10 Ways To Keep Your Heart Healthy

The heart is the most vital organ in the human body. A healthy heart gives a healthy life. But, many of us neglect this little muscular organ. Our torpid lifestyle, having junk food, consuming alcohol, smoking, long hours of work and increasing stress are some of the reasons behind all our heart diseases. An average human heart beats approximately 2.5 billion times during an average lifespan of 66 years. But we fail to make the most of 2.5 billion beats. This is the high time that we cater to our heart's needs. Here, are some easy ways to keep your heart healthy.

Eat Healthy – Your food intake is highly responsible for a healthy heart. Always keep an eye on what you eat and when you eat. To help your heart beat longer, include adequate amount of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and small amount of oil in your daily diet routine.

Maintain healthy body weight – Obesity can give rise to many heart diseases like high blood pressure, blood sugar, etc. Try to keep your body weight under control. Maintain BMI between 20 to 25 which is considered the optimal weight.

Practice yoga, mediate or exercise – If its not possible for you to practice all of them together, try concentrating on one of the practices to ensure your heart's health. A 30 minutes aerobic exercise improves your heart rate. Yoga and meditation help to get relief from stress which automatically results in the better functioning of your heart.

Be active – If its difficult for you to make time for exercise regularly, then, just try to stay active throughout the day. Climb stairs instead of lift, practice mopping the floor, walk back home from work, if you live nearby. These are a few ways to reduce body weight, thus, helping your heart to stay healthy.

Quit smoking and alcohol – All of you who smoke or take alcohol are aware that these two practices can do a huge damage to your heart. Cut down your cigarette and alcohol intake. Though its difficult, but, at least its better than killing oneself. Try to get out of the addiction slowly, but surely.

Manage stress levels – Stress is the most harmful element of our modern life. Losing appetite, indulgence to smoking and drinking, sleeplessness, anxiety, anger, are a few common symptoms of a stressful life. Therefore, managing stress is very much essential. Don't let stress get on to your head. To reduce stress, talk to friends, socialise, slow down a bit and take a break. Enjoy your life to the fullest. This will keep your heart healthy and agile.

Check your family history – If any of your family member is having or had cardiovascular disease, then there is a high chance for you to develop heart problems. Consult the heart specialist regularly and take extra care of your heart.

Get good sleep – Try to sleep at least 7 to 9 hours each night. Lack of sleep can open the chance for getting blood pressure and cholesterol, which increases the level of inflammation in your body, resulting in heart diseases. So, sleep well to keep your heart steady.

Get regular health screening – Visit your physician regularly. Check your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Laugh out loud and be happy – Laughter is the best medicine for a healthy heart. A minimum 15 minutes of loud laugh will boost blood flow by 22% and prevent arteries from hardening. Being happy is indeed the ultimate solution for a healthy heart.