Other names for Strokes

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
Brain attack
Cerebral infarction or hemorrhage

Synopsis of Strokes

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to cell death and potential permanent brain damage. Strokes are medical emergencies that require immediate treatment to minimize brain injury and improve outcomes. There are two main types: ischemic stroke (caused by a clot or blockage) and hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding into the brain). A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or "mini-stroke," is a temporary blockage that serves as a warning sign for future strokes. Strokes can impair speech, movement, memory, and consciousness depending on the affected brain region.

Types:

• Ischemic stroke: Caused by a blood clot or narrowed artery (accounts for ~87% of strokes)

• Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by a ruptured blood vessel, often linked to high blood pressure or aneurysms

• Transient ischemic attack (TIA): A temporary blockage with stroke-like symptoms that resolve within 24 hours

• Cryptogenic stroke: Stroke with no clearly identified cause after evaluation

Common Causes:

• High blood pressure (primary risk factor)

• Atrial fibrillation or other heart rhythm disorders

• High cholesterol and atherosclerosis

• Diabetes and insulin resistance

• Smoking and heavy alcohol use

• Sedentary lifestyle and obesity

• Clotting disorders or vascular inflammation

Severity Causes:

• Delay in medical treatment (time = brain loss)

• Size and location of the affected brain region

• Presence of secondary brain swelling or bleeding

• Underlying cardiovascular disease

• Recurrent strokes or multiple small vessel infarcts

When to See a Doctor:
Immediately if you observe any of the signs of stroke—use the FAST acronym:
Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Time to call emergency services

Other red flags include sudden confusion, dizziness, severe headache, loss of balance, or vision problems in one or both eyes.

Natural remedies for Strokes

Magnesium: Supports blood vessel function and may help prevent clot formation. Low magnesium levels are associated with higher stroke risk.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Improve blood flow, reduce clotting risk, and support brain recovery after stroke. They also reduce inflammation and vascular stiffness.

Vitamin C: An antioxidant that protects blood vessels from oxidative damage. Also supports collagen in vascular walls and may aid in post-stroke healing.

Probiotics: Support systemic inflammation regulation and may indirectly benefit cardiovascular and neurological health via the gut-brain axis.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Not in your list, but worth noting for future consideration—supports cellular energy production and may assist in brain recovery.

Physical and cognitive rehabilitation: Structured physical therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive exercises help regain lost functions and reduce risk of complications like falls or depression.

Stress reduction and sleep: Managing blood pressure through yoga, meditation, or quality sleep hygiene lowers the chance of recurrent strokes.

Diet and hydration: A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains is protective. Avoid excess salt and processed foods.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Strokes

Acetyl L-carnitine
algal oil
Alpha D-ribofuranose
alpha lipoic acid
anthocyanins
bilberry
catechins
citicoline
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fisetin
ginkgo biloba
hesperidin
huperzine A
L-arginine
L-citrulline
magnesium
nattokinase
niacin (vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
resveratrol
tocotrienols
vinpocetine
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
swertia
18-Hydroxyeicosahexaenoic Acid
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
algal oil
Arginine
Acetyl L-Carnitine
Anthocyanidins (unspecified)
Alpha-carotene
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Ambergris
Arginine orotate
Algal Oil
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Anthocyanin
Alpha Lipoic Acid
anthocyanin
anthocyanidins
Agmatine Silicate
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Anthocyanins
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate
anthocyanosides
Apocynin
Arginine silicate
Bilobalide
Butylphthalide
Bergenia Pacumbis
Boswellic Acid
Bicarbonate (unspecified)
Beta Hydroxybutyrate
bilberry
bacoside
Beet nitrate
Creatine phosphate
Citicholine
Coenzyme Q-10
Citrulline nitrate
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q-10
Crocetin
Citicoline
CoQ10
Carbon dioxide
DHA
Danshen
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
DHA-conjugated phosphatidylserine
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Flavonols
Flavanols
Ginseng, Oriental
Ginkgo flavones
Galantamine
Ginkgolides
Glycine propionyl-l-carnitine
Ginkgo Flavone Glycoside
Ginkgoflavones
Ginkgolide B
Ginkgoside
Ginkgo
Ginkgolide A
Ginkgo Falvone Glycoside
Gastrodin
Huperzine-A
Huperzine
Insulin-like growth factor
Idebenone
Idebenone
L-Arginine
Lutein
Lumbrokinase
Lycopene
Magnesium Creatine
Marine fat
N-acetyl leucine
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
Nattokinase
Nervonic acid
Nerve growth factor
Nitrate
Omega-3 fatty acids
Oxaloacetate
Potassium
Polyunsaturated Fat
Propionyl-L-Carnitine
Polyunsaturated fatty acid
Rutin
SAM-e
Salvianolic acid
Sodium Nitrate
Turtle
Unsaturated fatty acid
Vitamin E (mixed tocotrienols)
Vitamin K (menaquinone)
Vincamine
Vitamin E (Gamma Tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (beta tocotrienol)
Vitamin E (tocotrienol unspecified)
Vinpocetine
Vitamin E (beta-tocopherol)
Vitamin E (tocotrienols)
Vitamin E (alpha tocotrienol)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxamine HCl)
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols/tocotrienols)
Vitamin E (tocofersolan)
Vitamine E (mixed tocotrienols)
Xanthine (unspecified)