Summer Heart Healthy Tips
Over the last couple of weeks in the UK we have had some wonderful hot weather. As we move into the last of the summer months, it's important to consider your heart's health. At Kwai, we recognise that the summer heat can be a worrying time for those with heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions, as the effects of heat exposure can be extremely dangerous if they aren’t monitored and managed properly. Read on to discover the science behind it, our top tips for keeping cool, and how to keep a healthy heart as the summer period comes to a close.
How does the heat affect your heart?
Your heart, lungs, and kidneys must work harder in hot temperatures to keep your body cool and maintain a normal core temperature, which can put additional strain on them. This means that people with heart conditions may experience more discomfort in the heat.
The proteins that make up and fuel almost all of your body’s chemical activities may stop functioning if your body temperature gets too high. Our bodies try to burn off extra heat in two different ways, both of which put strain on the heart.
Firstly, radiation...
Heat naturally moves from warmer to cooler areas, meaning you radiate heat into the air as long as the air around you is cooler than your body. This transfer, however, comes to a stop when the air temperature approaches body temperature. Radiation requires redirecting blood flow so that more of it reaches the skin. This causes the heart to beat faster and pump more vigorously. It may circulate two to four times the amount of blood per minute on a hot day as it does on a cool day.
Secondly, evaporation...
Every sweat particle that evaporates from your skin removes heat. On a hot day, the evaporation of a teaspoon of sweat can cool your bloodstream by 2°F. However, as the humidity rises above about 75%, there is so much water vapour in the air that evaporation becomes increasingly difficult. Therefore, evaporation also causes stress on the cardiovascular system. Sweating not only removes heat from the body, but also essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and others that are necessary for muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and water balance. To compensate for these losses, the body begins secreting hormones that help the retention of water and the reduction of mineral losses.
Heat exhaustion isn't usually dangerous is you can cool down within 30 minutes. However, if you, or someone you know is suffering from symptoms of heatstroke, follow NHS Advice or call 999 immediately.
Top tips to stay cool in the heat:
- Hydration is key – drink plenty of cold drinks, and avoid caffeine and alcohol as these can contribute to dehydration.
- Avoid the peak heat and sun between 11am-3pm.
- Avoid any extreme or excessive exercise; this can put additional strain on the heart.
- Befriend the shade, and top up sun cream regularly.
- If your body gets sunburnt, it is much harder for it to stay at a cooler temperature – so ensure you stay in a cooler environment.
- Wear light-coloured, lightweight clothing.
- Make healthy food choices to ensure your body is getting all of the nutrients it requires.
- Sprinkle cool water over the skin or clothes, and take cool baths or showers if you feel too hot.
How can Kwai supplements benefit you?
The Kwai range of heart health supplements have been developed to help support your heart health alongside a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, allowing you to live your 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.
Check out Kwai's blog page for more healthy heart tips and news. If you have any questions about our product range please do not hesitate to contact us.