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The Importance of Heart Health: All You Need To Know

February is Heart Month and WildBerryMD invites you to discuss your health goals and challenges with us. Let’s look at the Importance of Heart Health and bite size changes we can make in our diets, exercise, and lifestyle to reduce risks of heart disease and live a healthier and more energized life.  

Heart Disease: Here’s What You Need to Know

Heart disease is very prevalent in the United States and is the leading cause of death for both men and women. 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease every year. Although this is scary, there is some good news. Making healthy choices can help prevent heart disease and manage health conditions. By starting a journey to improve your heart health, you’ll see the rest of your body transform too.   Ideal heart health consists of several factors:  

Heart Healthy Behaviors

Take care of your heart by practicing these heart healthy behaviors:
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Obesity management
  • No smoking
  • BMI (Body Mass Index) lower than 25
  • Adequate physical exercise
  • Healthy, balanced diet
  • Stress Management
  • Rest and Sleep
 

Heart Healthy Factors: Know Your Numbers

Sometimes it can be confusing when there are so many numbers surrounding health, but it’s important to understand what these numbers mean. These are a few of the number you need to know surrounding heart health:
  • Cholesterol below 200 (untreated)
  • Bad Cholesterol below 100
  • Blood pressure below 120/80 (untreated)
  • Fasting blood sugar below 100
  • HbA1C below 5.7
 

Some Easy Dietary Additions to Look at:

There are many factors that go into a healthy heart, but a proper diet is extremely important. By adding these foods to your diet, you can begin to improve your heart health:  
  • Almonds are a rich source of sterols which help lower cholesterol.
  • Apples can block LDL oxidationandcan also scrub artery walls clean since with the skins, they contain soluble fiber.
  • Blueberries can stimulate liver cells to better break down fat and cholesterol since they contain the antioxidantpterostilbene.
  • Fish can lower LDL by 20 percent with two weekly servings of a fatty fish, like salmon which contains omega-3 fatty acids.
 

But Don’t Forget

You won’t achieve proper heart health with just a few simple fixes, only a comprehensive program can prevent heart disease. To achieve heart health, you need to quit smoking, eat a diet rich in fresh fruits, whole grains, no or limited processed foods, fresh vegetables, low in sugar and animal fats, and get regular exercise. Regular checkups for blood pressure and blood cholesterol are important, too. Lastly, don’t forget to take time for self-care and for fun activities with family and friends, these activities go a long way in helping you keep a healthy heart.    

WildBerryMD is Here to Help

WildBerryMD is here to help you lose weight and get to your Best Heart Health. Live your best Life. Feel your Best Health.