by Daniel J. Bourassa, D.C.
Perhaps no other malady that strikes down apparently otherwise healthy adults compares
to stroke. The humbling ravages that
a stroke leaves upon its victims strike fear in most anyone that sees it effects. Victims that escape death are often left with permanent impairment in basic functions. It is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the southeastern US along with heart attacks, diabetes and cancer. In fact, cardiovascular disease and stroke are closely related. So, are we all just hapless victims waiting for our turn to be struck down or are there things that can be done to reduce our risk of stroke?
The answer is no. The disease process that leads to the most common cause of stroke can take 30 - 40 years to develop. Given that much time, it would seem that intervention to detect and stop the disease process could be undertaken to prevent a stroke from ever occurring. The fact is that we already have the diagnostic tools to predict those at risk and the evidence of effective preventative measures to reduce or even prevent stroke.
Unfortunately, effective treatmeAts are often seen as 'experimental' or dismissed as 'alternative medicine'
in favor of carotid surgery and stents.
If you have been told you have atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, hypoglycemia, fibromyalgia; if you: take hormones, have been a smoker, are over weight, or have any condition related to dysfunctional metabolic syndromes; then you have an increased risk. Even after a person has had severe warning signs such as a heart attack or transient ischemic attack (TIA or ministroke) little is done. Sadly, the risk of
a stroke ·rises to 50% over the next ten years without intervention.
Reducing your risk of stroke involves proper diagnostic testing and preventative measures. Diagnostic tests include imaging studies with ultrasound,CT and·MRI.
One inexpensive test that evaluates the cardiovascular system, available
locally, is the Digital Pulsewave Analyzer. With it, all new patients can be screened for potential cardiovascular problems as part of their initial exam.
Laboratory tests should be done to identify risk factors and monitor effective treatment. The three most likely predictors of future stroke are: homocysteine, fibrinogen and C-RP. They should be part of any routine lab work for middle age and older adults.
The disease process that leads to the most common cause of stroke can take 30 - 40 years to develop.
Once you have identified that you are at risk for stroke then preventative measures can tie started to control the factors that are involved in causing a stroke. Preventative measures include: controlling high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and blood sugar levels. Reducing existing plaque formations and preventing new formation. And last but not least, make life style changes including stopping smoking, dietary changes, and exercise.
There are nutrients taken in
proper doses that help control and reduce the factors that cause stroke. For instance, B6, B12, folic acid reduces homocysteine levels. Turmeric (curcuma longa) andnattokinase dramatically reduce plasma fibrinogen levels. Nutrients with strong antioxidant activity should also be taken to reduce lipid oxidation and damage to blood cells and arterial walls.
These include: ginkgo biloba, garlic,
TMG, melatonin, and green tea extract Fish oils (EPA), fiber (pectin and beta-glucan), and niacin help reduce bad cholesterol and increase ~d cholesterol. DHEA improves blood sugar levels and reduces insulin resistance and reduces abdominal fat deposition. Magnesium, CoQ10, and Vitamin 03 improve sugar metabolism, thyroid function and help reduce blood pressure and improve cardiac function.
Additionally, there are oral supplements such as EOTA and potent fibrinolytic enzymes that help dissolve plaques that have already formed in your arteries. Hawthorne berry extract, forskolin, magnesium, extracts of shark cartiladge, and cordyceps sinesis help reduce and 110rmalize blood pressure. Additionally, L-arginine has tremendous benefits in both reducing blood pressure and improving the function
of the endothelial lining of blood vessels reducing and helping prevent adherence of plaque to vessel walls.
Lastly, increase your .intake of clean, fresh water. Most people do not drink sufficient water. Coffee, tea and soft drinks do not improve hydration and in fact may increase your need to consume more water. Proper hydration alone significantly reduces a person's risk of stroke and heart attack.
You and your loved ones don't have to wait to be a hapless victim
of a devastating stroke. As previously mentioned, the southeast US is among the highest in risk for stroke in the nation. You should take charge of your health and make changes that significantly reduce your risk immediately.
Dr. Bourassa's practice is centered on holistic, anti-aging, and alternative therapies integrated with traditional chiropractic medicine. For information, call 432-2225. See ads pg 36 and 39.