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.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
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 Free Articles
Micro Eye Movements Make for Crystal-Clear Vision
Think about when you’re reading… Maybe you’ve come across a word you’re unfamiliar with. You zero in, focusing your gaze on each letter. But while you’re concentrating, your eyes are far from still. They’re making constant, tiny movements, even if you don’t notice them. Known as fixational drift, these micro-movements may actually be the key...
9 Modern Health Threats that ACTUALLY Matter
The world is a scary place sometimes. It can feel like we’re surrounded by health threats and forced to seek out miracle cures to fix them. But here’s the thing. When everything feels so urgent, it’s easy to get caught up in minor concerns while overlooking the real threats to your wellbeing. While debates about...
Ancient Wise Man's Gift Brings Modern Pain Relief
As we exchange gifts to celebrate Christmas today, we remember the biblical story of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. While you might be hoping to find some gold in your stocking this year, it turns out that frankincense could be the REAL treasure—especially if you’re battling knee pain. Yes,...
Mailbag: Restless Legs Ruining Your Sleep? Try THIS
“What can I do to help my restless legs? They bother me in the daytime if I sit down for a while, but some nights, it keeps me up all night.” – Looking for a Leg Up on Sleep Hi Leg Up, Few things are more frustrating than being nestled all snug in your bed,...
The Simple Metabolic Health Hack You’re NOT Using
If you’re like most Americans, you don’t give much thought to your metabolism. But here’s a shocking statistic that might change your mind… One in three U.S. adults is walking around with hidden metabolic syndrome. This ticking time bomb is a cluster of conditions that can send your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type...
The Sunshine Vitamin's Surprising Heart Benefits Revealed
Most folks know that vitamin D is vital for bone health. And if you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you also know how critical it is for overall health. But now, incredibly, a new study has revealed something that could change how we think about the “sunshine vitamin” forever. Researchers uncovered evidence that this...
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...