A stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to your brain is suddenly cut off (known as an ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel in your brain bursts (known as a hemorrhagic stroke).
Key Points
As a result of ischemic stroke, brain cells and tissue are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, which causes them to die within minutes. In hemorrhagic stroke, bleeding causes the brain to swell and press against the skull.
Stroke Symptoms
Symptoms of stroke include:
- Sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis (especially on one side of the body)
- Trouble with walking (including loss of balance or coordination)
- It has difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
- unexpected blurred or double vision
- A severe headache that is accompanied by stiffness in the neck, vomiting, or facial pain
Who’s at Risk for Stroke?
Risk factors for stroke include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
- A family history of cardiovascular disease
- Being age 55 or older.
- Cigarette smoking
Treatment for Stroke
In order for a stroke to be successfully treated-and for doctors to minimise the potential for severe damage or disability-it’s critical to seek immediate medical attention upon experiencing stroke symptoms.
Treatment of ischemic stroke involves addressing the blood clot causing the problem, while treatment of hemorrhagic stroke involves stopping the bleeding.
Natural Ways to Prevent Stroke (Home Remedies)
Following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing your stress (with relaxing practises such as yoga or meditation, for instance), keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol in check,
and maintaining a healthy weight can help lower your risk of stroke.
These natural substances also show promise as a means of stroke prevention.
1. Tea
In a report published in 2009, researchers reviewed nine studies (including a total of nearly 195,000 people) and found that drinking three cups of black or green tea per day reduced stroke risk by 21 percent. Sipping six or more cups daily may decrease stroke risk by an additional 21 percent, according to the review’s findings.
2. Fatty Acids Omega-3
In a 2003 study, scientists discovered that eating fish several times a week reduces the risk of thrombotic stroke (a type of ischemic stroke that occurs when a blood clot forms in arteries in the neck or brain).
An earlier study also found that high consumption of fish and omega-3 fatty acids may be linked to a decreased risk of thrombotic stroke.
Abundant in oily fish like salmon and sardines, omega-3 fatty acids are also available in supplement form.
3. Garlic
Although garlic hasn’t been specifically studied for its effects on stroke risk, research suggests that the herb may help prevent blood clotting and buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, as well as lower blood pressure.
