Summer is the season for nourishing the heart. At the same time, the high temperature speeds up the body’s metabolism and blood circulation, and the burden on the heart will also become heavier. Chinese medicine practitioner Zheng Zhenlong reminded readers that caring for this vital organ requires more attention in daily life and diet.
Summer is the season when cardiovascular diseases are most common. Zheng Zhenlong said that people with poor heart conditions may experience chest tightness and shortness of breath due to lack of oxygen. Simultaneously, due to weakness of the heart muscle, blood circulation will slow down, and the color of the face will become dark.
“The most common cause (of patients with poor heart conditions) now is poor rest, caused by mobile phones. To put it bluntly, the mobile phone causes it.” Zheng Zhenlong said that modern people are under tremendous pressure at work, and when they go home at night and play with mobile phones until after midnight, they do not have enough sleep, and the quality of sleep is not good, which puts a heavy burden on the heart.
Zheng Zhenlong said, “Many people now complain of myocardial weakness. When a person is tired, the heart loses its strength. The peripheral blood supply, which includes the brain, arms, and legs, is blocked, so you have fatigue in your limbs.” He suggested that after work, we should put down our electronic products, change our mindset, play with our pets like walking the dog or reading a paper book, and develop the habit of going to bed early.
A short nap can help protect the heart
In addition, taking a short nap at noon can also help protect the heart. He explained: “When you lie down, your heart doesn’t have to pump blood very hard, so it can take a break.” Standing up for moderate stretching and moving during work breaks can also assist blood circulation and reduce the burden on this vital organ.
“If you don’t move, exercising is futile. Sitting there all day long without moving at all has already damaged your body and heart. If you do exercise, it will increase the burden because the exercise you do is certainly strenuous. Your heart is already exhausted. If you continue strenuous exercise, you cannot do it.”
Zheng Zhenlong reminded readers that having a balanced diet and drinking less ice water is essential. “It is the principle of thermal expansion and contraction. Drinking ice water instantly makes your organs contract at ninety to a hundred degrees outside. Your stomach and heart will contract forcefully when they encounter the cold, which can lead to sudden death in severe cases.”
When the heat is unbearable, he recommended drinking herbal tea or green bean porridge, which are cooling and can help reduce and relieve internal heat. When stressed, traveling or singing out loud can help ease the pressure. We can maintain a healthy heart only by maintaining a peaceful mind and a happy mood.
Translated by Cecilia and edited by Amanda
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