| Stroke is the third commonest cause of death in | | | | program. |
| North America. Ischemic stroke in particular which | | | | A recently published medical report which |
| is the result of a blood clot clogging arteries to | | | | reviewed nine studies including nearly 200,000 |
| the brain is all too common. Risk factors for | | | | people determined that drinking three cups of |
| stroke include... | | | | black or green tea per day reduced stroke risk |
| 1. Obesity. | | | | by 21 percent. drinking six cups per day reduced |
| 2. Smoking. | | | | stroke risk by yet another 21 percent. |
| 3. High blood pressure. | | | | Consuming foods rich in omega3 fatty acids was |
| 4. Diabetes. | | | | shown in a 2003 large medical study to be a good |
| 5. High cholesterol levels. | | | | way to reduce stroke risk. Omega 3 fatty acids |
| 6. Age 55 or more. | | | | are found particularly in oily fish such as wild |
| 7. Cardiovascular disease. | | | | salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines. It is also |
| Some of these things are difficult to do anything | | | | found in flax seed which should be ground up in a |
| much about. Others we can take direct action to | | | | blender and added to foods. This study and other |
| improve the risk. Obviously if you are over age | | | | studies before that have demonstrated that |
| 55 you can,t turn the clock back but you can | | | | eating fish several times per week or eating other |
| stop smoking. You can also take steps to reduce | | | | foods high in omega 3 is strongly linked to |
| high blood pressure. A visit to your doctor to | | | | decreased likelihood of stroke. |
| check cholesterol levels and take any action | | | | As previously mentioned taking a small daily dose |
| needed there will help and if you have diabetes | | | | of aspirin is a good way to thin the blood and |
| sticking closely to your recommended diet will be | | | | lessen stroke risk. As little as 80 mg per day is |
| very helpful. | | | | effective. You should consult your doctor |
| Aside from that there are some things you can | | | | however to see if aspirin is appropriate for you. |
| do to help prevent stroke. If you have had heart | | | | Garlic is a known blood thinning agent and may |
| problems your doctor may prescribe blood | | | | also be helpful in stroke prevention. It is also said |
| thinners such as coumadin or aspirin to help | | | | to be helpful in reducing high blood pressure which |
| prevent blood clotting. Low dose aspirin is | | | | is a factor in stroke occurrence. Either cooked or |
| prescribed for many who have had a heart | | | | raw garlic is effective and deodorised garlic |
| attack. This is a dose of 325mg per day of aspirin | | | | supplements are available which cut out the garlic |
| or less. This is often sufficient to help greatly in | | | | breath problem. |
| preventing blood clots and stroke. Appropriate | | | | A good healthy diet, rich in fruits,vegetables,nuts |
| aerobic exercise for your state of health is very | | | | and whole grains is great for general well being as |
| important. Your doctor can suggest a suitable | | | | well as stroke prevention. |