Uncategorized admin on 29 Sep 2011 12:00 am
Lungs and Heart: Tuning the Runner’s Engine
The key to being a good runner is to run every day. Runners have to keep their heart and lungs healthy to get the most out of running. One of the most important things that runners can do is see their doctors regularly. Many runners have dropped dead while running due to an undetected heart or lung condition. Seeing a doctor on a regular basis will help prevent and treat any preexisting problems.
Runners also need to make sure that they eat a heart-healthy diet. Foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol clog the arteries, which can lead to a host of health problems. Fish, fruits, vegetables and whole-grains contain nutrients that the heart needs to stay healthy. Smoking and excessive alcohol can also cause harm to the heart and lungs. Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer and it also puts extra pressure on the heart. Drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, which can lead to stroke and heart attack. Smoking should be avoided altogether, but if a person chooses to drink, he or she should limit it to one or two drinks per day.
Keeping the heart and lungs healthy will allow a person to get the most out of running.