Healthy blood vessels are flexible and efficiently deliver blood and nutrients throughout the body. As they age, blood vessels become hard and brittle, susceptible to rupture or clot formation, threatening your vascular health. In this article, we will explore five bad habits that may be stealthily shortening the lifespan of your blood vessels.
The dangers of vascular blockage
Vascular blockage typically refers to blockages in the brain or heart vessels. This occurs when the arterial walls become diseased, leading to clot formation due to slow blood flow, changes in blood composition, and increased blood viscosity.
During digestion, both nutrients and waste are transported via the blood vessels. These vessels carry a heavy workload daily and gradually age. Unhealthy lifestyles lead to diseases like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. When blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins increase, they build up on the walls of blood vessels, creating obstructions and resulting in arteriosclerosis — a condition that hinders the delivery of oxygen-rich blood to tissues. This lack of proper blood supply can lead to various health problems and their associated symptoms.
5 bad habits stealing your vascular health
1. High-fat diet
Consuming fatty foods can lead to arteriosclerosis, characterized by thickening and hardening of the arterial walls, causing them to narrow.
2. Sedentary lifestyle
Long-term sitting and lack of exercise can weaken your immune system, making you prone to diseases.
3. Smoking and drinking alcohol
Both nicotine and alcohol are harmful to your health. The damage they cause to your body often exceeds your expectations.
4. Staying up late
This habit leads to excessive secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline, causing vascular constriction, slow blood flow, and increased blood viscosity.
5. Frequent anger
Emotions can affect your health. People with a positive mindset tend to live longer than those who are often angry. Traditional Chinese medicine considers anger to be the “source of all diseases.” Constant anger can cause significant harm to the body, even affecting your lifespan.
5 food groups to strengthen your blood vessels
1. Fish
Fish contains high-quality proteins that aid in vascular metabolism.
2. Vegetables
Rich in antioxidants, vegetables fill your blood and vessels with vitality, preventing arteriosclerosis.
3. Fruits
Fruits contain polyphenols and dietary fiber that help to eliminate excess salt, reducing the burden on your vessels.
4. Soy
Soy protein helps to clear the blood and rejuvenate the vessels.
5. Vinegar
Vinegar helps to reduce blood turbidity and lower blood pressure. Consider using vinegar instead of salt for seasoning.
Final thoughts
Individuals with arteriosclerosis are advised to manage their health effectively to reduce the risk of further vascular hardening. This includes regular exercise, avoiding salty foods, eating until you’re 80 percent full, chewing slowly, eating vegetables first and other foods later, and keeping blood sugar levels in check. Remember, a balanced diet is key to maintaining vascular health.
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