Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident; CVA) Helpful Natural Supplements and Treatments OVERVIEW Strokes are caused when there is a decrease in the brain's blood flow. One cause is a blood clot (embolus), which blocks blood flow (ischemic stroke). Sometimes a person will experience a ministroke (transient ischemic attack; TIA), with stroke-like symptoms lasting less than a day. About four out of five strokes are of the ischemic type. Another cause of strokes is a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, causing pressure on the surrounding blood vessels, reducing blood flow (hemorrhagic stroke). Atherosclerosis and hypertension are primary contributors to ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, respectively. When there is an interrupted blood flow in an area of the brain, that part is starved of oxygen, resulting in tissue death. Symptoms can include paralysis, weakness, speech and comprehension difficulties, and if not treated quickly enough, death. Prompt medical attention is critical. SUPPLEMENTS FOR STROKE There are many natural supplements that can help with stroke. Consult with your healthcare provider to see which of the following supplements may be appropriate for you. PLEASE NOTE: It is very important to make sure that supplements do not interfere with your medications or an existing health condition. Vitamins & Minerals Calcium – Some evidence shows that a sufficient dietary intake of this macromineral may reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in women. Choline – Special forms of this B-vitamin are GPC-choline and CDP-choline. Research shows that taking either form shortly after an ischemic stroke increases the likelihood of a favorable recovery. Potassium – Higher dietary intake of this macromineral decreases the risk of stroke. However, foods that are high in potassium (fruits and vegetables) also have many other factors that may be helpful for preventing strokes. Less Helpful: vitamin E, magnesium. Other Supplements Glycine – This is the simplest of the amino acids. Research shows that taking it in sublingual form shortly after an ischemic stroke has a favorable impact on recovery. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Consuming a sufficient amount of fish oil (at least 500 mg of EPA/DHA) can reduce the risk for an ischemic stroke. Less Helpful: acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), vinpocetine. Herbs Less Helpful: ginkgo, ginseng (Siberian), green tea. COMMENTS These nutraceuticals may be helpful for prevention, treatment, or dealing with the aftereffects of an ischemic stroke. People at risk for a hemorrhagic stroke should avoid nutraceuticals that thin the blood, such as fish oil, garlic, ginkgo, vitamin E, and many others. Ischemic strokes are treated with blood thinners and clot busters. Hemorrhagic strokes are treated by lowering blood pressure and using medications to reduce brain swelling. Lessen the chance of getting a stoke by making lifestyle changes, such as lowering blood pressure, stopping smoking, reducing high cholesterol, dietary improvements, stress reduction, and appropriate exercise. References Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007. Pillepich, JA. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005. FOR STROKE, CONSIDER THESE SUPPLEMENTS: ● Age-Less Paks or Osteo Paks ● Brain Memory (GPC-choline, ALC, Ginkgo) ● Calcium ● Magnesium ● E-400 ● Omega-3 ● Ginkgo Biloba ● Green Tea The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professionals or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Your health is our major concern. * * * * * * Total Health Nutrients is a multi-faceted company, with operations in New York and New Jersey. We provide both services and products, such as: Nutritional Supplements: We carry the highest quality supplements to speed up your healing process. They were developed to contain the right proportions of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, without danger of toxic build-up and without dangerous side effects. Each ingredient is selected in consideration of its absorbability, competitive relationship with other nutrients, allergenic potential, and long-term safety. 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