Protect your heart with these Winter health tips
British Heart Foundation-funded scientists discovered that heart attacks and strokes are more than twice as likely to occur during cold spells of at least four days.
This is why, especially for those with heart problems such as cardiovascular disease, protecting your heart during the colder months is critical.
So, how can you better protect your heart this Winter?
Continue reading for our top Winter heart health tips.
How does cold weather affect the heart?
When it gets cold, our bodies adjust to maintain our core heat and keep us warm. This transition may be more difficult for those who have a heart condition or high blood pressure.
Because cold weather depletes your body's heat, your heart must work harder to keep you warm. Your blood vessels will constrict, allowing your heart to concentrate on pumping blood to your brain and other major organs.
This added cardiovascular stress, along with other contributing factors, can be harmful to your heart health and even result in a heart attack or stroke.
What can you do?
- As simple as it may sound… stay warm!
Wear appropriate clothing when going outside, such as a thick coat, gloves, a scarf, and a hat. If the cold weather is still affecting you, go inside and wrap up with a blanket and a hot water bottle.
- Protect yourself from flu
The flu is more common in the Winter and can have serious consequences for those who are older and have a pre-existing heart condition. It isn’t too late to get the flu jab to protect yourself and those around you. Contact the NHS to see if you’re eligible for a free flu jab. If you aren’t eligible, you can pay for the vaccine or enquire to see if your employer provides it.
- Fuel your body with nutritious food
Whilst it's natural to crave comfort food during the Winter months and overindulge during the holidays, it's critical to maintain a balanced diet and avoid raising your cholesterol. Give your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Fruits and vegetables are high in essential vitamins and minerals, which boost your immune system and increase your chances of avoiding illness.
- Finding balance with exercise
Putting your heart under unnecessary strain during the cold weather is a no-no. If you need assistance with any strenuous activities, be sure to ask for it. However, whilst you shouldn't overdo it, exercise is important for staying healthy, so keep moving by wrapping up warm and going for short walks outside (or inside).
How can Kwai supplements help you?
Taking the right supplements is another healthy habit you can develop to help your heart health.
Kwai's range of heart health supplements were created to support your heart health alongside a healthy diet and an active lifestyle, enabling you to live life to the fullest.
Supported in over 20 clinical studies and based on the latest scientific thinking, Kwai supplements contain a selected blend of key ingredients:
Kwai Heartcare – made using highest quality garlic cloves to provide optimum yield of allicin. Taken as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, it is considered by many to be an important part of their daily routine.
Kwai Heartcare+ – contains Japanese black garlic (450mg), allicin (2,700μg), and vitamin B1 (0.83mg). The unique formulation of Kwai Heartcare+ helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy heart while also contributing to resistance to temporary stress.
Kwai Blood Pressure – a blend of nutrients specifically selected to help maintain normal blood pressure and heart muscle function.
Stay updated with Kwai's blog for all the latest heart health news. Please feel free to reach out and contact us if you have any questions about Kwai or our products.