People become conscious of heart health for many different reasons. Perhaps a friend or family member had heart problems, and it scared you into thinking about your own health. Sometimes people just begin thinking about their heart health as they get older. But most people do not consider the health of their heart until after they have been diagnosed with a problem by their doctor.

There are three main things you can do to improve heart health. These are things that anyone can do, and all three things will likely be recommended by your doctor. Please keep in mind that these things are not a replacement for medication if your doctor believes medication is necessary, but rather more preventative measures from any additional problems occurring.

Diet

You have probably heard that diet is important for heart health. But do you know exactly what you are supposed to do with your diet? First, you have to cut down or cut out red meat. This can be difficult for many people, but it is necessary. Red meat is very high in fats and cholesterol. Instead, eat more pork, chicken, turkey, and fish. Ground turkey or ground chicken is an excellent replacement for ground beef in dishes like spaghetti or tacos. You can also use soy products to help you get rid of red meat. Some soy products taste just like a juicy hamburger, so these are great when you have a craving that just won’t quit.

In addition to changes in the meat you eat, you need to make other changes as well. You should be eating more whole grains, as this lower cholesterol. You should also be eating more fruits and vegetables, because this will help regulate your blood sugar and still satisfy your sugar cravings.

Exercise

You have probably also heard that you need to exercise, but you may not understand how this effects heart health. Aerobic exercise, or cardio exercise, is exercise that raises your heart rate and breathing rate. Cardio is great for strengthening the heart, and should be done by everyone at least thirty minutes per day three days per week, minimum. Cardio exercise includes running, swimming, bicycling, playing some sports, and machines such as the treadmill and elliptical.

You can also get cardio exercise in through exercise classes such as aerobics. There are many to choose from these days, with classes in everything from tybo to jumba dancing. Some cardio classes are harder than others, so work your way into it, especially if you have not had any routine exercise for some time. You should also get any new exercise program approved by your doctor.

Supplements

There are many supplements you can take that will improve heart health. Fish oil in particular will greatly reduce cholesterol, without reducing good cholesterol levels. In addition, you can take flax seed to improve overall heart health and circulation. Increasing fiber and niacin levels in your blood through the use of supplements can also improve your heart health. If you have any doubts about which supplements to use, make sure you check with your doctor before starting anything new.

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Author Bio: For more information please visit our Prevention of Falls Training and Patient and Family Education Training web pages.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: cardio exercise,Aerobic exercise,spaghetti,juicy hamburger,Heart Health,medication