I have been looking at ways to be healthy recently – partly due to being menopausal and my body feeling that it’s working against me! I want to share some tips that I am finding useful or interesting in my quest to be healthier – let’s start with the heart. Its function is to circulate blood throughout the body, transporting oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues while also eliminating carbon dioxide from the bloodstream as well. Living simply would be impossible if our hearts did not operate properly, which is why it is critical that you take good care of your heart. Take a look at my 6 heart-healthy steps!
Get enough sleep
Sleep allows the body to rejuvenate, and this includes giving your heart a chance to rest. I tell my kids this ALL THE TIME! However, if you suffer from sleep apnea, sleeping might not be as easy as it seems. Additionally, your CPAP machine may be affecting your sleep, which could be affecting your heart health. Learn more here about the problems some people have had with their CPAP machines. It is also a huge issue with perimenopause and menopause as low oestrogen stops you from being able to regulate your temperature – speak to your doctor about getting help.
Recognise when something is not right
The human body is quite adept at detecting when anything is wrong, and it’s critical to be able to determine when something is wrong with your heart. While many small things, such as nervousness or excitement, can cause our hearts to flutter or ‘skip a beat,’ it is critical to have your heart looked out if this is becoming a regular or even uncomfortable occurrence. Fortunately, there are several options for heart treatment. Your doctor may either listen to your heartbeat, or they may decide to send you for a cardiac CT scan in order to dig more into the problem you are experiencing.
Reduce your weight
Being overweight puts a lot of stress on your heart, which can lead to heart disease and other health problems. This is due to the fact that your heart must work harder in order to ensure that the blood reaches the appropriate location. Losing weight can aid in the strengthening of your heart and the extension of your life. Again easier said than done – I found that when I went vegan I put on weight due to all the fab plant-based food out there right now.
Eat foods that are good for you
As previously said, the heart circulates blood and nutrients throughout the body, which are absorbed and used to maintain the body healthy. Eating more nutritious foods will reduce the amount of effort your heart has to do in order to transport nutrients throughout your body. In addition, you may notice that your waistline has shrunk and that you’re more attentive as a result of the healthy change. I also cut out alcohol back in 2015 which helped massively.
Avoid smoking
I don’t need to tell you why smoking is terrible for you; nevertheless, did you know that when you smoke, the toxins and chemicals in the smoke enter your circulation, depriving your body of vital oxygen? Furthermore, smoking is extremely harmful to your lungs. Quit smoking for your heart, lungs, finances, and loved ones. Thankfully I don’t smoke and never had but am not naive to how hard quitting is. Get help, I have heard that hypnotherapy is good (and can recommend some good ones!)
Exercise
Finally, it’s critical to give your heart regular ‘workouts’ in order to keep it in the best possible condition. Our hearts benefit from our muscle strength as well as our body when we exercise. Increase your physical activity! It is a good indication that you are exercising properly when your heart rate is high enough that you are out of breath and you are beginning to perspire. Do this for 30 minutes three times a week and watch your heart grow stronger! Walk the dog, watch yoga classes on YouTube, take the stairs instead of the lift – every little helps for a healthy heart!
Good Luck!
