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
"Invisible" Food Ingredients SABOTAGE Blood Sugar
If you’re trying to keep your blood sugar in check, you know the drill. Cut way back on sugar in your diet. While you’re at it, rein in your fat intake too, which can lead to insulin resistance. And don’t forget the extra calories—they add up fast and can sabotage your blood sugar control. But...
The Alarming Microplastic Secret Hidden in Your Chewing Gum
Today I want to honor and thank mothers and mother figures whose caring hearts have guided us through life’s journey. Your love has shaped generations. Happy Mother’s Day! That pack of gum in your pocket may be doing far more than just freshening your breath. A disturbing new study finds chewing gum is a surprising...
Plant Compound SLASHES A1c Levels in 12 Weeks
Diabetes is skyrocketing in the United States. And the trend shows no sign of slowing down. The projected number of adults with diabetes is expected to increase from 22.3 million (9.1 percent) in 2014 to 39.7 million (13.9 percent) in 2030, and further to 60.6 million (17.9 percent) by 2060. That’s a massive 165 percent...
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
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...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...