A stroke usually strikes all of a sudden and nobody can predict its occurrence. However, that does not mean, you do anything about it. You can do more than you think to prevent your risk of stroke. Although you cannot alter your age or family history factor, incorporating healthy habits can help you to prevent stroke. Here are 10 steps to preventing stroke. 

10 Steps to Preventing Stroke 

1. Control Your Blood Pressure

A healthy lifestyle is a key component to controlling your blood pressure in the normal levels. Advocating low sodium, high potassium diet will work great to regulate your blood pressure. You simply don’t need to just cut back on salt, make sure to include more potassium in your diet.

2. Stop Smoking/ Drink in Moderation

Smoking is said to subtract 10 years from your lifespan as it results in premature aging and unrepairable cellular damage. Quit smoking and alcohol to reduce your risk of stroke and lead a healthy life.


3. Lower Triglyceride Levels

More than cholesterol, triglyceride is what leads to a condition called atherosclerosis or deposit of fatty plaques in your arteries. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and include healthy fats in your diet like omega-3 fatty acid so that it doesn’t contribute to the accumulation of triglycerides.


4. Manage Diabetes

Diabetes multiplies your risk for stroke. Therefore it’s important to monitor your blood sugar levels and get periodic tests done to know your risk. Manage your diabetes with concrete diet plans like intermittent fasting, low carbohydrate consumption and manage your risk for stroke as well.


5. Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle

Carving out leisure time for physical fitness such as walking, running, playing sports, etc. is tied to lower stroke risk in a new study. Of course, that it’s not a surprise! Physical fitness has far-reaching effects in your body and mind. Learn to like exercise and commit to a habit before it is too late.


6. Reduce stress

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), high levels of stress are linked to a higher risk of stroke. It can promote toxicity in your brain cells and lead to a stroke. Learn relaxation techniques like Yoga and meditation. A massage session will also help you to improve better blood circulation which is especially effective for stroke-related muscle problems.


7. Detoxification


In Ayurveda, there is a concept of purification therapies that get rid of impurities in the blood. Ideally, it is recommended to schedule detoxification during seasonal changes three times a year. This will help a great deal to remove the accumulated free radicals and toxins in the body which can be a prime cause of Stroke.


8. Address Atrial Fibrillation


Due to irregular heartbeats, clots tend to get formed in the heart which is likely to travel through the blood vessels into the brain. Therefore, it is very vital to treat atrial fibrillation and take care of your heart which in turn will reduce your risk for stroke.


9. Try Natural Herbs

Herbs are a popular choice to prevent stroke. The following herbs improve blood circulation in the brain:

  • Ashwagandha – known as Indian ginseng, this herb has antioxidant properties that prevent and treat stroke
  • Bilberry – This wild berry controls cholesterol levels and also helps to manage blood sugar
  • Garlic – helps to prevent blood clots and get rids of plaque deposits
  • Gotu Kola – This herb is used to improve cognitive function
  • Turmeric – It has anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent blockages in the arteries

10. Heart-Healthy Diet

Emphasizing a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, legumes, lentils, nuts and seeds. Avoid processed food and stick to good old home-cooked meals most of the times. It is not necessary to follow fad diets, rather make a personalized diet plan that suits your body type.

Health is a continuum. Make healthy changes to your lifestyle to take charge of your health before it is too late.

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