5 foods that help reduce the risk of stroke in hot season

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked, interrupted or reduced. Under the impact of the El Nino phenomenon, record heat waves make it easy for the body to lose a lot of water through sweat, making blood more concentrated, promoting blood clot formation, especially in the elderly, people with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia or who have had a stroke.

Dr. Dao Thi Yen Thuy, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that besides drinking enough water, each person should prioritize adding water-rich vegetables and fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, apple, radish, lemon and citrus fruits. These foods help replenish water and electrolytes, maintain a stable circulatory system, and help prevent blood from condensing and causing blood clots.

Apple Contains about 84% water, helping to replenish body fluids on hot days. This fruit is rich in quercetin and pectin, powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation, protect blood vessel endothelium and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Cucumber Contains more than 95% water, while also providing potassium, magnesium and many essential minerals. In hot conditions, cucumbers provide water, support electrolyte balance and maintain circulatory volume when the body loses a lot of sweat. From there, they help prevent blood from thickening, leading to blood clot formation.

Watermelon Helps provide instant hydration, contains large amounts of citrulline – an amino acid that, when entering the body, will be converted into nitric oxide (NO). This substance helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation. Watermelon is also rich in potassium and antioxidants, contributing to maintaining stable blood pressure and reducing the burden on the cardiovascular system.

Lemon, citrus fruits rich in vitamin C and abundant potassium. Potassium plays a key role in eliminating excess sodium to stabilize blood pressure. Meanwhile, vitamin C and flavonoid compounds enhance the strength and elasticity of capillaries. Adding a glass of orange or lemon juice after exposure to heat is a quick way to stabilize a heat-stressed circulatory system.

Adults can supplement some natural nutrients such as blueberry and ginkgo biloba. Antioxidant active ingredients in these ingredients can neutralize free radicals, help increase cerebral blood circulation, protect nerve cells and blood vessels, thereby contributing to reducing the risk of stroke.

Dr. Yen Thuy noted that each person needs to maintain a scientific lifestyle such as drinking enough water, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, controlling weight, limiting alcohol and not smoking to contribute to stroke prevention. People at high risk such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, overweight, obesity, smoking or a family history of stroke should be examined and screened periodically according to doctor’s instructions.

When warning signs of stroke appear such as distorted mouth, weakness or paralysis of one limb, difficulty speaking, blurred vision, loss of balance or sudden severe headache, the patient should be taken to a medical facility immediately.