These 5 Supplements Can Help Prevent a Brain Stroke

Sep 27, 2018

Even if you survive a stroke, it can lead to long-lasting health problems. In the United States, strokes are the third leading cause of death. They are also the biggest cause of long-term disabilities.

Each year, 795,000 people have a stroke in just the United States. Out of this number, 140,000 people will die.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that risk factors like obesity, diabetes, smoking, hypertension and high cholesterol can increase the chances of having a stroke. At the moment, one out of three American adults has at least one of these risk factors.

While the best way to prevent a stroke is to avoid the common risk factors, there are some supplements that can also help. You can get the following ingredients from the foods you eat or through supplements.

DPA is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid. Normally, you can find DPA in fish. If you do not enjoy eating fish, you can also get this fatty acid from fish oil supplements. In research studies, scientists have found that DPA boosts cell growth, increases fat metabolism and decreases inflammation.

Fatty acids like DPA and omega-3s are excellent for our hearts and brains. If you want to prevent a stroke, this is one of the best supplements to choose from.

You can also find DPA in seafood and grass-fed beef. Avoid drinking alcohol because alcohol can stop your body from absorbing omega-3s.

This is definitely one of the tastiest supplement options. Dark chocolate is delicious to eat, but it is also good for your mind. In one study of 21,000 British residents, researchers found that eating up to 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate a day significantly reduced someone's risk of having a stroke.

Before you stock up on Hersey bars, keep in mind that you have to eat the right chocolate for this to work. You need to stick to dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cacao.

Women are supposed to eat at least 25 grams of fiber each day. Meanwhile, men are supposed to consume 38 grams. Unfortunately, the average American eats just 16 grams of fiber a day.

If you want a healthy heart, fiber is one of the best foods that you can eat. Consuming fiber can lower your cholesterol levels and your blood pressure. If you are on a diet, fiber is also an excellent choice. It helps you to feel full so that you eat less.

Beans, oatmeal, fruits and vegetables are all natural sources of fiber.

If you want a healthy heart, you need to consume potassium. Potassium helps your nerves communicate with each other. It helps your muscles move, and it allows your heart to move blood around your body. You also need potassium if you want your kidneys to work properly.

If you want to prevent a stroke, you need to make sure that you are getting enough potassium. Other than supplements, you can find potassium in fat-free yogurt, orange juice, avocados, bananas, sweet potatoes and squash.

Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that allows your body to break down an amino acid known as homocysteine. When your body has too much of this amino acid, it can actually cause a stroke to occur. In research studies, women who consumed at least 1,000 micrograms of folic acid a day reduced their risk of high blood pressure by 46 percent.

You can get folic acid from a supplement if your diet does not contain enough of it. You can also eat dried beans, avocados, nuts, turnip greens, peas, broccoli, spinach, okra and Brussels sprouts.

Your heart is an amazing organ that is constantly working to pump blood around your body. For your heart to do its best, you need to make sure that it has the right nutrients. By taking care of your heart health, you can lower your risk of having a stroke.

You should also make sure to get to a healthy weight, quit smoking, work out regularly and limit your alcohol consumption. With a balanced lifestyle, you can lower your long-term risks of strokes and heart disease.

Spread awareness about the best supplements for preventing strokes and heart disease by sharing this article with your friends and family! 

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!