Mailbag! How to Prevent a Stroke

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted January 11, 2022

A few months ago, I had a stroke and I want to do what I can to prevent another one. What would you suggest?

–Peter from Alberta, MN

Peter,

A stroke can be debilitating. But the great news is, forms of physical therapy have been shown to bring back most patients’ function.

I say that to tell you to stick with whatever physical therapy your doctor has prescribed. It helps a lot, and the more people stick with it, the better the results.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the risk factors for stroke: smoking, alcohol, high blood pressure, being overweight, and heart issues (like irregular rhythms). If you have any of these conditions, then work on those first.

Some lesser-known risk factors are having poor sleep and using artificial sweeteners. Do what you can to get good sleep every night, and skip out on the sugar-free candy and diet soda.

After that, let me suggest the following.

Dr. Scott’s Stroke Prevention Protocol

• Inflammation is the root of so many diseases, and stroke is no different. Work to reduce inflammation by staying away from sugar and all vegetable oils (cook with coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or butter instead).
• Exercise is one of your best medicines. If you don’t exercise now, start by walking as much as you can. Work up to walking a half-hour a day. Remember that any movement counts as exercise, and you don’t have to do it all at once – getting up and moving around for five minutes every hour also helps. You can also try exercise like chair yoga if you’re still regaining mobility.
• Green tea is full of polyphenols and other good nutrients that help to stabilize blood vessels. Try starting each day with a cup.
• Vitamin C and fish oil are the best things you can do for your blood vessels in your heart and your brain.
• Vitamin D has been studied for stroke prevention. One study found that folks who have low vitamin D are much more likely to have an ischemic stroke.

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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.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND