Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted May 4, 2025

They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place.

But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes.

If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover.

But the reality is far different…

A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the risk of having another stroke is 5.9 percent in the first year, 12.8 percent within five years, and a whopping 19.8 percent within 10 years.

In other words, nearly one in five stroke survivors will face another within a decade.

The reason why is really quite simple. Often, the same risk factors that caused the first stroke remain in play after recovery.

Think of it like patching a leaky faucet but ignoring the rusty pipes—you’re treating the symptom, not the cause.

Many folks breathe a sigh of relief after surviving a stroke, especially a minor one, and go right back to their pre-stroke habits.

But that initial stroke is your body waving a giant red flag—signaling that something needs to change.

The good news is Mother Nature has provided us with plenty of ways to naturally reduce stroke risk.

Here are some powerful solutions that don’t require a prescription:

• Move that body! Regular physical activity helps control blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol—all major stroke risk factors. Even a daily 30-minute walk can make a significant difference.
• Embrace the Mediterranean diet. This diet, loaded with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and fish, reduces stroke risk by up to 20 percent.
• Cut the salt, not the flavor. Excess sodium can send your blood pressure soaring. Instead of reaching for the salt shaker, try herbs, spices, and citrus for flavor.
• Quit smoking… yesterday. Smoking doubles your stroke risk. And yes, that includes vaping too!
• Stress less. Chronic stress contributes to inflammation and high blood pressure. Try meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to keep your stress hormones in check.
• Sleep soundly. Poor sleep is linked to higher stroke risk. Aim for seven to eight hours of quality shut-eye each night.
• Know your numbers. Regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar can help catch problems before they lead to a stroke.
• Moderate the alcohol. That glass of red wine might be good for your heart in small amounts, but excessive drinking increases stroke risk substantially.

Remember, preventing a second stroke isn’t just about dodging a bullet—it’s about embracing a lifestyle that boosts your entire quality of life.

So, if you or someone you love has experienced a stroke, consider it a wake-up call. While lightning might not strike twice in the same place, strokes, unfortunately, do.

However, implementing these natural solutions can significantly improve your odds of keeping that second stroke at bay.

P.S. Could common bacteria DOUBLE your stroke risk?

Source:

Writing Committee for the PERSIST Collaborators. Long-Term Risk of Stroke After Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA. Published online March 26, 2025. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.2033

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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