Having a Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in America, and about 800,000 people have a Stroke every year.  When you have a Stroke, it is because there is an interruption or reduction of blood supply to the brain.  The lowered blood supply deprives the brain tissue of nutrients and oxygen, which makes the cells die in a matter of minutes.  There are many natural ways to help treat Strokes, which is why fewer Americans die from them now as opposed to 15 years ago.  

Because a Stroke can occur quickly, symptoms will usually appear suddenly or out of the blue.  It is important to note what symptoms happen and for how long they have been present because that can help you decide how you will proceed with treatment.  These are the symptoms that can happen:

• Trouble speaking or understanding (you may slur words or be confused)
• Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
• Loss of vision or dimming (like a curtain over your eyes)
• Headaches (that may be accompanied by altered consciousness or vomiting)
• Loss of balance (or stability issues)
• Trouble walking

A Stroke is due to an interruption or reduction of blood supply, which has oxygen and vital nutrients for the survival of brain tissue, to the brain.  If the Stroke is caused by a blocked artery, which accounts for about 85% of all Strokes, then it is known as an Ischemic Stroke.  A Hemorrhagic Stroke is due to the leaking or bursting of a blood vessel.  If the person experiences a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, then he or she may have a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA).  PossibleC causes for Strokes may include:

• Lack of blood flow to the brain
• Blood Clots
• Arteriosclerosis
• High Blood Pressure
• Trauma
• Aneurysms
• Clogged arteries

• Making a change in your diet can help reduce the build-up of plaque in the arteries and promote better circulation.  Eliminating genetically modified foods, processed foods, fried foods, meat, dairy, alcohol, sugar, and salt from your diet can help manage overall health and Stroke symptoms.  Switching to a raw-food, vegan, or vegetarian diet can help promote a healthier lifestyle by providing you with the essential nutrients your body needs.
• If High Blood Pressure is an issue, it may be beneficial to lower stress levels.  First, identify what makes you stressed and then eliminate it or channel that energy towards something like yoga, meditation, or tai chi.  You can also increase your daily intake of magnesium, as it helps to naturally lower stress.  You can take a magnesium supplement, or you can incorporate magnesium-rich foods like bananas, avocados, spinach, raw almonds, pine nuts, cashews, lima beans, chickpeas, or Swiss chard into your diet. 
• Massage therapy can sometimes be a beneficial therapy for Stroke victims because it help promote circulation by massaging the muscle tissue.  Not only can massage help lift your spirits and decrease stress, but it also can increase blood flow to spastic or paralyzed muscles.
• While acupuncture is not a widely used treatment for Stroke victims in America, it is a popular alternative therapy in countries like China.  The purpose of acupuncture is to establish healthy flow throughout the body, which is why it is a sought after treament option.  By boosting blood flow to parts of the body that have no feature, there is a chance that muscles can start regaining function.
• Eating a raw tomato once every one or two days has surprising health benefits.  It is rich in vitamins A, C, and P, all of which can help lower blood pressure.  Additionally, eating raw tomatoes can help prevent Arteriosclerosis, which can cause Strokes to occur.
• Ginseng is an herb, which is native to China, Korea, Japan, and Russia, that has been known to help increase circulation and decrease overall stress.  According to a study in 2010, ginseng extract was used on animals with induced Stroke.  The scientists found that the ginseng helped stimulate the production of new brain neurons.  If you are taking antidepressants, do not take ginseng root.

• Apples
• Grapes
• Grapefruit
• Bananas
• Avocados
• Chickpeas
• Raw Almonds
• Pine Nuts
• Cashews
• Lima Beans
• Dark Leafy Greens (chard, spinach, or kale)
• Ginseng
• Garlic
• Tomatoes