10 Changes to Make to Lower Your Risk for Stroke

Preventing a stroke doesn't have to be as complicated as you think. Small changes in everyday life are the first of many preventative measures that can be taken. It's good advice for us all, but a healthy diet is only healthy if it is made up of lots of fruits and vegetables. Aim to have four to five servings of fruit and veggies every day. This type of healthy eating will help lower risks of many different diseases and medical conditions, including strokes.

A salty diet is good for no one, but it is especially bad for those with high blood pressure. Higher blood pressure can lead to a higher chance of stroke. In order to combat this risk, simply reduce your salt intake. The recommended amount per day should exceed no more than about a half teaspoon.

It’s widely understood that having high blood pressure is one of the main contributing factors to having a stroke. The higher the pressure, the higher the risk. It’s a risk for both men and women alike. While this might be something that runs in the family, consult your doctor about ways in which you can lower your blood pressure. We guarantee that one of those suggestions will be to cut down on red meat!

"Death by burger" sounds like quite the way to go. However, it would probably be best to avoid this happening to you. Risk of stroke is compounded by eating a lot of food that is high in cholesterol. Avoid red meats, cheese and eggs, if you can, or eat them in moderation.

Finding time to exercise on a regular basis is a significant challenge. However, if you're able to commit and devote the time to at least 30 minutes of activity for at least three days a week, then the payoff can be huge. Exercising can offer an endless list of benefits, so there's no time like the present to get started.

Smoking is a bad habit. It's also one that is hard to quit once you've picked it up. It causes many risks that lead to diseases and medical conditions, so the best option is to break the addiction in any way possible. Your body will thank you for it.

Going out for drinks or staying in with a nice bottle of wine are choices available to any adult over the age of 21. While many people like to indulge, sometimes there is risk in overindulging. If you're going to drink, as with all good things in life, do so in moderation. Reaching for the red wine can even help to lower your risk of stroke, because it contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that is believed to protect the heart and the brain.

It's hard to avoid stress in today's world. It crops up one way or another in any aspect of your life. However, learning how to deal with stress is crucial for your health. Take deep breaths in the moment, try to meditate, take a walk outside. Whatever small steps that will help you to calm down are ones that your brain will thank you for in the long run.

It might seem as if exercising will cause weight loss on its own. While that is true some of the time, the effort to shed pounds needs more. You need to commit to a regimented diet, a structured schedule of exercising, and any additional vitamins or supplements that may aide you in your quest. Consult with a doctor to determine the best course of action as well as achievable goals for losing weight. The more pounds your body carries, the more restricted your circulatory pathways are. The lack of blood flow in your body can lead to increased chances of having a stroke.

If you're on regular medications, it might be a good idea to consult your doctor about dosages and alternative options. Some medications, such as blood thinners, which are normally used to prevent blood clots, can raise the risk of having a stroke. Even a common birth control prescription can create a higher risk of stroke due to hormone doses. If you can, take the time to talk through options with your doctor.