Yoga is a conventional exercise that has been used by many people in place of an extensive gym workout. There are numerous benefits of yoga, and doing it for a few hours every week can help you feel calmer and have more balance.
The most common cause of heart disease has its roots in stress. Hence, the primary connection between the heart and yoga is its ability to reduce stress. Yoga has a long list of stress-reducing benefits. It improves the overall quality of life and helps you manage your stress levels.
Here is how yoga can benefit the heart:
Lowers Cholesterol
Yoga can help reduce and improve LDL and HDL cholesterol. Research suggests that people who participate in yoga have shown a significant effect on their lipid profiles. Several studies support yoga and confirm the correlation between yoga and cholesterol levels. It also reduces the risk factors of high blood pressure and helps manage the overall cardiovascular health.
Benefits the Cardiovascular System
When you hear the term “cardio,” you usually think about running, cycling, or some high-powered workout that makes you feel out of breath. However, moderate-intensity yoga can have the same effects and can be used as an effective alternative for the strengthening of one’s heart.
Moreover, one of the most significant benefits of yoga is the improvement in breathing, also known as “yogic breathing.” Research indicates that controlling the pace of breathing can improve the function of the heart, lungs, and brain.
Controls Blood Pressure
High blood pressure tends to increase the risk of kidney damage, stroke, or a heart attack. To support this, a study conducted in 2021 suggests that yoga can be critical for people with arrhythmia and hypertension. Yoga for 15 minutes a day can benefit blood pressure management.
The adrenal glands have the ability to produce a fight-or-flight response in our body, which increases both our blood pressure and heart rate. Some types of yoga can decrease our cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone, hence reducing blood pressure.
Strengthens the Heart Muscles
The achievement of a healthy heart comes with an inner sense of calm and a relaxed mind. By performing yoga, you can help to strengthen the heart muscles and avoid certain heart diseases. Some poses in yoga can contribute to strengthening the heart muscles and help you live a life that is spiritually, mentally, and physically healthy.
Boosts Immunity
Chronic stress can affect your immune system negatively. Consequently, your body is prone to more diseases when your immunity is compromised. Yoga tends to reduce stress, improve circulation, and stimulate the lymphatic system of the body. Specific yoga poses help contribute to the enhancement of the posture as well as the neurological system.
To Sum It Up
An ancient Indian practice, yoga, has several beneficial effects on the human body physically, mentally, and spiritually. Some benefits include the improvement in flexibility and overall strength. Furthermore, it has more beneficial effects on heart health and can also reduce the risk of several heart problems.
If you’re experiencing heart-related problems, contact Memorial Cardiology Associates, which offers specialized and quality cardiac care. Contact us and get the best cardiology care there is to offer.