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| HEALTH
- How to Prevent a Stroke |
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A stroke; also referred to "brain attack,"
is a medical emergency and it happens when blood circulation
to the brain fails. It can occur when a blood
clot blocks an artery in the brain or when
the wall of an artery bursts. About 80 percent of strokes
are due to blockage in either an artery in the brain
or in one of the carotid arteries in the neck. The remaining
20 percent result from a rupture of a brain artery.
Because brain cells cannot regenerate, lack of oxygen
from blockage of the blood supply may quickly lead to
cell death and permanent brain damage.
The following are the major warning signs:
• Numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially
on one side of the body
• Loss of consciousness or paralysis
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance
or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
• Double vision, drowsiness, and nausea or vomiting
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of the most important preventable risk factors for stroke
are:
Tobacco use
Cigarette smoking has been linked to the buildup of
fatty substances in the carotid artery, the main neck
artery supplying blood to the brain. Blockage of this
artery is the leading cause of stroke in Americans.
Also, nicotine raises blood pressure; carbon monoxide
reduces the amount of oxygen your blood can carry to
the brain. Also cigarette smoke makes your blood thicker
and more likely to clot.
Heart disorders
Heart disorders such as coronary artery disease, valve
defects, irregular heart beat, and enlargement of one
of the heart's chambers can result in blood clots that
may break loose and block vessels in or leading to the
brain.
High cholesterol levels
Eat low-fat foods, and have your cholesterol levels
checked by your family doctor. If your cholesterol level
is high and exercise and diet do not lower it, you may
need to take a cholesterol-lowering medicine.
Sedentary lifestyle
Exercise regularly for 30-60 minutes, preferably brisk
walking, at least 5days a week. Keep your weight under
control.
High blood pressure
70 percent of all strokes occur in individuals with
high blood pressure. Cut down salt usage. Consult doctor
and use medicines that help lower blood pressure. Controlling
blood pressure will also help you to avoid heart disease,
diabetes, and kidney failure.
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Include
tender drumstick (Moringa oleifera) leaves in your diet
or drink ½ ounce juice every morning as it act
as a hypercholesterolemic(lowers cholesterol) agent
especially in obese people.
Water kept in a copper
vessel more than 12 hours should be taken early morning
in empty stomach helps in the prevention and cure
of heart diseases.
Whole plant juice of Mandukaparni (centella asitica),
mix with honey (½ ounce each) to be taken in
the morning in empty stomach. This is a very good
heart tonic.Diabetes
Diabetes is also causes destructive changes in the
blood vessels throughout the body, including the brain.
Also, if blood glucose levels are high at the time
of a stroke, then brain damage is usually more severe
and extensive than when blood glucose is well-controlled.
Aspirin can lower the risk of stroke in some people.
However there are risks associated with taking aspirin
every day. (The Drug and Food administration of the
U.S. have clearly given a warning to all the aspirin
consuming people that they should stay away from consuming
alcohol.)
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Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Liberal use of fruits and vegetables has been found
beneficial in the prevention and treatment of stroke.
Spinach (fresh) and carrots
are found valuable in the prevention and treatment
of stroke. The protection seems to come partly from
beta carotene in carrots and spinach. Other foods
rich in beta carotene are pumpkin, sweet potatoes,
tomatoes, oranges, papayas, mangoes and melon.
Potassium is another potent
antidote against strokes and potassium-rich food (bananas,
citrus fruits, potatoes and pulses etc) every day,
may reduce the risk of stroke by 40 per cent.
Also refer :NUTRITION
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