Five Disciplines That Can Keep Your Heart Healthy

Studies state that 70% of heart disease can be averted with the right lifestyle regimen!
Statins only reduce heart disease by 25 to 30%, so it’s best to focus on a healthy lifestyle.
We all know that smoking, not exercising, weight gain, eating nutrient deficient and drinking too much alcohol will set the stage for artery issues and deteriorate one’s heart health.
So why would a person develop these habits? Is it that most people do not think about the long term health issues that their actions are contributing to their demise? Is it that they cannot commit to healthy habits and have the mindset that they ‘should’ develop these healthier heart habits? Eliminate the SHOULD mindset and adopt the MUST mindset.

It’s never too early or late to start incorporating these five disciplines to protect your health, arteries and make you feel better.

1. Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Smoke from cigars or cigarettes is terrible for your heart, arteries, and lungs. The smoker may not realize the long term ill effects since at the moment of smoking they may not be experiencing any health issues. Figuring out why one smokes is key to breaking the habit. Some smoke to relax and then they breath deeper when they smoke and inhale the toxins. Second and third-hand smoke is also toxic to the ones around you. When you think your smoking will not negatively impact you, it’s like a blindfolded person trying to cross a four-lane highway, the person may make it across without getting hit and they may not. Are you willing to take that chance that you may develop heart disease, emphysema, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) lung cancer, throat cancer, and your negatively impact your quality of life? Alcohol consumption should be in moderation and not get out of control because it can harm heart health. I’ve seen many individuals who consume alcohol daily with dinner and have elevated cholesterol and heart issues.

2. Get moving with an exercise routine. Being physically active for at least 20 to 30 minutes daily is like magic for your overall heart health.

3. Aim for a healthy weight and manage it healthily. Carrying extra weight, especially around the belly section, strains your heart and can make you vulnerable to diabetes. Losing 10% of your current weight can make a positive difference in your blood sugar and blood pressure.

4. Enliven your food regime with low glycemic fruits and vegetables from all colors of the rainbow. Reduce or eliminate fast foods, junk foods, processed foods, salt, unhealthy fats, artificial anything, and sugar is an excellent start to cleaning up one’s food intake. Replace bad food choices with health, whole foods.

5. Deal with stress as managing stress is good for heart health and overall mental state. If stress becomes unmanageable, then it can lead to elevated blood pressure, chest pain, heart disease, and irregular heartbeats. Depression is linked to heart disease as well so learn to incorporate daily stress strategies and seek support for stress and depression.

These five disciplines are an investment in your health, lifestyle, and quality of life, both now and long term. Live a life with passion purpose and incorporate the nine steps to a healthy lifestyle. Don’t go it alone, be with same-minded people. Join the membership today.

Tags: functional nutrition, health, healthy living, Heart health, heart healthy, mental health, Nancy Guberti, nutrition, weight loss, Wellness