An estimated 300,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year and 25% of victims will not survive. Many who live to see another day often battle the long-lasting effects of a stroke, which includes mild to severe disabilities. The road to recovery is tough and every bit of assistance can help. Home remedies for stroke can aid in the healing process, as well as help prevent a future occurrence.
A stroke is a medical emergency that takes place when the blood supply to part of your brain is disrupted or extremely reduced. As a result, brain tissue is deprived of oxygen, which causes brain cells to die within minutes. Strokes are very much treatable and preventable with fewer Americans dying as opposed to 15 years ago. Quick action is required to ensure the least amount of damage to the brain.
Anything that interrupts the flow of blood through the brain (which accounts for 90% of all strokes) can cause a stroke to occur. There are two main types of stroke to note. The most common type is called an ischemic stroke, which originates from a blockage in an artery. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel leaks or bursts. Another related medical concern is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Often referred to as a ministroke, the blood flow to the brain is temporarily disrupted.
Narrowed or blocked arteries that reduce the flow of blood to the brain cause an ischemic stroke. Two types of this kind of stroke exist. A thrombotic stroke involves a blood clot formed in one of your arteries. This can happen when arteries become clogged with fatty deposits. An embolic stroke occurs when a blood clot or other debris gathers in a blood vessel away from the brain.
There are also two types of hemorrhagic strokes to consider.
An intracerebral hemorrhage takes place when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and affects the surrounding brain tissue. The leakage causes damage in cells. Uncontrolled high blood pressure and aneurysms can cause this type of stroke to occur.
A subarachnoid hemorrhage involves bleeding that begins in an artery that is located on or near the surface of the brain. The rupture of an aneurysm is the common culprit of the thunderous headache that follows. It is a reaction to the blood traveling into the space between the surface of the brain and your skull.
A handful of risk factors place an individual in danger of suffering a stroke, such as high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol levels. You should also be concerned if your family history shows a prevalence of strokes, heart attack or TIA. Other stroke risk factors include:
• Your age (55 or older)
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Lack of physical activity
• Cardiovascular disease
• Being overweight
• Heavy drinking
• Excessive use of illegal drugs, such as cocaine
• Using birth control pills
Depending on the part of the brain that has become damaged, an individual displaying the aftereffects of a stroke may experience :
• Trouble Walking: Stumbling or sudden dizziness can cause a loss of balance and/or coordination when a stroke is taking place.
• Trouble Speaking or Understanding: Strokes can cause confusion and you may slur your words or be unable to effectively express what is going on with you.
• Paralysis or Numbness: One side of your face or body may experience sudden paralysis, weakness, or numbness. If you raise both of your arms over your head at the same time, and one begins to fall – this is an indicator of a stroke.
• Droopy Smile: When trying to smile, one side of your mouth may droop.
• Vision Problems: Having trouble seeing in one or both of your eyes can occur with a stroke. Your vision could become blurry or blacken. Sometimes, you will see double.
• Headache: If you suffer an unexpected, severe “jolt” of a headache, you may be having a stroke. This sign is often accompanied by dizziness and vomiting.
Your family tree or lifestyle can place you at a greater risk for suffering a stroke. Perhaps you already survived an attack to the brain. Whatever your circumstances, it is suggested to become familiar with the signs, prevention measures, and treatment possibilities of a stroke. The following home remedies for stroke concentrate on ways to prevent the occurrence from happening, as well as deal with the aftermath of a previous experience:
If you are experiencing paralyzed limbs after a stroke, you should move all of the joints on a daily basis. Gentle massage will help bring paralyzed muscles back to life. The massage will also prepare the body for getting out of the bed and attempting to walk when you are ready.
In the early stages of recovery and movement, you may soak in an Epsom salt bath two times per week. The bath will help relax the muscles and rejuvenate the body during your recovery. Overall, you may start to feel better much quicker.
You may have already heard of the magic of products, like Cheerios, that advertise ingredients that lower cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol (a total cholesterol level above 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), you are at a greater risk for suffering a stroke. Increase the amount of high-fiber foods that are low in fat and cholesterol that you eat.
Plan your meals around fruits, vegetables, and grains. Fill your dinner plate with dark-green, leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soybeans.
Eating whole grains will supply the body with vitamin E, which is known to improve circulation.
Researchers have found that eating a lot of fruits and vegetables can both prevent and treat a stroke. Ample consumption also helps reduce the damage of a stroke. One Cambridge University study discovered that elderly people who ate large quantities of fresh green vegetables and fresh fruits were less likely to die of strokes .
Thanks to a high level of beta carotene in the bloodstream, you may cut down your risk of stroke and prevent death if one does occur. It is the abundant presence of beta carotene and other vitamin A in the blood is linked to reducing brain damage and the chances of death. Eating carrots five or more times per week can cut your risk of stroke by two-thirds. Another vegetable with a reputation for preventing and treating a stroke is spinach because it contains a decent amount of beta carotene and other antioxidants. Other foods rich in beta carotene include pumpkins, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, oranges, melons, mangoes, and papayas.
Silverware with larger handles is easier to grasp if you are dealing with a weak hand after a stroke.
To keep the blood thin, many people susceptible to strokes take a low dose aspirin on a daily basis as a prevention method.
Consume apple cider vinegar on a daily basis to improve the circulation of your blood.
Protect your body against strokes by consuming foods rich in potassium. Research suggests that just one extra daily serving of a food rich in potassium can reduce the risk of stroke by 40%.
Smokers and drinkers should consider cutting back or completely dropping their bad habits in order to prevent and treat stroke symptoms.
Consider the power of acupressure, which may prevent a stroke by rejuvenating blood flow through clogged arteries. Acupressure may also stimulate muscles that have become weak due to a stroke. The practice has already been proven to increase the energy and stamina of patients who have impaired immune systems.
Some people have treated their stroke symptoms by consuming one teaspoon of flax seed oil on a daily basis.
To strengthen your body and avoid some of the deterioration associated with suffering a stroke, consider taking the following supplements:
• calcium (1500 mg) – maintains proper muscle tone in the blood vessels
• magnesium (750 mg) – balances out the calcium
• vitamin D (400 mg) – aids calcium absorption
• coenzyme (100 mg) – improves tissue oxygenation
• flaxseed oil (use as directed) – reduces blood pressure and lowers cholesterol levels
• vitamin E (start with 200 IU and increase by 200 IU each week until you reach 1000 IU daily) – helps block the first steps leading to the disease
• selenium (200 mcg) – promotes the action of vitamin E
• vitamin B complex that contains vtamins B6 (50 mg), B12 (600 mcg), and folate (200 mcg)