do for your heart is meet the minimum recommendations of physical activity. Because we cannot see our internal organs and there is not a beauty standard associated with them, it is easy to forget that your heart is a muscle - just like your abdominals or deltoids. It needs to be worked to maintain or improve its function. Exercise is the way that you work your heart muscle. Whether it is a ten minute walk on your lunch break or an hour long workout with a trainer, there are a number of ways to get your heart rate up and improve your heart health. Find a type of exercise that you enjoy and start working it into your regular routine.
Eat More Of The Right Kinds Of Fats
Unfortunately, that ever-so-tasty fried chicken is not the kind of fat we are talking about here. The American Heart Association recommends people eat fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids at least twice a week. These unsaturated fats are thought to provide nutrients that reduce your risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation can damage your blood vessels leading to long term problems and putting you at higher risk for fatal health problems. Considering your omega-3 intake and other dietary goals can help you improve your heart health and decrease the risk of heart disease.
Find Healthy Ways To Manage Your Stress
Chronic stress can have a serious impact on your heart. When you encounter a stressful situation, your heart begins working overtime, pushing more blood through your body to the areas you need it most. This increased activity is different than the healthy output that occurs during exercise and when not managed properly can be very unhealthy, increasing your risk of heart disease. Finding ways to manage stress, whether through supplements, meditation, or a combination of different practices can have long-term benefits on your heart health.
Supplement Your Diet, When Necessary
For many people, supplementation is not necessary to achieve the necessary nutrients our bodies need to thrive. However, for just as many people, achieving those nutrients through diet alone is nearly impossible. Arginine is one of 20 amino acids, typically considered a semi-essential amino acid, meaning you can get it through a well-balanced diet that includes meat, dairy, nuts, leafy vegetables, and other essentials. Some people, especially those with specific health problems, such as coronary artery disease or peripheral vascular disease, can benefit from an additional supplement of arginine, like our Metagenics Arginine Plus.
Arginine Plus And Your Heart Health
Arginine helps the body synthesize nitric oxide which is what helps your blood vessels relax and expand. This is key to regulating blood flow. Arginine Plus delivers l-arginine with calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (a body-ready form of folate) which supports healthy blood flow, homocysteine levels, and overall vascular and heart health. A serving of 2 tablets of Metagenics Arginine Plus can help you improve your heart health. If you have a history of heart disease, Arginine Plus could be beneficial in reducing your risk.
Talk to your primary care physician about the potential benefits and risks of an arginine supplement to find out if Arginine Plus is right for you.
