One of the leading causes of death in the United States is heart disease. Although this may be concerning and rightfully so, know that there are many things you can do to help improve your overall heart health and the best part is- you can start right now!
Heart Disease Prevention
Drop the soda. Sugar is linked to high blood pressure and triglyceride levels which soda is packed with and also know that you are not safe choosing diet soda either. Artificial sweeteners found in diet soda like aspartame or sucralose can increase your risk of weight gain, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Regular visits with your chiropractor. Studies have shown that after one adjustment to the atlas bone which is the vertebrae that supports the head, patients have noticed a significant drop in their blood pressure creating a stronger and better heart health.
Balance between good and bad fats. Many think that all fats are harmful for your heart health but the truth is, there are different kinds of fats. Trans fats should be avoided like the plague—as this is an unnatural fat created through hydrogenation. Replace trans fat for healthy fats (in moderation), like monounsaturated fats like organic avocado, walnuts, omega-3 fatty acids like Alaskan salmon and saturated fats (insect and seed-fed eggs, coconut oil).
Limit wheat intake. Doctors are coming together in agreement that wheat should be minimal in a healthy diet. Doctors say that two slices of whole-wheat bread raise your blood sugar as much as two tablespoons of sugar would. Plus, gluten which is the protein that makes the bread rise, can cause the body to become inflamed—and inflammation is common in patients who’ve had a stroke or have heart disease.
Rid cabinets of non stick cookware. Nonstick cookware may be a saving grace in the kitchen, but may not be worth risking your heart health. This type of cookware contain polyfluoroalkyl chemicals which have been linked to high cholesterol—and also know as a “chemical of concern” on the Environmental Protection Agency’s list.
HIIT. This type of exercise regime which contains short bursts of high intense movement, followed by short rest breaks allows the heart muscles to strengthen and lowers your overall blood pressure.
Cook with coconut oil. Implementing coconut oil into your meals has been shown to lower the blood pressure as well as creating an overall healthier lifestyle. Coconut oil does not produce toxic fumes like other cooking oils and has a great tolerance against heat.
Laugh. It always feels great to laugh and it is proven that getting in some good laughs in your day can be good for your health. Laughter can diminish the stress that harms the endothelium, a thin layer of cells that make up the lining of blood vessels and support blood flow.
Eat fish. Adding fish to your diet up to two days a week has been shown to lower your blood pressure about 30 percent! The best fish to implement into your diet is wild-caught Alaskan salmon, freshwater Coho salmon, Atlantic mackerel, sardines or anchovies—which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids without the high mercury risks.
AICA Atlanta Can Help
Our Atlanta chiropractors are here to provide education on heart disease and to expand on the benefit of working with one of our chiropractors to reduce your risk of poor cardiovascular health. Contact our office today at (404) 889-8828 to set up a consultation to learn more about how to improve your heart health!