"Lower Your Stroke Risk by 66% if You Have a Family History"
According to a 2021 study and related expert sources, adopting certain lifestyle habits can significantly lower the risk of stroke. The study identified four key habits that, when practiced consistently, can contribute to better cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of stroke.
Firstly, regular physical activity is among the most important habits for maintaining good health. Regular exercise has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Walking faster and maintaining consistent daily activity can improve blood sugar control and reduce high blood pressure, both key stroke risk factors[1][4].
Secondly, reducing alcohol consumption is another habit that can help lower stroke risk. Alcohol can increase inflammation and damage cells, raising stroke risk. Even moderate to high intake or occasional heavy drinking episodes can increase the risk. Swapping alcoholic drinks for herbal tea or mocktails in the evening can help[1][2].
Thirdly, avoiding late meals and sedentary behaviours after 5 p.m. can benefit digestion, blood sugar control, and overall cardiovascular health, thus reducing stroke risk[1].
Lastly, adopting a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, omega-3s, potassium, magnesium, and polyphenols supports blood vessel health, lowers blood pressure, and reduces clotting. Diets like DASH and Mediterranean are especially beneficial[3].
In addition to these four habits, maintaining a healthy weight by keeping your body mass index (BMI) under 30 is another factor that contributes to a healthy lifestyle[1]. Not smoking is another crucial habit for reducing stroke risk[1].
The study found that even though you can't control your genes, you can control your lifestyle to avoid following in the footsteps of unlucky family members who succumbed to a stroke. In fact, lifestyle makes a bigger difference in stroke risk than genetics[2]. It's important to note that a bad lifestyle can increase a person's stroke risk by 66%, while a bad gene can increase it by only 35%[2].
The good news is that 80% of strokes are preventable[1]. By adopting these four lifestyle habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of stroke and improve your overall health.
For more information on how to escape The Stroke Syndrome and discover hidden causes and preventive measures, click here.
[1] 2021 study and related expert sources. [2] University of Edinburgh and several other research institutions. [3] DASH and Mediterranean diets. [4] Walking faster and maintaining consistent daily activity.
- Embracing a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet, rich in nutrients like green leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, omega-3s, potassium, magnesium, and polyphenols, contributes to better blood vessel health and lowers the risk of stroke.
- The science behind fitness and exercise shows that regular physical activity plays a significant role in maintaining cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of not only stroke but also other chronic conditions such as diabetes.
- Mental health is equally important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as research has shown that adopting a healthy-diet can support blood vessel health, reduce blood pressure, and lower the risk of stroke, making diets like DASH and Mediterranean particularly beneficial.
