Preventing a stroke is all about
taking care of your heart and your blood.This means, keeping your good
cholesterol high, and your bad cholesterol low with diet, exercise, and
avoiding some specific bad habits.
Here are some ways to lower your risk
for stroke:
Diet
As cholesterol can directly
impact your likelihood of having a stroke, keeping your cholesterol in check
can help you fight off stroke and other cardiovascular problems. A diet rich in
fiber, whole grains, fresh fruits and lots of vegetables can help reduce your
risk. Avoiding foods that are processed, high in cholesterol, high in saturated
fat, and loaded with sodium can also help you avoid a stroke, among other
health problems.
Exercise
Thirty minutes of exercise a day
can do wonders for your body. Raising your heart rate while exercising helps
the body clear toxins and helps strengthen your heart, blood vessels, and
brain. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise regiment to ensure you
do not do more harm than good.
Mind your blood pressure
Blood pressure is a major factor
in your risk of having a stroke. Working with your doctor early can help keep
your blood pressure at the appropriate levels. Avoiding sodium and getting some
regular exercise can help significantly. Also try to eat a diet that is high in
fruit, vegetables, and potassium; these have all been discovered to
significantly decrease blood pressure.
Among the many health problems
caused by smoking is an increased risk of stroke. The poisons in cigarette
smoke constrict, and contribute to hardening of the blood vessels, which
increases the likelihood that clots will form and stroke will occur.
Alcohol is a double-edged sword
for stroke, as it can bath increase and decrease its risk. The key is
moderation: small amounts of alcohol can increase your good cholesterol levels,
which, in turn, lowers the bad cholesterol that increases risk of blood
clotting and stroke. Excessive amounts of alcohol, however, can damage your
heart and blood vessels.
Control Chronic Conditions
If you suffer from high
cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes, then, the more you
actively manage your condition, the better chance you have of avoiding a
stroke.
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