Summer brings a lot of fun but it also brings a lot health issues. With the temperatures rising all around the United States this summer, it’s important to stay safe. Here are 5 tips to keep your heart healthy this summer. Summer allows you to have outdoor fun. We are familiar with summer activities like picnics, BBQs and days at the beach or pool. However, excessive heat can cause health problems. You should be extra careful during the hot summer days especially if you have existing health issues or if you are older.
5 Tips for a Healthy Heart in Summer
You can have fun and still stay healthy during the summer. Below are 5 tips to keep your heart healthy this hot summer.
1. Stay cool:
Outdoor sun is a lot of fun and good for you, but too much sun can also be hazardous to your health. Although you may find that your cholesterol level is dropping in higher temperatures, higher temperatures also mean dehydration. You may also find it difficult to breathe, or experience dizziness.
“Your body shouldn’t get too hot (or too cold). If your temperature rises too far, the proteins that build your body and run virtually all of its chemical processes can stop working. The human body sheds extra heat in two ways, both of which stress the heart:” - Harvard Health
2. Go Fish:
A cookout is always fun. It means outdoor fun and family time. However, the choices of foods and drinks you make can also affect your heart health. Instead of red meats, chicken or poultry, go for grilled fish more often. Oily fish like salmon, trout, and herring and such, are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for a healthy heart.
3. Add Color to your Diet:
When you’re cooking outdoors, add some side vegetables to make your dinner more heart healthy. Try to add a variety of green, orange, yellow and purple colored vegetables and fruits to your diet. Fruits and vegetables give you energy and nutrients. They will help your body to cope with the stress of trying to stay cool. Add mashed avocadoes to your sandwich as a substitute for mayonnaise, along with lettuce and tomatoes.
4. Drink water or Juices:
Avoid soda or carbonated drinks. Instead, drink cool water and fruit juices. Water and juices will help you stay hydrated and help you keep your body temperature down. Fruit smoothies are excellent for keeping you refreshed and nourished. Avoid beverages with excessive sugar or calories. Also, limit your alcohol consumption which leads to dehydration.
5. Cut back on Junk Foods:
Avoid processed and commercially baked foods like cookies, cakes, and pies because they contain high amounts of calories, and may even contain high amounts of saturated fats or cholesterol because they are made with eggs, milk, butter and hydrogenated fats. Also, avoid potato chips and pizza because they are high in sodium and saturated fat. Instead, snack on carrots, tomatoes, nuts, and broccoli.
Conclusion:
Summer is a fun time for all of us. It brings joy but it can also bring health concerns. Please be extra careful when you go outdoors. Always try to stay in shade, protect your body from heat and dust, and stay hydrated. Try to stay indoors for most of the hot part of the day, or if you feel dizzy from summer heat. Eat healthy and live a healthy life and you will enjoy many more summers in the future!P.S: Hope you’ll benefit from these tips in the hot summer this year. If you found any value in our articles please share and tell your friends on Facebook. Also, Click Here to be on our weekly live webinars.Source: Alternative Health Concepts
A cookout is always fun. It means outdoor fun and family time. However, the choices of foods and drinks you make can also affect your heart health. Instead of red meats, chicken or poultry, go for grilled fish more often. Oily fish like salmon, trout, and herring and such, are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for a healthy heart.
Avoid soda or carbonated drinks. Instead, drink cool water and fruit juices. Water and juices will help you stay hydrated and help you keep your body temperature down. Fruit smoothies are excellent for keeping you refreshed and nourished. Avoid beverages with excessive sugar or calories. Also, limit your alcohol consumption which leads to dehydration.