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Any health and fitness buff knows the importance of a strong heart and lungs. In this blog, podiatric physician and health and fitness enthusiast Selin Sakarcan explains the most effective ways to increase the capacity of both these vital organs.
The heart is a muscle, and like all muscles, it responds to exercise by growing stronger. Just as you wouldn't expect results from working your biceps once a week, your heart also needs regular aerobic exercise to see benefits.
Aerobic activity is any activity that gets your heart rate up and keeps it there for an extended period. Running, walking, biking, swimming, and dancing are all great examples of aerobic exercises.
Interval training is another excellent way to strengthen your heart. Interval training alternates limited time of high-intensity activity with periods of lower-intensity activity or rest. This type of training helps improve both your aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels.
Strength training is also essential for heart health. Strength training exercises help build muscle mass and improve the function of your cardiovascular system.
In addition to exercise, you can make a few other lifestyle changes to strengthen your heart and lungs. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for cardiovascular health, advises Selin Sakarcan.
Eating a healthy diet is also imperative. A diet rich in fibrous food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is best for heart health. Avoiding processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars is also advisable.
Finally, Selin Sakarcan says managing stress is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart. Stress has been proven to lead to high blood pressure and other health problems. Learning to manage stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help keep your heart healthy.
Making even the most minute changes in your lifestyle can significantly impact your heart health. By following these tips, Selin Sakarcan says you can help strengthen your heart and lungs and improve your overall health.
Read more of Selin Sakarcan's insights on health and fitness by going to this website.