Stroke can be caused by a hemorrhage in brain tissue or a blood clot in a blood vessel (ischaemic stroke) resulting in loss of blood supply to the brain. Thus, being deprived of blood and oxygen, the nerve cells in the affected are, die almost immediately.
Consequently, this medical emergency causes issues like trouble speaking or understanding, sudden headache, dizziness, loss of balance, incontinence, vision problems, numbness on one side of the body, paralysis in the arms or legs, etc.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the US. It is a scary health concern because it can come on suddenly.
Migraines tend to increase the chances of having a stroke by 21%. In addition, individuals older than 55 years of age are more at risk. This condition is also associated with high blood pressure.
Nevertheless, those with normal blood pressure are not immune to this problem. Furthermore, it has been observed that people with type-2 diabetes are two to three times more at risk of having a stroke. Plus, it is believed that iron-deficiency anemia tends to complicate recovery after a stroke.
Given Below are a Few Suggestions that can Help Prevent a Stroke
Kick the habit of smoking
Smokers are almost twice as likely to have a stroke as compared to non-smokers. Cigarette smoking is harmful because it reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood and causes a buildup of debris on the inside of blood vessels as the smoke contains nicotine and carbon monoxide.
Thus, it allows blood clots to form more easily and blocks blood flow to the brain. Therefore, to maintain good health and heart, it is recommended to take necessary steps to quit this nasty habit. If you stop smoking, your risk of developing heart disease or stroke tends to decrease.
Stay away from processed meats
Higher intake of processed meat and even fresh red meat can increase the incidence of strokes. Red meat is a calorie-dense and saturated fat-rich food.
Hence, it facilitates weight gain and helps in the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. As a result, it raises the risk of ischemic stroke.
Furthermore, processed meats such as low-fat deli turkey, bacon, ham, sausages, salami, etc. are high in sodium, which in turn, is associated with high blood pressure. The preservatives used in these foods also tend to damage the blood vessels.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly
A healthy and active lifestyle helps avoid a stroke. Hence, it is suggested to be physically active and maintain a healthy weight. Opt for baked, boiled, grilled, broiled, or roasted foods instead of those that are fried.
You can cut down on salt and yet enhance the flavor of foods by adding herbs and spices like dried parsley, dried chives, dried basil, dried marjoram, dried paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, and lemon juice.
Plus, regular exercise improves your mood and helps you stay relaxed. You can go join physical activities such as dancing, tai chi, weight training, water aerobics, and so on.
Stress, too, is known to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke as stress hormone cortisol causes the arteries to narrow. So, you also need to manage stress effectively.
In addition, take your medicines as directed and have regular medical checkups. Needless to add, control and manage conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Modify your diet
Foods like carrots, red peppers, pumpkins, apricots, peaches, sweet potatoes, etc. are high in nutrients, particularly beta carotene which helps lower the chances of having a stroke.
Moreover, you should include fresh green leafy veggies like lettuce, spinach, kale, cilantro, dandelion greens, collards, mustard greens, and so on in your diet. You can take these in the form of steamed vegetables, stir fries, salads, etc.
Plus, drink natural juices like that of spinach, parsley, watermelon, grapefruit, and celery. Steer clear of foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol.
Herbs like, ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, gotu kola, gingko biloba, periwinkle, and holy thistle are considered good for stroke prevention and treatment.
Limit alcohol consumption
Alcoholic gives you excess calories, affects the blood clotting mechanism adversely, and contributes in hypertension.
Hence, those who want to be careful and avoid the chances of a stroke should restrict their alcohol intake to less than one drink in a day. Plus, avoid relying on any kind of narcotics.
Taking alcoholic beverages in moderation, however, has also been linked with protective effects against stroke as it raises good cholesterol.
Moreover, its tendency to inhibit coagulation can be useful to some extent as it can protect against transient ischemic attacks.
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