Blame it on the burgers. And the fries, and the potato chips, and the huge portions in restaurants. Blame it on video games and the internet, too, if you want. The problem is, we eat too much, we eat badly, and we don't exercise. This combination has helped cardiovascular disease increase at alarming rates.
All over the country, men and women are showing rising numbers of artherosclerosis, or arterial disease. Arterial disease is one of the main causes of cardiovascular problems. A cardiologist in Princeton, NJ, and a cardiologist in Seattle, WA, are going to tell you the same thing: eat a healthy diet, exercise, and don't smoke. And don't wait to do this until you're an adult with problems, because by the time the symptoms show up, you're already in big trouble.
What your cardiologist will tell you is that prevention is necessary from childhood. Because cardiovascular diseases develop over decades of life, learning as a child to favor vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats and dairy over refined sugars and processed foods is crucial to healthy development. It isn't easy to curb the sweet tooth small children often develop, especially as so much of the food targeted to children has been loaded with high fructose corn syrup and other forms of sugar. In fact, that sweet tooth will lead to a fat and salt tooth, too. The body craves sugar, fat, and salt combinations because they are quick fuel. Food that is layered with these ingredients taste so good and are easily converted to glucose, the body's energy supply.
Whole fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain lots of fiber, which is inedible and acts as a scrub for the body. They also contain necessary nutrients. Because of the fiber, your body will work harder to break down the food and harvest the nutrients inside. That's a good thing because you'll feel more full for longer, helping you overcome and prevent the cravings for sweets, fats, and salts that can undermine your health in the long term. Keeping a food journal is an excellent way to track what you're eating and how you feel physically and emotionally. It can be a true eye-opener.
Smoking, of course, is a well known contributor to cardiovascular disease. Strong anti-smoking campaigns targeted to elementary school children have educated a new generation on the dangers of smoking. Unfortunately, smoking is a hard habit to give up, though there are methods of doing so that will make it easier. Never starting is your best health bet.
Even if you have become addicted to unhealthy food and don't get enough exercise, it's never too late to start again. Any healthy lifestyle changes will help your body begin to repair and heal itself. That's another thing your cardiologist will tell you. Don't give up. Keep trying, and teach your children to eat well and healthfully while educating them as to why.
Author Resource:-
Welcome to Princeton Interventional Cardiology, P.A. Our practice specializing in cardiology in Princeton, NJ. (http://www.picheart.com/)
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