6 Lifestyle Changes That Can Cut Your Risk of Stroke

A stroke is one of the leading causes of disability in adults. There are two kinds — hemorrhagic (a brain bleed) and ischemic (a blood clot) — that are triggered by different factors. Some of them can’t be controlled, like age, family history, gender and race, but others can be. You can’t turn back time and start a healthier life, but you can practice these everyday habits that can reduce your risk of stroke.


Eat healthy

Eating a healthy diet is huge when it comes to stroke prevention. Choose low-fat, low-salt foods, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Some studies say bananas, oranges, avocado, cheese and yogurt may significantly lower your risk of stroke, but there’s a lot more to choose from, because These Foods Can Cut Your Risk of Stroke.

Drop pounds if necessary

Obesity increases your risk of having a stroke. The ideal BMI is 25 and below for adults, but you should consult a doctor before settling on a personal goal. The higher the BMI, the higher the risk for heart disease, elevated blood pressure, diabetes, gallstones, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and cancer.

Control your blood pressure

High blood pressure can weaken your vessel walls, causing them to rupture and leak blood into your brain. In other cases, they can narrow your vessels and block blood flow to the brain via clot.

Exercise more

Exercise can help you lose weight and lower your blood pressure. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or take a walk around your neighborhood until you’re breathing hard but are still able to talk. Aim to exercise at a moderate intensity five times a week or more.

Drink in moderation

Abstaining from alcohol is ideal, but if you like to indulge, do it in moderation. One drink is safe, but two or more per day can raise your blood pressure drastically and increase your risk of stroke. Portion sizes vary by alcohol type. A standard pour of wine is 5 ounces, beer is 12 ounces and liquor is 1.5 ounces. Which is best? Red wine, because it contains resveratrol, which protects the heart and brain.

Keep your cholesterol levels in the normal range

High cholesterol can block blood flow in the arteries, meaning your brain won’t get the oxygen it needs to function properly. High cholesterol also increases your risk for heart disease and atherosclerosis.

Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Reddit
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

READ NEXT

8 Things That Can Damage Your Liver

Most people associate alcohol abuse with damage to the liver, but other factors can also play a role. These are the health conditions, drugs, and lifestyle habits that can cause

6 Natural Ways to Improve Your Memory Easily

A little bit of jogging is always a good idea Jogging regularly balances your heart rate, which increases the flow of blood to your brain, thereby boosting your memory power.

8 Signs You Might Have Hypothyroidism

Disorders regarding the thyroid gland are pretty common. In fact, approximately 12 percent of Americans will deal with a thyroid issue at some point. Sadly, it appears that 60 percent

6 Reasons Why You’re Losing Your Hair

Have you ever thought why you are losing your hair? There are many causes, but the most certain thing is that men are more likely to lose their hair than

12 Frozen Meals You Should Avoid at All Costs

Gluten-Free Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese Just because it’s gluten-free, it doesn’t mean it’s healthy. This apparently delicious option, for example, contains 31 grams of mostly saturated fat. The problem,

Clear Signs You’re Having an Allergic Reaction

As you know, your immune system guards your body against harmful bacteria and viruses. In certain cases, your immune system will also defend against substances that normally don’t pose a

8 Signs You Might Need an Eye Exam Immediately

According to the report for the 2016 National Health Interview Survey, 25.5 million Adult Americans 18 and older reported experiencing vision loss. No one wants to experience vision loss, so

Scroll to Top