Simple Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Maintaining a healthy heart is important to general wellness and overall health.* This hard-working organ is responsible for pumping oxygen and nutrients throughout our bodies. While genetics plays a role in heart health, lifestyle choices can impact the conditions of our hearts as well. By incorporating some simple and practical lifestyle tips into our daily routines, we can promote heart health.* Keep reading for a handful of heart-friendly tips to maintain heart health.*

Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of heart health. Engaging in exercises like brisk walking, jogging, cycling or swimming can support cardiovascular fitness.* In years past the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommended that every adult get at least 30 minutes of activity a day. However, recent research from the National Center of Health Statistics shows that as little as 10 minutes of exercise a day can support wellness.* Incorporating physical activities into your routine doesn’t have to be daunting; even simple activities like taking the stairs or going for short walks during your lunch break can make a difference. Every little bit counts!

Eating a balanced diet is vital for maintaining cardiovascular wellness. Focus on consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting your intake of saturated fats and added sugars. Before you write out your next grocery list, consider adding a few of these healthy choices to your list. 

High Arginine Fruit and Vegetables: Avocados, pumpkin seeds, and garlic are rich sources of arginine, an amino acid that may play a role in heart health.* A recent study outlined positive effects on blood pressure when individuals increased intake of L-arginine from plant sources.*

Kefir and Yogurt: There is endless information on how probiotics can support digestive health, but the latest research shows the surprising role of beneficial bacteria on the cardiovascular system. Recent clinical studies have found the bacterial strains such as L. acidophilus and L. plantarum use up bile acids in the GI tract. These bile acids are created from cholesterol. The more these acids are used up, the more your body must utilize cholesterol to make more bile acids.* This can have the effect of positively impacting total cholesterol.* Yogurt is probably the most consumed probiotic food, however kefir contains more diverse probiotics. The very tangy and sour taste of kefir is off-putting for some; you can sneak kefir into your diet by mixing it with smoothies, yogurt, sour cream and even cottage cheese.

Stress can take a toll on the heart over time; it can lead to high blood pressure, which can negatively impact heart health and cause strain on the cardiovascular system.* Stress may also lead to other negative side effects such as decreased activity, overeating and smoking. Practicing mood-boosting relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help promote a positive mood.* Additionally, finding time for hobbies, spending quality time with loved ones, and ensuring sufficient sleep are essential components to mood health.*

Nature’s Lab is here for you every step of the way in your wellness journey with a variety of heart health supplements.* Supplements such as Nature's Lab L-Arginine Extra Strength contains 400 mg of L-arginine and 400 mg of Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate (AAKG) per serving to promote vascular health.* Nature's Lab Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil with EPA & DHA is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids with each serving containing a total of 1,300 mg of EPA and DHA combined. Since Coq10 is not found in high quantities in a wide range of foods, a supplement like Nature's Lab CoQ10 is an easy way to fit this heart healthy substance into your routine.