When the temperature gets high, so should your level of attention to your heart health. High levels of heat can cause strain on your heart and overall health. Here are a few things to do to keep your cardiac concerns low and promote your heart health.
Hydrate
You have probably heard the term “hydrate or diedrate.” This started as a funny way to remind people to hydrate, but there is truth to the catchy saying. Summer brings high temperatures and longer days, and people generally underestimate how much fluid their body is using. Even if you are not actively outside, the dry air can really dehydrate your body.
Drink lots of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol will dehydrate you very rapidly. While a cocktail by the pool sounds refreshing, go for a cool sip of water to quench your thirst. Minimize your caffeine intake as well and your blood pressure will thank you. Healthline also explains a few other benefits of minimal to no caffeine, like less anxiety and better sleep. Not to mention, caffeine can minimize the amount of nutrients your body absorbs from your diet.
Eat Your Fruits And Veggies
Fruits and vegetables have many health benefits. Not only are you avoiding junk food by filling up on goods, but you are actively replenishing the vitamins and nutrients your body needs. Try vegetable skewers on the grill or a heart-healthy summer salad that is packed with blueberries, spinach, and walnuts.
This is how a small change in diet can have a big effect, the spinach in the salad has vitamin K and minerals, the blueberries are rich in antioxidants, and the walnuts have lots of fiber and micronutrients. Keep your cardiac concerns low with all of those strategic ingredients that work together to fill you up and keep you feeling great.
When To Workout
Plan your strenuous activities for the cool of the evening or first thing in the morning. Of course, the point of working out is to push yourself. That does not mean you should do the most difficult workout in the hottest part of the day and cause unnecessary strain on your heart health.
Don’t forget to wear the proper gear for a summer workout. Wear light and minimal clothing as to let your body cool more rapidly. Working out in sweat pants and sweatshirts to increase the amount of sweating and fat burning is a common thing, but it is not healthy. Stay cool and don’t overheat yourself.
Get Plenty Of Sleep
You have probably also heard the saying that “sleep is for the dead,” but this could not be less accurate. Sleep is for the living and the healthy. In fact, it is one one the most important ways to stay healthy. Sleep is when your body has time to rest and recover. Your heart gets a break as it slows down to a resting rate, your eyes rest from working hard to allow you to see what is in front of you all day, and your feet get to rest from carrying you to and fro all day. If you sustained any injuries in your waking hours, sleep is when your body puts as much time and energy possible into healing.
Staying up late is tempting in the summer, especially when it is so hot that the only enjoyable hour outside is close to midnight. While a late night or two won’t kill you, repetitive sleep deprivation will land you in dangerous territory.
Brookhaven Heart
Call Brookhaven Heart today at (631) 654-3278 and keep your cardiac concerns low. Even if you listen to the advice above, there may be a time when you require professional care. Brookhaven Heart has you covered from Patchogue to New Hyde Park to Hicksville. Visit Brookhaven Heart today and set up an appointment.
