A Cardiologist’s Morning Routine: Simple Tips for a Healthy Heart
Each morning is a fresh start to care for your health, and a good routine can help you stay motivated throughout the day. If your goal this year is to improve heart health, Parade highlights advice from top cardiologists on simple habits you can adopt. It’s not just what you eat for breakfast that matters, but also what you do afterward.
The Heart-Healthy Habit Doctors Recommend After Breakfast
According to Dr. Li Zhou, Medical Director of the Women’s Heart Program at Norton Healthcare, starting the day with a nutritious breakfast is important. Dr. Zhou prefers eating fruit and nuts, both known for being good for the heart. But her key after-breakfast habit is something super simple: drinking a cup of water.
While it may seem basic, Parade explains that staying hydrated helps lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Research shows that dehydration can negatively affect blood pressure, making it harder for the heart to function properly.
After finishing your water, Dr. Daniel Hermann, an interventional cardiologist at Memorial Hermann, suggests adding another heart-boosting habit: a short walk. “A brisk 20-minute walk can make a big difference over time,” he tells Parade. Walking helps with digestion, stress relief, and blood sugar levels right away. Over the long term, it can improve heart health, weight control, and muscle tone. Dr. Hermann adds that regular walking can also lower the risk of depression and anxiety.
Since many people now work from home, they walk less during the day compared to when they commuted. Parade advises making a conscious effort to get some steps in, as even a short walk after breakfast can be very beneficial.
A Morning Mistake to Avoid: Skipping Breakfast
While drinking water and walking are great habits, Parade warns against skipping breakfast altogether. Dr. Deepak Talreja, Director of Cardiology at Sentara Healthcare, says many people miss this meal due to busy schedules, but doing so could harm heart health. “A balanced breakfast with fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains sets you up for success,” he explains.
Scientific studies cited by Parade show that skipping breakfast increases the risk of heart attack and stroke by raising cholesterol and inflammation. Skipping meals can also lead to unhealthy snacking later in the day, which isn’t good for your heart. One study found that men who skipped breakfast had a 27% higher risk of heart disease than those who didn’t.
To maximize heart health, Dr. Zhou recommends eating a variety of 20 different nutrient-rich foods daily. Skipping breakfast makes it harder to reach this goal. Parade emphasizes that combining a nutrient-packed breakfast with a cup of water and a quick walk is a powerful routine that cardiologists would surely approve of.
Final Thoughts
Parade concludes that creating a healthy morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Start your day with a wholesome meal, hydrate, and take a short walk. These simple habits can go a long way in protecting your heart—your future self will thank you!
Credit : Parade