10 WAYS TO PREVENT A STROKE NATURALLY

10 Ways to Prevent a Stroke, Naturally

1. Quit Smoking

Smoking leads to accumulation of fatty tissue in blood vessels, most of which become bad cholesterol. This reduces the diameter of blood vessels and increases blood pressure. High blood pressure cuts off the supply of blood which can leads to a stroke. Risk of strokes because of smoking is higher in women who are on birth control.

2. Avoid Saturated Fats

Saturated fats are one of the main sources of dietary cholesterol, the root of most heart problems. Foods containing saturated fat should be limited as it accumulates in the form of thick sticky plaque in blood vessels, which increases blood pressure which can result in stroke.

3. Exercise

Along with a healthy diet, physical exercise is important for heart health. Exercise strengthens the heart muscles and regulates the supply of oxygen in the blood. Oxygen keeps blood flow smooth and lowers blood pressure resulting in maintenance of healthy body mass index.

4. Eat More Vegetables

A diet full of green veggies and herbs helps eliminate harmful fats, the major cause of stroke. Green vegetables are high in fiber and contain essential vitamins and minerals.

5. Eliminate Trans-fat

Trans-fat is unsaturated fat treated with chemicals to increase shelf life. This fat is often found in fast food like pizzas, chicken, and burgers. Food containing this type of fat raises bad cholesterol making them major contributors to the causes of strokes.

6. Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol increases fat around the waist and abdomen. Research have shown that heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of stroke by 45%. Alcohol consumption should not be more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women.

7. Reduce Sodium

Salt is a rich source of sodium with 40% sodium content. Increased sodium in your diet disturbs the sodium-potassium balance which leads to high blood pressure. Today almost all processed foods contain sodium-rich salt. The best way to limit sodium intake is to choose foods with sodium and calories in 1:1 ratio.

8. Maintain Healthy Weight

Being overweight is often proportional to heart disease. Maintaining a healthy weight and BMI is the best way to prevent heart disease.

9. Reduce Stress

Stress is a major factor behind high blood pressure and heart disease. There are various stress management techniques that can be used to combat stress. Staying happy and living a stress-free life is the key to heart.

10. Manage Diabetes

People suffering from diabetes are at greater risk of stroke and other heart diseases. Managing blood sugar is one thing you can do to combat both diabetes and stroke. Replacement of sugar-based foods with fresh fruits and vegetables is a good way to do it.