Healthy Ways to Reduce your Stroke Risk

Strokes can cause an individual permanent paralysis or death. They are also one of the most common causes of neurological illnesses attributed to hypertension. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do naturally without the use of prescription medication to lessen your risk of stroke.

Blood Pressure

Healthy blood pressure holds the key to a healthy life and individuals who suffer from high blood pressure are at a greater risk of stroke and other health-related issues. While medications can lower your blood pressure, they can also lead to serious health complications and side effects.

Studies show how irreversible side effects have been caused by some, like the blood-thinner prescription drug Pradaxa. There is no antidote for the serious side effects of instances of bleeding, often fatal, or increased risk of heart attack and digestive complications that can occur.

There are a number of natural alternatives to both help you reduce your chances of suffering a stroke and lower your blood pressure. Potassium-rich foods such as sweet potatoes, bananas, kidney beans, peas, tomatoes, orange juice, and melons are critical to a blood pressure-lowering regimen. To get the full benefits, you need to consume between 2,000 and 4,000 mg a day.

Get Moving

Exercising can be difficult for most individuals, especially those on a tight schedule. Finding an activity that you enjoy and will keep you interested is the key to staying fit. Join the gym with your best friends, play tennis, swim, or attend a Zumba class. Something as simple as a power walk can reduce your chance of a stroke significantly, especially when you go at a brisk pace. Aim for a vigorous 30-minute workout and increase your speed or distance to challenge your body.

Relieve Stress

Relieve stress by finding time for yoga or meditation. Getting in touch with one’s inner self and practicing deep breathing can be soothing deep within. The meditative practices decrease a body’s stress levels and can instill calm and tranquility to an individual’s chaotic life. Try incorporating a minimum of five minutes in the morning and again at night. Try to work your way toward practicing the art of yoga at least several times a week to gain the full benefits.

Unhealthy Habits

Unhealthy habits such as drinking, smoking, and eating junk food can increase your chances of suffering a stroke. It can also shave precious years off your life span. The patch, hypnosis, and going cold turkey have proven to be successful in helping with ditching the smoking habit.

Individuals with a substantial tire around their middle and who eat a diet high in fat, sodium, and processed foods also up their chances of a stroke. You can reassess your eating habits by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein in your daily meal plan.

Physical Examination

Monitoring your health and fitness levels with a thorough physical examination can help you stay on top of any serious health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol. A blood test can determine any complications before they become a problem.

While some medications may reduce your risk of stroke, they can also cause side effects such as dizziness, insomnia, leg cramps, and more, and even have fatal consequences. By following the above natural tips to a healthy lifestyle, you can improve your health significantly and lessen your chances of a stroke or heart attack.