Stroke, coronary heart disease, and cancer are listed as three major diseases that threaten human health. It is very important for the elderly to be prepared in advance for prevention. So how can the elderly prevent strokes? Let's find out together!
Stroke
Stroke is a general term for acute cerebrovascular diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. It has a high incidence rate, high disability rate, and multiple complications.
The autumn and winter seasons are the peak periods for stroke, and strokes often occur within 72 hours of a sudden drop in temperature.
Therefore, the elderly, especially those with hypertension, obesity, and smoking habits, should take measures such as keeping warm, taking medication, and preventing strokes in a timely manner.
Five Foods for the Elderly to Prevent Strokes
1. Bananas
Scientific research has shown that eating about 100 grams of bananas per day can greatly reduce the risk of strokes, as bananas are rich in potassium.
Potassium plays an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses, absorption of nutrients in cells, and elimination of waste.
2. Citrus Fruits
Researchers have found that the total intake of flavonoids is not associated with the occurrence of strokes, but people who consume a large amount of hesperetin have a 19% lower risk of strokes compared to the group with the lowest intake.
95% of hesperetin comes from citrus fruits.
A study showed that women who regularly eat oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits have a 19% lower risk of ischemic strokes compared to those who hardly eat these fruits.
3. Coffee
New research results show that participants who drink 2 cups of coffee per day have a 14% lower risk of cerebral thrombosis (stroke).
Participants who drink 3-4 cups of coffee per day have a 17% lower risk of strokes.
However, consuming a larger amount of coffee per day cannot continue to exert the preventive effect against strokes.
For coffee addicts who drink more than 6 cups of coffee per day, the risk of strokes is only reduced by 7%.
4. Celery
Celery is traditionally considered as a side dish in Western countries, used as a decoration on the dining table. However, its nutritional value should not be underestimated.
When there is an excessive amount of homocysteine in the body, it poses a threat to vascular health. The folic acid in celery can convert it into harmless molecules, so eating more celery can prevent strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are the absolute king of "high potassium, low sodium".
The American magazine "Prevention" pointed out that research has found that consuming high-potassium foods such as sweet potatoes can reduce the risk of strokes by 20%.
Other Methods for Elderly Stroke Prevention
1. Control Blood Pressure
Studies have shown that high blood pressure not only promotes damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys, but also promotes the occurrence and development of arteriosclerosis. Therefore, effective control of high blood pressure is an important step in preventing strokes.
2. Control Blood Lipids
High blood lipids, especially increased low-density lipoprotein, are important factors in the development of atherosclerosis.
In addition to controlling daily fat intake and adopting a low-cholesterol diet, active treatment should be taken for patients with hyperlipidemia.
3. Reduce Blood Viscosity
Increased blood viscosity, blood concentration, and abnormal blood aggregation and coagulation are also one of the causes of cerebral thrombosis. Therefore, for patients with high blood viscosity, preventive treatment measures such as drinking plenty of water and performing blood dilution therapy should be taken.
Actively treating certain related diseases, especially effectively treating various primary diseases that can cause cerebral thrombosis (such as infective endocarditis, rheumatic valve disease, arrhythmia, diabetes, vasculitis, etc.), can minimize the possibility of cerebral thrombosis.
4. Pay Attention to Diet
Developing a habit of low-salt, low-animal fat, moderate diet, avoiding spicy food, and eating more vegetables, fruits, and soy products.
5. Regulate Emotions
Excessive tension, excitement, and depression are often mental factors that cause cerebral thrombosis. Therefore, maintaining a happy mood, balancing yin and yang, and ensuring smooth Qi and blood circulation are important measures to prevent this disease.
6. Balance Work and Rest
Having regular daily routines, avoiding excessive labor, and maintaining regular work and rest schedules are important factors in maintaining good health.
