The circulatory system refers to the heart, the blood vessels such as the arteries, and veins, etc, and how they work together to circulate blood all over the body. Blood is said to be the lifewire of the body, hence, we need to be mindful of how the circulatory system of our body functions. Maintaining a good and healthy circulatory system amounts to living a healthy life. Below are some of the ways by which you can keep your circulatory system healthy:
Regular Exercise
Exercise is essential to maintaining a healthy circulatory system. Exercise helps the heart to pump blood into the circulatory system more efficiently. The more efficient the heart gets in pumping blood the more amount of oxygen that is delivered all over the body through the blood vessels leading to a healthier life. Aerobic exercises such as; walking, running, swimming, cycling, etc., are recommended on a steady basis to keep the circulatory system healthy.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight increases a person’s risk of circulatory diseases and heart attack. Excess body weight can lead to clogging of the arteries which is the blood vessel that carries blood to the organs. When the arteries get clogged it increases a person’s chance of a heart attack. Therefore to maintain a healthy circulatory system, it is important to lose weight and maintain the body weight at an acceptable and moderate level.
Quit smoking
Smoking has very negative impacts on general health, particularly on the circulatory system. The effects of smoking on the circulatory system can not be overemphasized. For instance, cigarette smoking has the following negative impacts on the circulatory system; it increases blood pressure, increases heart rate, causes tightening of the blood vessels in the skin, reduces the amount of oxygen carried in the blood, etc. To maintain a healthy circulatory system smoking must be cut off totally.
Control the intake of fatty foods
Saturated fats and trans fat are types of fat that are commonly found in processed foods and fast foods, these types of fats have negative effects on the circulatory system. Cut out this source of fats and your circulatory system will thank you for it. Limit processed foods and reduce how you visit fast foods, cook your food, and ensure it is a healthy meal.
Limit the consumption of alcohol and salt
Just like everything in life, moderation is key when consuming alcohol and salt, too much of the aforementioned will lead to dangerous health conditions such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, weakened heart muscle, etc. It is therefore advised to monitor the intake of alcohol and salt to ensure it’s done in moderation. For some cases, it is advised to cut off alcohol consumption to maintain a healthy circulatory system.
Eat more vegetables and fruits
It’s common knowledge that fruits and vegetables offer very important benefits to health. The circulatory system benefits immensely from the consumption of these very healthy foods. Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients such as fiber which helps to lower blood pressure, cholesterol level, and improve blood vessel functions. It is also important to cut down on foods that are high in cholesterol. Learn to eat more vegetables, and drink water regularly.
The circulatory system is the engine room that keeps the body working, the care of the circulatory system should be a top priority for everyone.
Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
