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.
View More Free Articles
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...
Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer
“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...