Common Habits to Avoid for Heart Health

Most people want to be healthy. But we tend to overlook the things that we shouldn’t be doing. Simple everyday habits can have a negative impact on heart health. Find out which habits you should avoid for better heart health. Here are four common habits that could be damaging your heart:

1. Eating salty foods.

The recommended daily intake of sodium is 2400 mg (or less than one teaspoon) a day. However, the average American consumes about 3400 mg of salt a day. This extra sodium often causes the body to hold excess fluid. Eventually, this can lead to hypertension or an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. It can negatively affect your cognitive functions too.

Sodium is a key ingredient in many processed foods— 75% of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods and restaurant food. So, avoid canned and instant foods, and try to prepare your food so you know exactly what you’re eating.

2. Drinking too much alcohol.

Drinking a small amount of alcohol every day can actually be beneficial to our health, but we all know that anything in excess can be harmful. Overconsumption of alcohol has been linked to weight gain, high blood fat levels (triglycerides), high blood pressure, and heart failure.

It’s important to limit your beer consumption to two bottles of beer per day for men. For women, it should be no more than one bottle a day. Consider limiting wine to two five-ounce servings for men and one serving for women.

3. Not flossing.

Flossing is an important oral hygiene practice. Your dentist has probably reminded you time and time again to floss. Most people think that brushing their teeth is enough, but it’s not. If you don’t floss, you are giving plaque a chance to affect your gums, causing inflammation. Plaque starts to build up within hours after eating and will be firmly stuck to your teeth after 48 hours.

To prevent this from happening, daily flossing is a must. Diseases like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease have all been linked to gum disease. By flossing regularly, you’ll have clean, plaque-free teeth and a healthier heart and body.

4. Sitting for a long time.

Many people, especially those who work in offices, sit in front of their computers for an average of eight to ten hours a day. However, sitting for a long period of time can seriously impact your health. Prolonged sitting is often linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and may even increase your risk of stroke. Our bodies weren’t made to sit all day. Rather, we are designed for regular movement.

Find ways in your daily routine to stand up and move. 

If you have a desk job, make it a point to stand up and stretch every hour or consider a standing workstation. Walk after eating lunch. Park your car far away from your destination. Also, take the stairs instead of riding the elevator. These are simple changes you can make to improve your heart health.

Taking care of your heart doesn’t require drastic changes — it starts with small, consistent steps that add up over time. If you’re ready to take the next step toward better heart health, consider scheduling a visit with a virtual primary care provider at First Stop health. They’re here to support you with personalized guidance to help you build a lifestyle that keeps your heart healthy.

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