Vitalise your heart with natural vitamins and exercise

Important factors in looking after your heart are regular check-ups with a cardiologist, consistent exercise and maintaining a healthy and balanced diet full of vitamins and nutrients.

Experienced cardiology consultant Dr Riyaz A Kaba advises how to implement these things into your life in order to optimise the vitality of your heart and body. 

Catching too many infections? Feeling tired throughout the day? Perhaps the reason for this is a lack of vitamins in your diet. Try to set simple and realistic goals for the reduction of unhealthy foods in your daily intake.

It is often easy to overlook specific foods and go for an easier option. Fast foods are usually low in nutrients, specifically the vitamins needed to maintain optimal health.

Aim to include greens in at least one meal a day, as these are packed with vitamins and minerals which contribute to a healthy diet.

• Vitamin C can be found in oranges and other citrus fruits; it strengthens the immune system and can help your body fight cold-causing germs

• Vitamin D is another vital nutrient which your body produces when exposed to sunlight, and it can be found in foods such as red meats, oily fish (such as salmon and sardines), and eggs. Vitamin D helps to keep bones and muscles healthy

• In order to enhance the breakdown of food and release of energy, vitamin B is needed. There are different types of vitamin B and many are present in foods such as eggs, milk and fresh fruit

• Supplements may be a useful reinforcement in order to ensure your body is getting the right variety of vitamins

• Implementing a consistent vitamin intake in your diet can increase your health and wellbeing

Fast foods can still be enjoyed from time to time, but for the most part meals should be low in saturated fats, sugar and salt. It can be hard to resist cravings for foods such as chocolate, pizza and burgers but it’s best to consider the cost to one’s health. Sometimes the smallest of changes can result in the best of outcomes.

A healthy heart for life

Losing control of one’s diet can lead to obesity, heart problems, diabetes and much more. Both high blood pressure and obesity greatly increase the chance of developing heart problems, known as cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Alongside dietary improvements, regular exercise is one of the most effective courses of action to keep CVD at bay, especially when combined with a healthy diet, as it helps to lower blood pressure and reduce weight.

Try to implement a combination of aerobic (such as swimming and running) and anaerobic (like strength training) exercises on a regular basis, ideally a few times a week.

Remember, a stronger heart could mean a longer life! One of the best ways to ensure your diet and physical condition is keeping your heart in the best possible shape is by visiting a cardiologist.

If you are concerned about your health, contact cardiology consultant Dr Kaba at [email protected] or visit his Top Doctors profile here.