Strokes come on suddenly and can cause sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body). Or they may cause sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech. Others may have sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, a severe headache or trouble walking with dizziness and a loss of balance. Basically, there is a blockage of blood to part of the brain, ischemia, and brain cells are severely damaged or die.

According to the Mayo clinic, 50% – 80 % of all strokes can be prevented.

A recent Swedish study showed that in men with high blood pressure - defined as systolic pressure, the top number in a blood pressure reading - of at least 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), stroke risk was greatest in men with high levels of inflammation- sensitive proteins. Compared to men with normal blood pressure and low levels of the proteins, men with high blood pressure but normal proteins were 2.5 times more likely to have a stroke. In men with both high pressure and proteins, however, the risk was more than 4 times greater. One of the theories of why this happens is that inflammation appears to destabilize plaques that have formed in arteries and increases blood clotting. Another possible explanation is that inflammation may accelerate the artery disease atherosclerosis.

This explains one of the benefits of eating foods high in Omega 3 oils or taking EPA supplements. These dietary habits have been shown to reduce pro-inflammatory reactions in the body. Animal fats, including dairy fats, are the raw ingredients for making pro-inflammatory chemicals. Consequently, reducing these foods in your diet also helps reduce your risk of stroke.

A very simple thing you can do is to drink six or more eight-ounce glasses of water a day. Researchers at Loma Linda University found that this helps to “thin the blood,” making it less likely to form clots. However, do not drink high fructose drinks, as these tend to do the opposite, making the blood thicker and more prone to clotting.

Stress is one of the major factors in causing strokes. It does this by altering the normal levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control the blood flow to the brain. Meditation or stress reducing tools help to stabilize your levels of seratonin. Seratonin is the antidote for high dopamine levels. Dietary changes can also affect your ability to make these neurotransmitters.

“According to the Mayo clinic,50% – 80 % of all strokes can be prevented.”

One of the most important factors is the reduction of a substance called homocysteine. Recent studies show that the levels of homocysteine may be more important than cholesterol levels. Increasing your intake of four nutritional substances dramatically reduces this amino acid. These are folic acid, B-12, B-6 and NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine). In a report from Harvard, Dr. Braum, M.D., has stated “with these supplements, almost everyone will have normal homocysteine levels.”

Next, plan on increasing your exercise levels. Aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce strokes. A west coast study showed that aerobic exercise, including mild strength training, reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol, increased HDL (good) cholesterol, and decreased the stickiness of the blood cells.

If you are at high risk, there is a quick change that may have profound effects. Researchers at the school of Physiological Science at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that obese men who consumed a diet high in grains, vegetables and fruit and took brisk daily walks reduced their high blood pressure, a hallmark risk factor for congestive heart failure, kidney disease, coronary artery disease and stroke. The meals they consumed consisted of less than 10 percent of calories from fat, 15-20 percent from protein, and 70-75 percnet from unrefined carbohydrates. Carbohydrates were derived from five servings of high-fiber whole grains, four servings of vegetables and three servings of fruit daily. Grains, vegetables, and fruit were allowed as much as they wanted. The men had one serving of chicken or fish for dinner. The exercise program consisted of brisk walking on a treadmill for 45 to 60 minutes a day. The results were spectacular. Systolic blood pressure was reduced by 14 percent, diastolic blood pressure by 10 percent, and oxidative stress by 28 percent, while nitric oxide availability improved by 28 percent. Nitric oxide helps prevent heart disease in several ways, including helping to relax bloodvessels, thus reducing blood pressure. Total cholesterol decreased by 19 percent, insulin levels by 46 percent and blood glucose by 7 percent. While this is not a diet you would want to do for a long time, it shows that dramatic changes in diet and exercise can have dramatic changes in your risk factors for disease.

“...obese men who consumed a diet high in grains, vegetables and fruit
and took brisk daily walks reduced their high blood pressure...”

If you are concerned about this health problem, talk to us and work with us to develop the kind of changes that can reduce your risk of stroke.

back to list