Stroke and Aging – Act Before You Get Killed

The elderly citizens have a common risk related to stroke and aging. With progressing age, the blood vessels become slack and full of plaques. This hampers the normal circulation of blood. Stroke is a result of sudden stoppage of blood circulation to the brain and can be fatal.

Aging causes the arteries to decay due to increased antioxidant activity. This causes the white blood cells, cholesterol and other cellular matter to rush to the damaged sites and start building up plaques. These plaques grow bigger with time and slowly and slowly, they block the normal movement of blood inside the arteries.

Excessive consumption of fatty food, lack of exercises and sometimes genetic dispositions cause the plaques to grow bigger, until at some point of time they burst. This can cause a complete or partial blockade of the artery. When this happens in the brain, there is immediate disconnection of blood supply to the portion of the brain the artery serves. This is stroke and is a medical emergency. If it is not attended very fast, permanent system damage and even death can take place.

The risk of stroke from aging can be reduced by following a healthy, fat-free diet, taking lots of vegetables, fresh fruits (apples, pomegranates, lemon etc.), omega-3 fatty acids-rich fishes, rice bran oil and supplements such as taurine, artichoke leaf extracts. Herbal supplements like Butcher’s Broom can improve the strength of the arterial walls and facilitate smooth flow of blood. Regular exercises and cutting down smoking and excessive drinking are must.