The Key To A Happy Heart

The heart is arguably one of the most important organs of the body. It helps transport oxygen in the blood, aids in the excretion of wastes via the kidneys/liver and helps the brain function. This is only scratching the surface when it comes to the role of the heart. Understandably, we want to keep ourselves as healthy as possible but how do we do that?

First it starts out with what we are eating, and how much. According to the American heart association (AHA), ~2000Kcal is what we should be taking in daily. Avoiding processed foods, lowering salt intake and decreasing the amount of saturated fats we take in. Current recommendations suggest the Mediterranean eating plan as a good start. Though it may take a while to get used to eating more veggies and greens, it has been proven beneficial for cardiovascular health. If the Mediterranean diet isn’t satisfying your cravings for meat or dairy, a look into the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) would be appropriate.

The final thing one should be changing in their lifestyle is how active they are. Per the AHA one should be exercising at least 150 minutes per week. This could include swimming, riding a bike, going out for walks, running, or hiking in a nearby park. Of which, these activities should be spread out across a week to meet your goal. Starting at your own pace, figure out what you enjoy so being active doesn't become a chore. It’s understandable if this is a lot to take in, but know time is on your side. As long as you work to incorporate these lifestyle changes slowly, you will see the benefits in the long run.

Sources/Further reading on the topic refer to the links below. The American Heart Association is a great resource for taking charge of one's health. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to your pharmacist here at Love Oak. It is our pleasure to help you understand and aid you in your journey!

Diet & Lifestyle - Fitness - Mediterranean Diet