Stroke is now the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and if this
concerns you, follow some of the steps listed below and
reduce your risk.

a) Drink Up-
Water. Some say drink 6 to 8 glasses a day, some say you can drink
less than that. Well, new research says the 6 to 8 glasses a day may
not be that important, but when you drink it (water) is vitally important.
Water thins the blood and that’s why you should have a glass
about 20 to 30 minutes before and another glass upon waking up.
The researchers explain that when you go to sleep is when your blood
really becomes sticky (and may clot) so drinking some before sleep
and right after, helps keep it (the blood) from clotting.

b) Avoid-
Or cut way down on soda. Diet and regular soda contains chemicals
that can make blood sticky and more likely to clot.
If you miss the taste of soda, you can also invest in a soda stream or
buy carbonated water and add some fresh grape, cherry or apple juice to it.

c) Herbs and Spices-
Pass on the usual salt and pepper and add different spices and herbs
to enhance the flavors of meat dishes, egg dishes, stews, soups and stir-fries.
In addition to great tasting meals, you’ll also lower your odds of getting a stroke.
Spices and herbs block fat absorption in the digestive tract, so they don’t affect
the artery walls.
Ginger is particularly effective at thinning the blood.

d) Citrus Peels-
Do you throw away the orange, lime or lemon peel?
Big mistake. It’s nature top source of hesperidin–
a plant compound that cuts your risk of stroke-triggering
clots by as much as 25%. Citrus peels strengthen blood vessels
walls so they’re less likely to get damaged or form clots.
Clean the peel of an orange or lime, and then grate some of the peel
into a bowl of fruit, a smoothie, stir-fried veggie dish or a bowl of oatmeal
or millet.
Important tip: you may want to pass on grapefruit peel, as it is quite
strong and may cause stomach discomfort.

e) Tropical Fruits-
If you’re only fruit is an apple or orange, branch out and eat mangoes,
papayas, pineapples and guavas. Tropical fruits are rich in cartenoids,
nutrients that strengthen and heal blood vessels walls and lower stroke risk
by 35%.

Sources:
* Robin Miller, M.D.
* Journal Preventive Medicine
* British Research Team
* Loma Lima University, Dietary Dept.
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That’ it’s your weekly grocery list for lowering your odds of ever having a stroke.
And if you want more tips on how to stay “stroke-free” for life, visit our new store
and download the recipe for 3 dishes to help prevent stroke.
In addition to the recipes, you’ll also receive more (non-food) info on
staying “Stroke-free.” Click buy recipes at the top this blog.