There are 2 kinds of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

  • Ischemic stroke. This is the most common type. It happens when a major blood vessel in the brain is blocked. A blood clot may block it. Or it may be blocked by a buildup of fatty deposits and cholesterol. This buildup is called plaque.

87% of all strokes are ischemic. Some of the major causes of ischemic stroke include:

  1. Atrial fibrillation: a heart condition that causes an irregular heartbeat, which can lead to the formation of blood clots.
  2. Carotid artery disease: a buildup of plaque in the carotid arteries, which are the major blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.
  3. Embolic stroke: a blood clot that forms elsewhere in the body, such as in the heart, travels to the brain, and blocks a blood vessel.
  • Hemorrhagic stroke. This occurs when a blood vessel in your brain bursts, spilling blood into nearby tissues. With a hemorrhagic stroke, pressure builds up in the nearby brain tissue. This causes even more damage and irritation.”

Some of the major causes of hemorrhagic stroke include:

  1. High blood pressure: high blood pressure can weaken blood vessels, making them more likely to rupture.
  2. Aneurysm: a weak spot in a blood vessel that can enlarge and burst.
  3. Arteriovenous malformation (AVM): a tangle of blood vessels in the brain that can burst and cause bleeding.

Other risk factors that increase the likelihood include smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, obesity, high cholesterol, alcohol consumption, and a family history of stroke. Identifying and controlling these risk factors can help reduce the likelihood of stroke.

Diet is only one of the many risk factors. Here is a link that will give you more details on risk factors for stroke: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke/risk-factors-for-stroke

Here is the 2020 link to the American Heart Association report on strokes if you are looking for statistics. Take a look at these, and you will realize that it is not as black and white as you may imagine. It is a complex disease.

Virani, S. S., Alonso, A., Benjamin, E. J., Bittencourt, M. S., Callaway, C. W., Carson, A. P., … & American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. (2020). Heart disease and stroke statistics—2020 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 141(9), e139-e596.

Reducing the risk of stroke can be accomplished through lifestyle changes and natural solutions. Some of the most effective natural solutions include:

  1. Healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low in saturated and trans fats, salt, and sugar can help reduce the risk of stroke.
  2. Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of blood clots, and maintain a healthy weight.
  3. Stress management: Chronic stress can increase the risk, so finding effective ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, can be beneficial.
  4. Herbs and supplements: Some herbs and supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, garlic, and ginger, have been shown to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health and reduce risk.
  5. Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of stroke by damaging blood vessels and increasing the likelihood of blood clots. Quitting smoking can help reduce the risk.

It’s important to remember that natural solutions should be used with conventional medical treatment, not as a substitute. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements or making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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