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Stroke Recovery May Be Quickened with Zinc Supplementation

By Expert HERWriter
 
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Stroke related image Photo: Getty Images

Stroke is the third leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer. Stroke is a disease of the arteries that are within the brain or leading up to the brain. If the arteries in the brain are blocked the resulting stroke is called an ischemic stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke is when the arteries burst, depriving the brain of oxygen. With both types of stroke a lack of oxygen to the cells causes cell damage or the death of brain cells.

The most common signs that someone is having a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, legs or on one side of the entire body. Mental confusion, including trouble speaking or understanding others is another symptom. Yet another sign is trouble seeing out of one or both eyes. Finally, someone may experience problems with loss of balance or dizziness or severe headache.

The area of the brain that is deprived of oxygen which will determine which side of the body is having symptoms. If the stroke occurs on the left side of the brain the right side of the body will be affected, and it might result in paralysis, memory loss or speech/language problems or slow cautious movements. If the stroke occurs on the right side of the brain, the left side of the body will be affected and may result in paralysis on the left side, vision problems, memory loss, and a quick inquisitive behavioral style.

Once someone has a stroke, depending on the severity recovery time can be from weeks to months. An Italian study published in Journal of Nutritional Neuroscience showed that 10 mg of zinc per day helped speed the recovery of patients as a compared to patients that took the placebo. There was an improvement in recovery in 30 days. This could be a wonderful support to patients, especially the elderly.

Live Vibrantly,

Dr. Dae

Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.healthydaes.com

Dr. Dae's Bio:

“Dr. Dae" (pronounced Dr. Day) Daemon Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who treats the whole person using safe and effective combinations of traditional and natural methods to produce optimal health and well-being in the lives of her patients.

Add a Comment4 Comments

Expert HERWriter

Hello Blossom,
It sounds like your father is off to a great start by going to therapy in addition to the medications. If you can find a naturopathic doctor in your area, I would recommend that you see them so they can provide specific advice for your father. You can go to www.naturopathic.org. The her guest also gave good advice about healthy diet and continuing therapy and exercise. Best Wishes to you and your father!

Dr. Dae

April 10, 2011 - 6:37am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

There are things that you can do to minimize your risk of having a stroke. Many strokes are caused by fatty deposits that reduce the blood flow to the brain. A proper diet, coupled with regular exercise, can keep your body strong and healthy.
Stroke recovery

April 3, 2011 - 11:11pm

My Dad had one too it was heart breaking an they will be using him in a study at Unv of Iowa Hospitals.HE'S only 40 an the doctors say it was because he had cancer 15 years ago. I hope this article helps him tho:)

April 3, 2011 - 10:19pm

Hi Dr. Dae,
My father had a mild stroke four years ago and his left body was affected. He just can't bend his arms totally going to his shoulder. We had him undergone through therapy that helps him for faster recovery with addition of medicines. As per your blog, his right side brain was the one affected..Thanks God he's alright now but you can still see some signs that he had a mild stroke before. I just want to ask if there's some helpful ways that can further help him out for his additional recovery or remedies for his health, what foods are needed for him, He is already 57 this March 2011.

thank you and hoping for your future response.

Blossom

April 2, 2011 - 1:34am
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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