How to Get Healthy – A Triathlete’s Guide

In the quest for health, people often wonder, “How can I get healthy?” There are many ways to do so. A triathlete, author, naturopathic doctor, and television host explains the secrets of getting healthy by reducing the bad fats in your diet. Keeping a healthy weight and getting regular checkups are important steps to prevent a slew of diseases and stay fit. Here are a few of his tips.

Getting enough sleep

Getting adequate sleep is a necessity for optimum health. Although the amount of sleep needed for each individual may vary, scientists have discovered that adults generally require seven to nine hours of rest per night. Unfortunately, up to 35 percent of adults in the United States don’t get the recommended amount of sleep. Not getting enough sleep can have serious consequences, putting our health and safety at risk. In addition to the obvious health benefits, sleep is essential for our overall well-being, especially when we’re feeling run down and groggy.

Sleep is necessary to process our feelings and emotions. Without it, we’re likely to react negatively and less positively to stressful situations. Chronic lack of sleep also increases our risk for mood disorders, such as depression. Insomnia is five times more likely to lead to depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. Sleeping enough will improve your outlook on life and prepare you for future challenges. In addition to reducing the risk of depression, getting a restful night’s sleep will help keep your moods stable and your brain functioning properly.

Keeping a healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to prevent some diseases. While a normal body weight doesn’t cause an increased risk of weight-related illnesses, being overweight can lead to health problems. In order to determine a healthy weight, check your BMI (Body Mass Index) and eat a well-balanced diet. The BMI is calculated by multiplying your height and weight, and it doesn’t measure your body fat. As a rule, the higher your BMI is, the higher your body fat is. However, keep in mind that a healthy BMI for an adult will be different from that for a child or teenager.

Maintaining a healthy body weight is essential to overall health. If you are overweight or obese, you’re at risk of serious health problems. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other health issues are significantly increased if you are obese or overweight. Keeping a healthy weight is important because it prevents these conditions from worsening and can help you stay active.

Cutting back on bad fats

The fats in our diet are not necessarily bad. In fact, our bodies need fat to function properly. It provides energy, builds nerve tissue, and regulates inflammation. Choosing good fats for your diet will boost your energy levels without sacrificing productivity. On the other hand, bad fats will increase your total cholesterol and blood pressure. In addition, they can slow your metabolism and make you feel tired. You need fat in moderation for optimal health and energy levels.

The two main types of unhealthy fats are trans-fats and saturated fats. Trans-fats are hydrogenated fats that are harmful to your health. They are present in partially hydrogenated oils and are often found in processed foods. These fats are also found in red meat, butter, ice cream, and dairy products. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of them without compromising your health.

Getting regular checkups

Getting regular checkups with a primary care physician can help you stay healthier and prevent serious health problems. These checkups can also help you spot minor problems that could lead to more serious health issues. You can find an excellent family practice in Austin, TX, for regular checkups and annual exams. Although these checkups are often referred to as annual exams, your doctor may recommend more frequent checkups, depending on your risk factors and age.

The ideal physical schedule is tailored to individual medical needs. If you are generally healthy, you may need a checkup once a year for preventive screenings. However, if you have a history of chronic conditions, you may need more frequent checkups. A general physical may include a flu shot, blood pressure test, Pap smear, and other tests. You should schedule an appointment as soon as you notice any changes in your physical.

Getting enough exercise

While you may feel like you are exercising a lot, it isn’t always possible to get the recommended amount. Ideally, adults should get a combination of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities every day. In addition, everyone should limit the amount of time they spend sitting, and this applies to people of all ages as well. Even brisk walking for 10 minutes a day is good for you, but if you want to experience the benefits of exercise, you should engage in moderate-intensity activities for more than 30 minutes daily.

While regular trips to the gym are ideal, there are plenty of other ways to get the recommended daily allowance. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator and revving up household chores can all help. But the key is consistency. Exercise can help you prevent high blood pressure and heart disease, improve your HDL cholesterol (the good type) and lower unhealthy triglycerides. Exercise also helps keep blood flowing smoothly, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.