New Year's Day is healthy
As a veteran Chinese medicine practitioner, I have always emphasized the importance of "life lies in blood vessels", because blood vessels are essential for good health. Blood transports oxygen and nutrients through blood vessels to organs throughout the body to maintain the normal function of the body. However, modern lifestyles and bad habits pose a huge threat to our vascular health. Today, I'm going to introduce you to some of the most damaging behaviors and give you some advice so that you can protect your blood vessels.
1.A high-salt diet.
A high-salt diet is a "killer" of blood vessels, and excessive salt intake can lead to an increase in blood pressure and an increased risk of arteriosclerosis. A high-salt diet can also damage vascular endothelial cells, triggering an inflammatory response that can lead to vasoconstriction and thrombosis. It is recommended that everyone minimize salt intake, choose low-salt or salt-free foods, and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
2.High-fat diet.
A high-fat diet not only predisposes to obesity and hyperlipidemia, but also increases the risk of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. A large amount of fat is deposited on the blood vessel wall, which narrows the blood vessels and obstructs blood circulation, which leads to the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. I recommend that everyone eat less high-fat foods, choose low-fat or fat-free foods, and eat more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as cereals, legumes, and vegetables.
3.Sedentary for long periods of time.
Prolonged sedentary life is another "killer" of blood vessels. Prolonged sitting can cause blood to accumulate in the lower extremities, increasing the risk of varicose veins and thrombosis. At the same time, prolonged sitting can also damage vascular endothelial cells, leading to inflammation and thrombosis. I recommend that you get up and move every once in a while and try to avoid being sedentary for long periods of time.
4.Smoking and alcohol abuse.
Smoking and alcohol abuse are both enemies of vascular health. The nicotine and other harmful substances in tobacco can damage the endothelial cells of blood vessels, leading to vasoconstriction and thrombosis. Alcohol increases blood viscosity, makes blood vessels uncoordinated in dilation and contraction, and increases the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake are important measures to protect the health of your blood vessels.
The above are some of the common behaviors that harm blood vessels, and I hope that everyone can stay away from these bad habits and protect their blood vessel health. If you find that you already have vascular problems, I recommend seeking medical attention and seeking professional TCM help.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. I wish you all the best!
References: 1 wang c, et al. salt, blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. hypertension research. 2020;43(12):1227-1236.