Doctor identifies stroke-triggering product: Here's what to avoid

The food we consume can significantly increase or decrease the risk of developing certain diseases. This includes stroke - a life-threatening condition that occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. It is often provoked by high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels.

"The amount of salt in your diet is especially important, because too much increases your risk of high blood pressure. In fact, Public Health England has called it one of the most important risk factors we can do something about," says Dr. Sarah Jarvis.

Salt raises blood pressure by causing the body to retain more water, putting pressure on the walls of blood vessels.

"The excess fluid presses on the walls of your arteries, which carry blood from your heart round your body - leading to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can then lead to blockage of arteries which supply blood to your brain – in other words, to a stroke," explains the doctor.

Products to avoid

Jarvis recommends avoiding products high in salt content.

"Processed and smoked foods like salami, smoked fish, deli meats and sausages are very high in salt. So are salted snacks like crisps and nuts," adds the doctor.

She also warns about less obvious products that contain a lot of salt.

"But much of the salt we eat comes from less obvious sources – canned soups and stews, gravies, soy sauce, ketchups, relishes and pickles, pizzas, ready-made meals and even bread. It’s therefore important to choose foods lower in salt to reduce the risk of stroke," notes Jarvis.

The doctor also emphasizes that regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight help keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.

"While smoking doesn’t raise your blood pressure, it’s another very important risk factor for stroke," says the medic.

Stroke symptoms:

• face - one side droops, the person cannot smile, or their mouth or eyes droop
• arms - a person suspected of having a stroke cannot lift both arms and keep them raised; numbness may occur
• speech becomes slurred or distorted, with comprehension problems arising

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call emergency services.

Previously, we wrote about the products that support heart health.

Also, read about the 5 rules that ensure women's health.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.