Best Supplements for Stroke Prevention

 Vitamins to prevent stroke and heart attack

According to some theories, some vitamins and supplements may help reduce the risk of conditions including excessive cholesterol and blood vessel damage. To substantiate such assertions, nevertheless, careful research is still required.

When taken with specific drugs, some supplements could have unfavorable side effects. Before using any additional herbal or nutritional supplements, see your doctor.

Supplements and nutrients

Supplements' ability to directly prevent stroke is not well supported by scientific research. However, other studies imply that they can lessen the danger and boost recovery. The following may prove advantageous for you:

1. Vitamin B-6, folic acid, and vitamin B-12 Homocysteine levels may be reduced with the aid of specific B vitamins. High homocysteine levels are associated with a higher risk of stroke.
2. Betaine. According to research, homocysteine levels may be reduced by the amino acid betaine.
3.  Vitamin C. This vitamin may help to prevent artery plaque formation and repair blood vessel damage.
4. Vitamin D. Low vitamin D levels are linked to an increased risk of artery-blocking strokes, especially in persons with high blood pressure, thus taking supplements of this vitamin may be advantageous.
5.  Vitamin E. Memory loss may be helped by taking vitamin E pills.
6.  Omega-3s Fats.  Generally speaking, omega-3 fatty acids could lower cholesterol levels. An investigation on rats suggests that an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) may help guard against cell deterioration.
7. Magnesium.  According to a study published in the journal Hypertension, the mineral magnesium may reduce blood pressure.

The American Heart Association advises receiving your vitamins and nutrients mostly from food as opposed to supplements.

An herbal supplement

Herbal supplements are an increasingly common choice for those who like natural therapies. The brain's blood flow can be enhanced and more strokes can be avoided by taking the following herbal supplements:

1. Ashwagandha.  Ashwagandha, also referred to as Indian ginseng, contains antioxidant characteristics that may help to both prevent and treat stroke. A 2015 study looked at how it affected mice.
2. Bilberry.  This fruit may reduce blood sugar and raise cholesterol.
3. Garlic. Garlic may have two possible advantages, including preventing blood clotting and eliminating plaque.
4. Chinese ginseng. Asian ginseng, a common ingredient in Chinese medicine, is thought to enhance memory.
5. Gotu kola. This herb has been demonstrated to improve cognitive function in stroke survivors.
6. Turmeric. Turmeric is a spice that has the potential to decrease cholesterol and prevent artery blockages.

If you take warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, or any other blood thinners, you should stay away from these supplements. They'll further thin your blood. Before using any extra vitamins, always see your doctor.

Choosing the nutrition to eat

Your doctor might suggest a heart-healthy lifestyle and may prescribe medication to decrease cholesterol. You can achieve your health goals by routinely consuming the following foods or beverages.

1. Green or black tea

Flavonoids are plant elements that are present in tea and can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Black or green tea, preferably three cups a day, may help lower your risk of stroke. According to one study, participants who drank this much green or black tea experienced significantly fewer recurrent strokes.

Black tea may be very beneficial for controlling diabetes. Black tea contains substances that resemble the actions of insulin and stop starch from becoming sugar.

1. Vegetables and fruits

Fruits and vegetables are advantageous for more than just your physical wellness. In a 2016 study, researchers discovered that eating more fruit may boost happiness and well-being as soon as the following day. Eight pieces a day may lessen stress and improve life satisfaction.

1. Pomegranate

Pomegranate concentrate contains significant levels of phytosterols, which are plant hormones that decrease cholesterol, and antioxidants. The Israeli Institute of Technology claims that pomegranate concentrate combined with low-dose statin therapy or routine usage of cholesterol-reducing medications can aid in lowering cholesterol. Additionally, it might minimize the negative effects of statins such as muscle soreness.

Limiting your weight can help

Many stroke risk factors can be effectively managed by maintaining a healthy weight and body fat percentage, often known as body mass index (BMI).

A person is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease if their body fat distribution is primarily concentrated around their waist rather than their hips. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) note that these disorders are more likely to affect men and women with waist sizes greater than 40 inches and greater than 35 inches, respectively.

Avoid stressful life

In accordance with the American Heart Association (AHA), those who are under a lot of stress have a far higher risk of having a stroke. To relieve tension in your body and mind, use relaxation techniques.

Massages

Massages can aid in boosting blood flow to a troubled location, particularly when it comes to muscular issues brought on by a stroke. In one study, massages after a stroke reduced pain, improved health, and enhanced mobility.

External counterpulsation (ECP) therapy may aid in the recovery of patients who have experienced an ischemic stroke, according to a few studies conducted in China.

Cuffs are wrapped over the calves, thighs, and hips during ECP treatments. These cuffs inflate and deflate, producing a massage-like sensation and promoting blood flow to the brain.

One-hour ECP treatments for 35 days raised blood pressure by 13%, heart function by 74%, and cerebral blood flow by 9%, according to study results from the S.H. Ho Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Centre in Hong Kong.

THE CONCLUSION

For the prevention and recovery from stroke, CAM therapies can be used to manage modifiable risk factors. Treatments like acupuncture or vitamins, along with significant lifestyle modifications, can help.

These procedures shouldn't take the place of medical or surgical procedures, but they could be able to assist you in achieving particular health objectives, including decreasing blood pressure. If you're thinking about CAM treatments, let your doctor know. Your medication and some treatments could interact poorly.