Natural Remedies for Heart Health: What Actually Works for Seniors?
Popular natural remedies for heart health include stress management, exercise, and eating a healthy diet. These lifestyle habits for heart health may enhance your overall Marion, OH, senior wellness and longevity.
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. They represent 32% of all global deaths. About 85% of the 19.8 million people who died from cardiovascular disease in a single year had a fatal heart attack or stroke.
Adding natural remedies for heart health to your routine may help protect your heart. Enhancing your overall wellness may allow you to maintain your independence while extending your longevity.
Popular heart health tips include exercise, taking senior-friendly supplements, and improving your diet. What other lifestyle habits for heart health can you add to your routine in Marion, OH? Read on to find out!
What Are the First Signs of a Weak Heart?
According to the Mayo Clinic, heart failure occurs when your heart can't supply enough blood to meet the body's requirements. Symptoms can start suddenly or develop slowly. Common symptoms of a weak heart and heart failure include:
- Swollen ankles, feet, or legs
- Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Fatigue or weakness
- Difficulty concentrating/decreased alertness
- Nausea and lack of appetite
- Very rapid weight gain (due to fluid buildup)
- Swelling of the belly area
- A cough that doesn't go away
- Wheezing
Chest pain may occur if your heart failure is caused by a heart attack. Consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms. Call 911 right away if you experience:
- Fainting
- Severe weakness
- Chest pain
- Sudden severe shortness of breath
- Coughing up white or pink, foamy mucus
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat with fainting, shortness of breath, or chest pain
Can a Weak Heart Get Stronger Again?
Yes, a weak heart can get stronger and function more effectively. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle habits for heart health, including:
- Managing cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid issues, or blood pressure
- Managing stress (through yoga, hobbies, deep breathing, meditation, etc.)
- Getting seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a diet that features whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables
- Reducing your intake of processed foods, sugar, sodium, and trans fats
- Quitting smoking and limiting your alcohol intake
- Taking medications prescribed for heart failure or arrhythmias
Follow your doctor's personalized treatment plan to improve your heart function and limit further damage.
Natural Remedies for Heart Health
Adding the right lifestyle habits for heart health to your routine may help reduce your risk of a stroke or heart attack. Here are a few heart health tips that may protect your heart.
Exercise
According to a study published in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology, there's a link between obesity and coronary artery disease. It's attributed to cardiovascular risk factors. Excess belly fat may affect your heart health by increasing your blood pressure and blood lipid levels.
To maintain a healthy weight, try eating smaller portions and fewer calories. Add exercise to your routine by exploring your senior living community's fitness program. Their classes may include:
- Weight lifting
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Pilates
- Water aerobics
- Swimming
- Walking and hiking groups
- Aerobic or HIIT classes
- Stretching
Yoga is a low-impact physical activity that may act as an alternative and complementary therapy for cardiovascular disease. It may help lower your blood pressure, relieve stress, and improve your blood glucose levels. You can find yoga classes on your senior living community's events and activities calendar.
Herbs and Heart Care
Taking herbal supplements may help combat oxidative stress. This imbalance can lead to cell and tissue damage, increasing your risk of heart disease.
Potentially effective natural supplements that may benefit your heart health include:
- Hawthorn
- Turmeric
- Garlic
- Cinnamon
- Green tea
- Ginger
Hawthorn may help improve your circulation and lower blood pressure. The curcumin in turmeric may offer anti-inflammatory properties, which is associated with oxidative stress.
The allicin in garlic may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing oxidative damage. Cinnamon could lower your cholesterol and help regulate blood sugar levels.
Consult a doctor before adding senior-friendly supplements to your routine. They'll ensure you don't take supplements that will interact with your medications.
Move Into Senior Living
Moving into a senior living community may help you better manage stress. They can help with:
- Hobbies
- Socializing
- Meals
- Exercise
- Stress relief
Managing your stress may help reduce inflammation, potentially benefiting your heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Lifestyle Triggers Heart Failure?
Lifestyle habits that may compromise your heart health include:
- Not getting enough exercise/living a sedentary lifestyle
- Neglecting your mental health (causing cortisol to spike)
- Neglecting your oral hygiene
- Eating too many Southern-style foods (which are high in saturated fat and sugar)
- Smoking
- Taking too many pain relievers
- Eating too much processed sugar
Explore your senior living community's exclusive lifestyle programs to start making healthy changes to your routine. You can rely on their dining program, fitness classes, and engaging activities to improve your health and quality of life.
What Foods Do Cardiologists Say Not to Eat?
Foods that may increase your risk of heart disease and stroke may include:
- Red meat (veal, beef, lamb, etc.)
- Bacon, hot dogs, and other processed meats
- French fries and other fried foods
- Sugary drinks and cereals
- Potato chips and other snack foods
- Full-fat dairy products
- Baked goods, pastries, and cookies
These foods can trigger inflammation, which may increase your risk of health issues. Instead, prioritize eating nutritional foods, including fruits and vegetables.
Prioritize Your Marion, OH Senior Wellness
This year, prioritize your Marion, OH, senior wellness with these natural remedies for heart health. With these heart health tips, you could potentially protect your heart health, longevity, and quality of life.
Remember, you can find more helpful resources through your Marion senior living community. DeWolfe Place Assisted Living offers individual care plans, engaging activities like mahjongg and educational courses, and wellness programming like yoga.
Enjoy movie night, arts and crafts, and a beautifully natural setting where you can thrive in body and mind. Contact us now to schedule your tour.