Cardiovascular health should not only look at the physical aspects of our lives, but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. While it is important to encourage a well balanced whole-food diet and regular exercise, it’s also important to address areas of stress management and mindful living.
From a Nutritional Perspective, it Helps to Reduce Foods That CAUSE Inflammation
The first step to improve cardiovascular health is to eliminate or reduce known causes of inflammation.
This would be things such as processed foods, sugar, vegetable/seed oils, alcohol, and any food that you have a known allergy or sensitivity to, because these can cause inflammation in your body.
Some foods such as gluten, dairy, and GMO foods are also highly inflammatory for many.
Also, Choose Foods That FIGHT Inflammation
The next step to decrease inflammation is to increase foods that help fight inflammation, and consider using supportive supplements.
Studies have shown that adding anti-inflammatory foods, herbs, and spices to your diet can help fight and prevent chronic inflammation and heal the body.
Foods to help fight inflammation are spices that include turmeric, cloves, rosemary, and ginger. Also include green tea and foods high in omega-3s such as fish. Leafy greens, nuts, olive oils, berries, grapes, cherries, citrus fruits, pasture-raised meats, and prebiotic foods (garlic, onions, sauerkraut) are also good to help fight inflammation.
Thriving for Heart Health
If you don’t know where to start, book an appointment to work with a health and nutrition coach to help guide you, and set up new heart-healthy habits that fit your life.
Schedule a consultation with Shelly, Thrive’s Certified Nutritionist, and she’ll also help you with accountability, support, and staying motivated. Remember, change is made one small step at a time. You can do it!
Your heart matters. Let’s choose healthy nutritional habits.
