What is a stroke?
A stroke is a medical condition that occurs when part of the brain suddenly experiences poor blood circulation. This can happen when;
• An artery bursts which causes bleeding in the brain (cerebral hemorrhage) This is called a Hemorrhagic stroke
• Blood is blocked from reaching the brain by a blood clot. This is called an Ischemic stroke
When this happens, the brain cannot receive oxygen, which may result in brain damage or even death.
Stroke is also called brain stroke, ictus, or cerebrovascular accident.
What Causes a Stroke?
The primary cause is the build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and around the artery walls in a process called arteriosclerosis. The arteries then thicken and harden resulting in reduced blood flow.
Other risk factors include lack of physical activity, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and eating saturated fats.
The Stroke Diet
The diet and the health of the arteries are closely linked. Some foods are harmful to the arteries, while others are beneficial.
Saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium especially from table salt may damage the arteries.
Foods that are good for the arteries include soluble fiber and antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, and legumes. As well as unsaturated fatty acids found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds.
The following are suggestions to improve the health of your arteries;
Eat More
- Fruits – grapefruit, strawberry, pear, guava
- Vegetables – squash/pumpkin, yam/cassava, avocado
- Legumes – chickpeas,
- Nuts – sunflower seeds
- Whole grains – rye
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Fish oil
- Fiber
- Antioxidants
Eat Less
- Meat
- Saturated fat
- Cured Cheeses
- Coffee
- White sugar
- Salt
- Dairy products
- Alcoholic beverages
- Eggs
- Trans fatty acids
- Protein
- Cholesterol
A number of changes in your diet can improve the health of the arteries. However, this is only one part of the solution. Embracing a healthy lifestyle will greatly reduce the chances of a stroke. Some of these include;
- Get better sleep
- Quit smoking/tobacco use
- Go for regular health checkups
- Regular exercise such as walking
Most of all reduce stress and stay motivated.