In the world of the stroke, it is a lot easier trying to prevent the condition rather than trying to treat it. This is because when a stroke happens, brain cells get damaged. And although there are occasions of the brain cells actually regenerating themselves, usually, they get damaged permanently. Stroke sufferers are encouraged to go through an extensive stroke rehabilitation process to try to get their faculties back, but this doesn’t always work. So, the lessen to those who have not gotten a stroke should be to follow the principles associated with proper stroke prevention. This article will explain these stroke prevention methods in greater detail.
Keeping the Heart Healthy
Although a stroke happens in the brain, it is actually considered a cardiovascular disease, since it is a result of a dysfunctional blood flow or weak vessels. This is why, as a measure of stroke prevention, it is very important to keep the heart healthy. Everyone can do this by of course eating healthy, (something that will be discussed in greater detail in the next section) and taking cod liver oil. This substance contains an abundance of Omega 3 nutrients, which help prevent bad cholesterol from building up into the blood. And it is the bad cholesterol that can contribute to the type of clotting that results in strokes.
Another element associated with keeping the heart healthy is going to the doctor regularly, especially if you are at higher risk for heart disease. Examples are individuals who are middle-aged, men, those who have a family history of heart disease and African Americans. Many people think they have healthy hearts, but may have high blood pressure… a condition that untreated can lead to stroke.
Eating Well
Eating a healthy diet is another area of stroke prevention. You will want to limit your consumption of saturated fats while replacing them with polyunsaturated fats. Ironically enough, these fats actually help the heart function better. Polyunsaturated fats can be found in certain types of fish and oils, such as canola oil or olive oil. They are also in nuts. Of course, even with them you don’t want to go overboard, because you may still gain weight, a problem that can increase your likelihood of getting a stroke.
Make Sure Your Gums are Healthy
Controlling your gum disease is an unusual yet necessary area of stroke prevention, since gum disease has been known to improve the chances of an individual getting a stroke. Make sure you brush your teeth regularly and go to the dentist if you notice anything unusual about your oral health. Even things as minor as a tooth ache or gum boil could signify something greater is going on with your health.
Keep Your Weight Down
If you are overweight, you have a greater chance of accumulating fat deposits in your brain since you are more likely to have more fat in your blood in the first place. However, don’t go through fad diets to try and get skinny, as these can make your heart unhealthy, despite the lowered weight. An example is the Atkin’s Diet, an all-protein diet that causes the body to release ketones, by-products that occur if a person doesn’t consume enough carbohydrates. Ketones are not a sign of a healthy body, and can place a lot of stress on your heart and liver. Only lose weight through healthy means, such as eating low-calorie foods and exercising.
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