As I mention in the previous blog February is Heart Month
and I support and believe in the mission of the American Heart
Association. So I would like to continue discussing things
related to heart health. As you know at Boundless Innovations for Holistic
Living, (BIHL) we practice a holistic approach so I thought it was important to
share information regarding the correlation between heart health and mental
illness. According to the (American
Heart Association, 2014) research shows there could be behavioral and physiological
connections to mental and heart health. Some
behaviors connected to heart disease may include an individual smoking,
drinking or eating fatty comfort foods because they are feeling down. And some physiological connections are
related to biological and chemical factors that trigger mental health
issues. Barry Jacobs, Psy.D. 2014
states, “the head-heart connection should be on everyone’s radar. It’s not just being unhappy. There are
biochemical changes that predispose people to have other health problems
including heart disease.” Varying states
of depression, anxiety and stress are considered to be risk factors which may
impact blood pressure and heart rate. Increased stress hormones, high levels of
cortisol and high glucose levels are also factors that are associated in heart
disease.
Another correlation considered is heart disease can cause
anxiety or depression. Individuals that
have heart disease may lack energy, motivation or feel too overwhelmed to pay
attention to both their physical and mental health. Therefore, it is important that individuals
express how they feel both mentally and physically with their health care
provider so the individual can receive appropriate treatment.
Some things individuals may do to help eliminate or prevent
some of the behavioral or physiological behaviors associated with heart health
are to change your eating habits. Diet
should include things from all food groups which include fruits and vegetables,
whole grain/wheat, low fat dairy, and protein emphasizing consuming more fruits
and vegetables and whole grains than protein and low fat dairy. Portion sizes should also be considered
eating from a 9-10 inch plate is what is recommended. Starting or engaging in regular physical
activity is also recommended individuals should participate in moderate
cardiorespiratory activity at least 3-5 times a week for 30-60 minutes. However, individuals should start out slow. Changes should be made gradually. Individuals
should not try to do everything at once to ensure success. In
addition, individuals should also seek counseling so individuals are able to
learn more effective ways to deal and manage stress and/or any other emotions.
Start Changing your Heart Today!
JW
www.americanheartassociation
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