To Reduce Risk of Stroke, Scientists Suggest Adding 5 Activities To Your Self-Care Routine
Strokes are scary, but there are things you can do to help prevent them.
While researchers have long known that women are at higher risk of stroke than men, there’s welcome news to report: A study in The Lancet found that a large percentage of strokes could actually be preventable. There are some simple, scientifically effective strategies you can take right now to potentially reduce your stroke risk.
Carrots can prevent cellular damage.
The veggies have a reputation for safeguarding eyesight, but they shield against strokes too. A Harvard study found women who enjoyed one large carrot daily lowered their stroke risk. Carrots’ beta-carotene and vitamin E thwart the cellular damage that contributes to strokes. Try dipping your carrots in hummus or full-fat dressing. Research suggests eating plant-based fats bolsters the absorption of stroke-fighting nutrients.
A warm bath is good for blood flow.
A warm bath enhances blood flow and reduces wear and tear on blood vessels, a study in the journal Heart shows. It works so well, scientists found that folks who took daily baths had a lower risk of stroke compared to those who soaked twice a week.
Brief moments of movement keep you in healthy shape.
Adding moments of physical activity to your day — even walking around as you refill your coffee or put a card in the mailbox — can help to cut your stroke risk, research suggests. The exercise you get from everyday activities keeps a lid on fibrinogen, a clot-causing blood protein. Even the briefest bouts of movement during the day will help do the trick.
Chew gum to fight inflammation.
Healthy gums tame blood vessel inflammation, cutting stroke risk, suggests research published in Vascular Health and Risk Management. Try chewing xylitol-sweetened gum after eating to remove gum disease–causing bacteria.
Berry tea may lower blood pressure.
Sipping two to three cups of tea daily may lower stroke odds by 32 percent, according to a study in PLOS Medicine. Compounds in coffee and tea called polyphenols are thought to keep arteries elastic and cut down on potential inflammation. Hawthorn berry tea is particularly beneficial, says Patrick Fratellone, MD. Hawthorn’s flavonoids can lower blood pressure, rev circulation, and cut cholesterol. Taking 250 milligrams of hawthorn extract twice daily can also help.
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.
