You might be quite familiar with the many stroke prevention strategies. Having green leafy vegetables, by exercising regularly and reducing your stress level, you can keep away inflammation. But are you aware that if you take care of your gums and teeth, you can reduce the stroke risk?
According to a latest study there has been established a link between oral bacteria and stroke. Blot clots were analyzed from at least 75 people who suffered from stroke. It was found that 80% of such people had oral bacterial DNA. This was found in their blood clots which were not found in other blood samples of the same patience.
Such presence of oral bacteria in the blood clot reveals that gum disease does have a part and oral bacterium is quite responsible for neurological health and cardiovascular problems.
It was also found that the blot clots which had the oral bacteria often caused heart attacks and were responsible for brain aneurysms, situations of thromboses in leg veins and also arteries which have oral bacteria. It was found that oral bacteria had a link to heart infection.
Some other research has associated oral bacteria with different kinds of gum diseases. It also links it with Alzheimer’s disease. Such a bacteria creates toxins which increases misfolding of the proteins in brain, which is associated with Alzheimer’s.
The ischemic stroke happens as a blood clot deprives a section of brain of blood and also essential oxygen. This leads to damage of the tissue. This happens usually when the arteries are hardened or narrowed due to existence of atherosclerosis or plaquing.
Till now there is no proof of the fact that oral bacteria can activate the platelet. However, it is known to increase the development of blood clotting and atherosclerosis.
How do you motivate yourself to floss?
It is a fact that flossing can be quite annoying and at times tedious. We all love to simply brush our teeth and have it completed.
Here is a brief tip which can actually motivate you and encourage to floss and also to brush on a regular basis. As you complete your flossing between the teeth, you need to smell the floss. In case you find the odor is quite foul, it means there is bacteria in the gums and teeth. If you are suffering from bad breath, it is also an indication of bacteria. You need to smell and check the floss. Floss each part of the teeth. Of course, there will be some areas that will need some additional attention.
Get started with good brushing and flossing habits. You can invest in a good water floss device. Such devices help by providing additional cleaning power to your teeth. They also help in stimulating the gum tissue. However, you need to remember that the water flosser cannot be a substitute for flossing. It also needs to be remembered that water flossing is not as effective as dental flossing.
How Functional Medicine Can Help in Preventing Strokes
If it is about healthy gums and teeth, one has to consider healthy lifestyle and diet. This is a part of the many stroke prevention strategies. It is known that 90% people suffer from stroke which is caused due to lifestyle and dietary conditions. It is known that stroke is one of the main causes of death in the U.S and the leading reason of disability.
Causes of Stroke – Here Are Common Factors
- Conditions of high blood pressure
- Poor Diet
- Depression and Stress
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Heart Problems
- Abdominal Fat
- Excessive Consumption of Alcohol
Now, as research reveals that poor hygiene conditions are a reason of stroke.
Functional Medicine Strategies – How They Can Prevent Stroke
You need to focus on the consumption of various whole foods. You need to have healthy fats. You need to stay away from processed foods, sweet coffee drinks, desserts and soda. It will be difficult initially but as you get started you will feel better.
Ensure Blood Sugar Stability
If you consume a lot of sweets and carbohydrates it will lead to chronic inflammation. This tends to damage and also thicken the arterial walls. It also leads to arterial plaques and also blood clots. Conditions like type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and also pre-diabetes increase the chances of stroke at least four times.
How Regular Exercise Can Reduce the Chances of Stroke
If you exercise on a regular basis, it acts quite like a magic bullet. It helps in preventing strokes and also helps in promoting health brain. If there is regular physical activity, it helps in keeping the blood vessels strong. It helps in increasing the rate of metabolism. If one exercises on a regular basis, it can reduce the seriousness of the conditions and also helps in recovery.
Get in touch with my office to know how you can reduce the risk of stroke and how you can support the brain health.