Stroke often occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or blocked. Under the impact of record heat weather, the body is easily dehydrated through sweat glands, causing blood to condense. This can promote the formation of blood clots, especially dangerous for the elderly, people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dyslipidemia, or high blood pressure.
In addition to drinking enough water, you should prioritize fruits and vegetables that are rich in water. This can contribute to supplementing electrolytes, helping to replenish water, supplement minerals and limit excessive dehydration.
provides instant water and contains a lot of citrulline - an amino acid that can be converted into nitric oxide (NO) in the body. This substance has the effect of supporting vasodilation and improving blood circulation. In addition, watermelon is rich in potassium and antioxidants, contributing to maintaining stable blood pressure and reducing the burden on the cardiovascular system.
Containing more than 95% water, cucumbers also provide potassium, magnesium and many essential minerals. On hot days, cucumbers can support electrolyte balance, compensating for lost sweat. From there, this fruit limits dehydration, a factor that can increase circulatory burden and blood pressure.
| Food / Nutrients | Outstanding medical benefits for the circulatory system |
|---|---|
| Supports electrolyte balance | |
| Antioxidant, supports the protection of blood vessel endothelium, reduces inflammation. | |
| Supports sodium-potassium balance in the diet. | |
| Supports the protection of nerve cells, supports cerebral blood circulation. |
Apples: With about 84% water, apples are a great choice to replenish fluids. More importantly, this fruit contains quercetin and pectin – powerful antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation. These nutrients can contribute to protecting the blood vessel endothelium and preventing the formation of atherosclerosis plaques.
Lemons and citrus fruits: very rich in vitamin C and potassium, which help support the balance of sodium and potassium, thereby helping to stabilize blood pressure. At the same time, vitamin C and flavonoids can enhance the durability and elasticity of the capillary system. A glass of orange and lemon juice after sunbathing is an effective solution to soothe the circulatory system.
Adults can refer to supplementing natural extracts such as blueberries or ginkgo biloba. The antioxidants in these ingredients can neutralize free radicals, support cerebral blood circulation, protect nerve cells and blood vessels, thereby contributing to reducing the risk of stroke.
Scientific lifestyle advice and stroke warning signs
Experts recommend that to reduce cardiovascular risk, it is necessary to combine many measures, you need to maintain the habit of drinking enough water, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, controlling weight and staying away from alcohol and tobacco. People at high risk (overweight, diabetes, blood pressure disorders...) should proactively get regular check-ups.
In particular, when detecting warning signs such as crooked mouth, weakness and paralysis of one side of the body, difficulty speaking, loss of balance or severe headache, it is necessary to immediately take the patient to the nearest medical facility.
The information in the article is for reference only, not for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly to your doctor for accurate and appropriate advice to your health condition.
Q&A Corner: Nutrition to prevent heatstroke in hot weather
Why does hot weather increase the risk of blood clots forming and causing stroke?
When the weather is too hot, the body is severely dehydrated through sweat, leading to blood clots. This increases blood viscosity, creating favorable conditions for blood clots to form, especially at risk for people with a history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
How does watermelon affect the control of hypertension?
Watermelon is rich in citrulline, an amino acid that can stimulate the production of nitric oxide in the body. This compound helps relax and expand blood vessel walls, thereby contributing to controlling and maintaining blood pressure at a stable level.
