Tips on Management of Stroke

by Webmaster, All4NaturalHealth.com

In the management of stroke, two important factors to target are the prevention of another attack, as well as gradual recovery. Maintenance of life and damage limitation are also important steps.

Further, in terms of regaining physical functionality, occupational therapists work with stroke victims to aid them on this journey.

Recovery is Possible

While the loss of movement or function associated with stroke attacks may sometimes be permanent, recovery also often does take place. This can occur because of two main factors.

Firstly, the human body is an amazing organism which is able to heal itself from many seemingly hopeless conditions and situations. The body is actually able to grow new blood vessels. Thus, even though an area of the body may be "dead", so to speak, nerve cells on the boundaries may hang on for dear life, making use of whatever oxygen they can get hold of. As new blood vessels grow and provide a much needed supply of nutrients and oxygen, these nerves can actually heal and regain their full functionality.

Another mechanism which aids in recovery is the human brain's ability to adapt to whatever circumstances it has been placed in, doing its best with what it has left. Parts of the brain which are still "alive" can then actually, to a certain extent, learn to take on the roles and functions of the areas which are "dead".

In better understanding how to undertake the management of stroke, it would be a good idea to also read about the prevention of strokes.

Useful Diet, Foods, Herbs and Supplements for the Management of Strokes

Bilberry

Bilberry contains compounds which help to prevent blood clots as well as get rid of plaque deposits in one's arteries.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a digestive enzyme which may help with dissolving blood clots, thereby helping to prevent a subsequent stroke attack. A possible dosage for consuming this supplement is 1.5 grams thrice per day, to be taken in between meals. Do not take too soon after suffering a stroke attack, as that could result in mild bleeding - it would be wise to wait a couple of days.

Carrots

Carrots are said to help reduce stroke risk, and may thus help in the management of stroke by preventing another attack.

Evening Primrose Oil

This oil helps to prevent blood clotting as well as to reduce blood pressure.

Garlic

Garlic is an excellent herb. It is a great blood thinner, and also helps to regulate blood pressure. On top of that, garlic is an excellent antibiotic and anticancer herb with many other healthful properties. For maximum benefits on your health, eat at least 3 large cloves of raw, organic garlic every day.

Ginger

Ginger helps to prevent blood clots. This herb can be used generously in cooking, or prepared and drank as ginger tea.

Ginkgo

This herb is famous and well lauded for its ability to improve blood circulation to the brain. That is why it is often found in my brain formulas and brain tonics. This property makes it useful not just for the management of stroke, but also for improved chances of recovery.

Ginkgo is used in some European countries to treat certain effects of strokes, such as issues with memory, balance and vertigo. This herb helps to strengthen blood capillaries in the human body, thereby helping to prevent hemorrhagic strokes. A suggested dosage is anywhere between 60mg to 240mg of a standardized herb extract each day.

Pineapples

Pineapples are rich in bromelain (see above).

Spinach

This vegetable helps to lower the risk of stroke. It is likely that such effects are present because of the folate which is found in spinach. Other vegetables which contain folate and may thus help in the management of strokes include cabbage, asparagus and parsley.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an herb typically used in curries. The compound curcumin found in turmeric has anti-clotting properties.

White Willow

White willow acts as a blood thinner. The dried herb can be added to or used to make herbal teas.

Supplements for Good Cardiovascular Health

Certain supplements are known to be beneficial for cardiovascular health, and would thus help in the prevention of another stroke attack as well as one's recovery from the condition. Some suggestions include:

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - 30 to 100mg daily
• Omega 3 fatty acids - fish oil or flax oil
• Vitamin C - 3 grams daily
• Vitamin E - 400 to 600 International Units (IU) daily
• Other antioxidants

Vinpocetine and Glycine

Much of the recovery process depends on the body's ability to send sufficient amounts of nutrient-rich and oxygen-rich blood to the brain to effect healing.

Two supplements which may have some use in this regard are vinpocetine and glycine, which could help to reduce stroke-related symptoms. However, the evidence on these two substances is still very preliminary. The reliability of research conducted on vinpocetine has also been called into question. Therefore, I would not recommend their use, and would prefer to stick to more natural whole foods and herbs in the management of stroke. If you really wish to consider them, I would suggest you consult your primary care physician; also, watch out for potential drug interactions.

Point to note regarding Supplements

As stroke victims may encounter difficulty swallowing, the use of supplements in helping the management of stroke may be difficult; it is thus a good idea to discuss the situation with one's primary care physician or natural health practitioner.

Natural Healing Modalities

In managing and recovering from strokes, a couple of natural therapies and remedies can be considered. These include deep breathing and meditation, as well as positive visualizations and affirmations.

Further, there is evidence that acupuncture can help, too.

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier on this page, in better understanding how to undertake the management of stroke, it would be a good idea to also read about the prevention of strokes.

For more information on the condition, read the other related stroke pages.

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Some Related Stroke Pages

What is a Stroke - Introduction

Common Cause of Stroke - Causes of Strokes

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

Tips on Prevention of Strokes

Tips on Management of Stroke