By Dr. SYLVESTER IKHISEMOJIE
One month before a stroke happens, please pay close attention to these signals because they could save your life. I have seen what a stroke can do to many patients I have come across, both physically and virtually, on a near-weekly basis. These are cases requiring intervention and advice. The saddest part is that in many cases, the body had already given signs that something catastrophic was about to happen.
That is why it is important for everyone reading this essay to pay careful attention to what is expressed on this page and share it with all their loved ones. This kind of informed sharing is particularly important with respect to older friends and relatives who are managing various health conditions, as we will discuss later. While stroke is commonly thought of as an illness that affects older people, younger people can also be at risk, and their risk factors may be different.
For example, nontraditional risk factors such as migraines, autoimmune diseases, and thrombophilia, an increased tendency for blood to clot, significantly increase the risk of stroke in people under the age of 35. Other disease conditions that fall into this category include sickle cell disease and leukemia. Also at risk are women in that age bracket who have been using hormonal contraceptives regularly for more than two years.
The first of these warning signs is frequent bouts of nausea and dizziness. Many people arrive at the hospital saying they have been feeling nauseous or dizzy for several weeks. Often, they assume it is just the heat or stress, when in reality, those symptoms could point to circulation problems in the brain. If there is no clear cause, such as pregnancy, drug or alcohol intoxication, or an infection, you should not hesitate to see a doctor.
The second sign is extreme fatigue. Many people often exclaim how tired they feel, usually attributing it to work-related stress or poor sleep. However, constant headaches do not always indicate stress or daily fatigue. Rather, it can be a strange kind of exhaustion that persists even after proper rest. If this is accompanied by daily headaches or headaches that worsen over time, it could be an early warning sign of stroke.
What about young children who are prone to this condition? They may have surgically correctable kidney disease.
The third sign is numbness on one side of the body. Since children are not always able to express their symptoms clearly, this discussion focuses on adults. If you suddenly feel like your arm, leg, or half of your face is “falling asleep,” it is usually a warning that part of your brain is beginning to fail. This occurs when there is inadequate blood supply to a specific part of the brain due to a blocked or ruptured blood vessel.
The fourth sign is sudden changes in vision, such as double vision, blurriness, or one eye failing to focus properly. These abnormalities may indicate that a cerebral artery is blocked or losing pressure. If left untreated, this can progress to a stroke. That’s why it is recommended to include beetroot in your daily routine, alongside medications, as it naturally supports circulation and blood pressure.
Beetroot helps the body produce nitric oxide, a compound responsible for dilating blood vessels and improving oxygen delivery to the brain. It also contains over 80 trace minerals that nourish the nervous system and reduce oxidative stress—two major factors in stroke prevention.
To make a nutritious juice, blend a few slices of watermelon, half a raw beetroot, the juice of one lemon, and a glass of water. Blend until well mixed. This powerful drink helps prevent kidney stone formation, supports their elimination from the urinary system, reduces inflammation, and detoxifies the liver. It also deeply cleanses the body, improves circulation, regulates blood pressure, and enhances skin tone.
While it’s not always possible to predict a stroke, early warning signs can include what is called a transient ischemic attack, or mini-stroke, which can occur up to 90 days before a full stroke. Symptoms may include loss of balance and changes in alertness. Only those who pay attention to their bodies may recognize and report such symptoms.