Stroke Physicians often emphasize the importance of stroke prevention, as this is the best way to deal with the pain and suffering that even a single stroke can bring to a person and his or her family. Yet, although stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, only a small percentage of Americans is able to name even a few of the diseases and unhealthy habits that can increase a person's risk of having a stroke.
Find Out if You Suffer From High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a potent risk factor for stroke, but it almost never produces detectable symptoms. In fact, for some unfortunate people, the first symptom of high blood pressure is a stroke. Don't let this happen to you.
Find Out if You Have Diabetes
Like high blood pressure, diabetes does not cause obvious symptoms until it is in its advanced stages. In fact, it is estimated that most people with diabetes have had the disease several years before they are diagnosed.
If you have not done so recently, go to a doctor and get your blood sugar checked. This is especially important if you are overweight or if other people in your family have diabetes.
If you have a family history of stroke or any other stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol, quitting smoking can significantly reduce your strike risk. Of course, this is also the case if you do not have any other risk factors for stroke, as smoking is often the only identifiable risk factor in people who have suffered one.
Lose Weight and Exercise
If you are overweight, losing a few pounds is an excellent way to minimize your stroke risk. Eating less and eating healthy is the most effective way to accomplish this, especially when combined with physical activity. Even a brisk walk for half an hour or so per day can help you lo9se weight and decrease your chances of ever suffering a stroke
Know and Understand Your Cholesterol Levels
Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad kind of cholesterol and a reliable marker of heart disease and stroke.
Your "normal" LDL level will depend on your overall health and predisposition to heart disease. For example, if you are a healthy individual with little or no predisposition for heart disease, your LDL cholesterol should be less than 160. But if you have 2 of the risk factors mentioned above, then that level is 120. For people with more than 2 risk factors, the normal LDL level is 100.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is probably the most effective way of keeping a low stroke risk, because it can protect you from developing high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and more. What does "eating healthy" really mean? Eat small portions, eating more than the body requires forces your metabolism to store the extra calories and increases your body weight. Eat salt in moderation. Salt makes the body retain fluid, which in turn increases your blood pressure. Try to eliminate sources of excessive salt from your diet, such as canned foods or soy sauce. Make unhealthy meals the exception, not the rule. Keep your urges for fried foods and other delicious, but not-so-healthy dishes under control, and maintain a healthy diet otherwise. Make fast food, if you crave it, an only occasional splurge. If you drink, do so in moderation.
There are multiple options in the treatment of this condition using vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements. I have listed them below in order of clinical importance. I have used these in clinical practice and have found their use to be very effective in the management of this condition. The supplements listed here are for "informational purposes" only. You should consult with a qualified health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of any health condition. You may also consult with me at www.HealthyLifeDoctors.com.