Ways to Strengthen

Your Body!

By Mellisa Hoffman

   When we think of strengthening our body, we naturally think of our muscles and bones. As much as they are important, we must look further. Our body is made up of many other organs and systems that are just as vital to our overall strength as muscles and bones are.

   You can strengthen your heart by getting daily exercise of some kind. In order for this to be effective, your heart rate must increase for at least half an hour each day. Also, avoid high-fat foods as fat tends to build up in your arteries causing blood flow to decrease. This makes your heart work harder to accomplish the amount of work it needs to do.

   Strengthening your immune system in order to avoid and prevent certain conditions and diseases can be done by monitoring the amount of sugar you eat. The healthiest immune system will see no refined sugar at all as sugar tends to cripple the immune system. Instead of candy bars and cookies, eat fruit which contains many vitamins that is necessary to ward off disease. Also, fill your plate with a variety of vegetables and whole grains.

   A strong and healthy digestive system will develop in a person who exercises every day, doesn’t smoke, eats healthy foods slowly and moderately, and who manages their stress levels.

   Bones and muscles will become stronger the more we use them. Take walks, do some resistance training, anything you want, just make sure you are active! Also remember in order to develop strong bones, you must be getting calcium. The very best form of calcium comes in leafy, green vegetables, so the next time you go shopping, buy some broccoli, spinach or kale!

   Water is vital for developing all organs and systems. Without the right amount of water, your cells become dry and sluggish. Make sure you are drinking half your body weight in ounces of water each day!