The end of the year holidays seem like the ideal time to spend more with the family, but also to enjoy your favorite foods and drinks. And while there is nothing wrong with it, if you overdo it, you may have to deal with unpleasant effects.
"Holiday heart syndrome refers to heart problems that occur due to excessive consumption of salty foods and alcohol," says Merije Chukumerije, cardiology specialist.
Adding high salt and alcohol to your diet can cause irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, which is when your heart beats abnormally.
Holiday heart syndrome also refers to an increase in heart-related symptoms in people who already have heart disease. This category should be even more careful with food, even during the holidays.
But what causes holiday heart syndrome to develop in people without heart disease?
Despite the fact that new cases of holiday heart syndrome appear year after year, researchers are still not entirely sure how the condition develops in people without heart disease. However, as mentioned, so far it is known that there are two major triggers for this condition - alcohol and salty foods.
When it comes to alcohol and the heart, the evidence is conflicting. For example, antioxidant-rich red wine appears to offer heart-protective benefits when consumed in moderation. But during the holidays, alcohol consumption appears to play a major role in the development of holiday heart syndrome.
Of course, even fried foods, red meat and sweets - all affect the heart in different ways, if not consumed in moderation.
3 tips to keep your heart healthy during the holidays
1. Enjoy holiday treats in moderation
2. Keep your body active and moving, even during those days or weeks that you will be resting
3. Monitor and manage your stress levels
Source: Well & Good
