Stroke

A stroke, like a heart attack, is a serious arterial condition. When it occurs suddenly and violently, it can be life-threatening and require many months of recovery time. Signs of a serious stroke are dizziness, headaches and fainting. Problems with vision are sometimes experienced and may be associated with nausea and vomiting. Once consciousness is regained, a one-sided paralysis is typical. In the face, the mouth and eyelid droop on one side, while an arm and leg are paralyzed as well. It is often impossible to speak. Following a serious stroke, the first hours and days are the most critical. During the recovery months, the fatigue and exhaustion can be profound and frustrating. Memory problems, confusion and personality changes are serious effects, though they do not follow every stroke. Symptoms and recovery times vary widely from person to person; Apathy, mood swings and flares of  anger are not uncommon, though these usually disappear with time. Milder versions develop without loss of consciousness.

After a serious stroke, many abilities lost can be regained with time, but progress will be painstakingly slow if the person must learn to speak, walk or write again. Most strokes occur over the age of fifty, and the likelihood increases with age, though it is not limited to any age group.

Although strokes tend to occur very suddenly, they usually have some kind of warning signs. Transient ischemic attacks are like small, reversible strokes. They cause similar signs of confusion, difficulty speaking, dizziness or visual problems, but disappear again within minutes. Others suffer from profound muscle weakness, numbness or paralysis. In drop attacks, the knees buckle without warning, causing a fall. Signs like these can often prevent the more serious developments of a complete stroke. Unfortunately, since they are short and confusing, they are often ignored.

Most strokes are caused by impaired circulation to the brain, which causes the destruction of brain tissue from lack of oxygen. This typically occurs as a result of a blood clot or thrombus that develops with arteriosclerosis. The risk factors are the typical ones for arteriosclerosis and heart disease, including poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity and smoking. Diet is the single most important risk factor in strokes. Saturated fats from meat and processed oils clog arteries. A lack of fiber is a common problem in the North American diet, since many foods are refined of their natural fiber, especially white flour products, rice and pasta. Wholesome, unrefined, raw foods not only contain fiber but are much richer in nutrients and enzymes. Eating fresh fruit and vegetables daily reduces the risk of strokes. Too much salt and alcohol are also unhealthy for the arteries. Women who take birth control pills are more likely to suffer from a stroke and other blood clots. The more of these risk factors that exist, the greater the susceptibility.

Less commonly, a stroke occurs because of a ruptured blood vessel in the brain or an embolism from an ailing heart. An inherent weakness will cause a rupture in the blood vessels and often occurs during physical exertion and times of excessive stress.

Supplements and herbs

To prevent blood clots from forming and to improve circulation, vitamin E and garlic are most helpful. The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in evening primrose oil reduces the stickiness of blood-clotting agents and prevents clots from developing. Lecithin is an excellent blood-clotting inhibitor, transporting unhealthy fats out of the bloodstream. To improve the integrity of the blood vessels themselves, vitamin C with bioflavonoids is highly recommended. Breaks in the blood vessels can prompt blood clots to occur during the natural repair of the tissue.

To prevent strokes, support a healthy diet with a herbal regimen to strengthen the heart and keep arteries elastic.

• When recuperating, take cayenne, goldenseal and rose hip tea, which increase circulation and strengthen the blood vessels.
• The silica in horsetail maintains the elastic connective tissue of the arteries. It promotes arterial impermeability to harmful lipids, preventing deposits. Take 1 cup of horsetail tea or 1 tbsp. of horsetail juice three times daily.
• Ginkgo biloba tea increases blood flow to the brain. Drink 2 cups daily.
• Ginger is a cardiac tonic, as it decreases cholesterol and helps poor circulation. Ginger prevents blood from clotting excessively. Drink ginger tea throughout the day.

What else you can do

• When recuperating, regularly engage in relaxation techniques and physical activity, preferably walking and swimming.

How much to take

• Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 200 IU for one week, then increase to 600 IU
• Garlic, 3 capsules three times daily
• Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg
• Lecithin, 3 tbsp. three times daily

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