According to statistics, most strokes occur in the middle of the night when blood tends to be thicker and circulation slows down as the body sleeps. This risk is especially prominent in individuals with atherosclerosis or narrowed blood vessels. Listed below are 5 warning signs of an impending brain stroke that everyone should be aware of.
If you experience any of these symptoms during sleep, seek immediate medical attention:
1. Numbness or Tingling:
Sudden numbness or tingling on one side of the body, loss of dexterity in hands or feet, and difficulty speaking or slurred speech could indicate nerve damage due to a stroke.
2. Excessive Drooling during Sleep:
If you find yourself drooling excessively while sleeping, even when not lying on your side, coupled with headaches and a feeling of lethargy, it might be a sign of cerebral ischemia. Some people also notice a lopsided mouth when looking in the mirror.
3. Unusual Headaches and Dizziness:
Headaches during sleep, especially when accompanied by dizziness and a spinning sensation, could be an early warning sign of a stroke.
4. Frequent Yawning:
Slow blood circulation and oxygen deprivation to the brain can lead to excessive yawning, particularly at night. Be cautious if you find yourself yawning excessively and nodding off easily even while sitting.
5. Blurred or Dim Vision upon Waking:
Sudden blurred or dimmed vision during sleep or immediately after waking up could be due to insufficient blood flow in the internal carotid artery. While the symptom may subside quickly, repeated episodes with longer durations are highly dangerous.
To reduce the risk of brain strokes, limit your intake of the following four groups of foods:
Contrary to popular belief, strokes can affect not only the elderly but also young individuals. In China, the average age of stroke onset is about a decade earlier than in developed countries, mainly due to unhealthy dietary habits.
Here are the types of food to avoid:
1. High-Sodium Foods:
Pickled vegetables, smoked meat, and dried foods are high in sodium and can lead to high blood pressure, damaging the inner lining of blood vessels and promoting atherosclerosis.
2. Animal Offal:
Pork and chicken livers are rich in cholesterol, and excessive consumption can increase blood lipid levels, leading to plaque buildup in blood vessels.
3. Trans Fats:
Found in fried foods, pastries, industrial ice cream, chocolate, and boba tea, trans fats increase bad cholesterol while decreasing good cholesterol. This can cause blood to thicken and form clots.
4. Refined Sugar:
Soft drinks, candies, and ice cream are high in refined sugar, which increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure—all leading causes of strokes.
To prevent brain strokes, keep these three things in mind:
1. Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle:
Avoid staying up late, get adequate sleep, and engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and stable blood pressure.
2. Manage Risk Factors:
Limit smoking and alcohol consumption. If you have underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease, ensure you receive proper treatment and keep them under control.
3. Regular Health Check-ups:
Many people who experience strokes show no prior symptoms. Regular health check-ups can help detect any abnormalities and potential risk factors for strokes.
While strokes are acute and life-threatening, they often exhibit warning signs. Pay attention to your body, and don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms.
