Stress is a part of everyday life and how you respond to stress can wreak havoc on your health - especially your heart health.
Here are two things you can start today to help manage stress and keep your heart strong!
Strive to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Intentionally being active is a great way to help manage stress and benefit your heart. When you exercise, your body releases hormones that help counteract the effects of stress hormones. It helps lower cardiovascular disease risk by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, strengthening your heart muscle, and improving lung function. It can also help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. Eating a diet rich in fiber-rich fruits and vegetables can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Fiber is important for heart health because it uniquely binds dietary cholesterol in the gut, helping to reduce overall cholesterol levels. Fruits and vegetables are also good sources of vitamins and antioxidants, which help prevent damage from naturally occurring free radicals found in the body.
Being intentional about either of the two things mentioned today will help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure and significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. So this week, add a few more steps to your day and fruits and veggies to your plate!
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. Content for this episode was provided by Diane Reinhold, nutrition and wellness educator for University of Illinois Extension.
