Heart Health to Love Yourself

SaraTonin

I've always had a problem with Cardio workouts. Mostly I hate feeling dizzy when I push too hard, and feeling like I can't catch a breath.

But lately I started changing my focus and I thought maybe everyone else would benefit from the "mental" exercise.

Our heart is the most important organ in our bodies. It delivers nutrients, oxygen, and water to our brain and our fingertips. It's so important that most cultures believe that it's the organ of love. When we're smitten with someone, we can feel our hearts pound in our chests.

But in the US, heart disease is the #1 cause of death. And guess what? It's caused by obesity, poor diet, high cholesterol, stress, you name it. Yes, the one organ we should most nurture can be the most ignored.

How can we love ourselves and others if we don't love it?

I say this makes building cardiovascular strength THE single most important reason to get your blood pumping every day.

When you think about what you should do with your day, consider what opens your heart. By getting your heart pumping, it strengthens it, burns fat, and helps open up those arteries. When you are thinking about exercising, think about how great your body must feel to get blood rushing freely to your brain and extremities. Even the best diet can't do that! And it feels wonderful.

Try focusing on the strength of your heart when you start your day. Walk tall with your chest wide, because your heart is your health.

And then? Remember to feed your heart well, avoiding saturated fats and opting for mono and poly unsaturated fats as well as Omega-3 and 6, as they scrub gunky cholesterols away. Give it lots of water and nutrients to keep your blood pure and clean.

Your heart thanks you, and it loves you back.

Nikstergirl

That was very well said!!! I have a family history that has very scary heart disease statistics.. including my own HBP that I've been on meds for since age 30. Since I started running (9 months ago) I can't believe how much more stamina I have! I feel so much better, no more heart racing when I walk upstairs or lug groceries home. Today I ran 5 miles for the first time and I felt amazing! My heart rate was at a great steady pace and I just pushed my legs to keep moving! I know I'm taking much better care of my heart, since some of the reasons I'm doing this are my family and friends it's nice to know that they have a healthy heart loving them back!!!! Let's all take good care of our tickers... so we can keep on ticking for a very long time!!!!

Pinksparkle65

thanks for sharing me to.. heart disease runs in my family sometimes it gets a little scary but the best thing i could do is stop and reflect on that when im eating the wrong foods... unhealthy behavior

greatbranch

Hey there!
I would love to join this topic/group, as I am a survivor of heart disease. It's a work in progress. I was diagnosed with heart failure in 2007 when I was 37 years old. Fortunately, a pacemaker/difibrilator and heart meds have corrected my diagnosis, but I still need to lose a lot of weight. I am both excited and anxious about my goal and really need to find support through the MFP website. Best of luck & thanks!