Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and February is the month set apart for heart health for that reason. Cardiovascular disease encompasses our heart and also our veins and arteries. This system delivers oxygen and nutrients to all our bones and organs and also removes the byproducts and toxins our bodies produce. We need this system working well!
The first line of analysis is to get our numbers checked. Cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL (HDL above 60mg/dL and LDL less than 100 mg/dL) , triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dL and blood pressure should be around 120/80. Our doctor may order a stress test, as well, and possibly a full thyroid panel as hypothyroidism can cause cholesterol to increase.
So where do we start to keep our heart healthy? Eat as fresh and natural as possible. Less boxed or bagged food and more freshly prepared meals means more nutrients and antioxidants, which means less oxidative stress and a better, healthier body overall. Experiment with more herbs and aromatics (shallots, garlic, etc.) to gain flavor instead of just relying on salt. Fruits and veggies are our best bioavailable source of antioxidants and nutrients, which is why we should try to average 10 servings a day.
Exercise is, as we all know, very important in keeping our heart healthy. Our heart is a muscle, and just like the other muscles in our body, if we don’t give it proper exercise… well, we know the result… it gets flabby. Again, check with your physician before beginning an exercise program, and then do the best exercise for your health: THE ONE YOU WILL DO!
So this February start on a new path for the year and show yourself some LOVE by taking good care of your heart.
