I am a doctor with more than 10 years of experience in neurology. Over the course of my career, I have witnessed the pain and inconvenience of countless patients with cerebral infarction, and most of these are closely related to their eating habits. Today, I would like to share with you some knowledge about cerebral infarction, especially those common food additives in our daily diet, which may be the invisible killers that cause the increase in cerebral infarction year by year.
Last year, during the transition season in late spring and early summer, Mr. Li, a 52-year-old high school history teacher, suddenly felt a severe headache from the podium and immediately developed slurred speech. Seeing this, his colleagues immediately rushed him to our hospital. At the initial diagnosis, Mr. Li's right limb was weak and his blood pressure was abnormally elevated, and an urgent CT scan showed a vascular blockage in the left side of the brain, and he was diagnosed with cerebral infarction.
In an in-depth conversation with Mr. Li and his family, I learned that his diet is high in salt and likes to eat pickled foods and meats, which often have large amounts of nitrates and nitrites, which are extremely detrimental to vascular health. In addition, Mr. Li drank one or two cans of carbonated drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup almost every day, and this long-term diet accelerated the hardening process of his blood vessels, which eventually led to cerebral infarction.
After emergency treatment and post-operative rehabilitation, Mr. Lee's symptoms improved, but he was left with a degree of speech dysfunction and physical movement limitations. His quality of life has been greatly affected. The incident also deeply touched his family, who began to re-examine the diet of their home.
The relationship between cerebral infarction and dietary habits
Association of poor eating habits and cerebral infarction
"Eating" is a daily necessity, but what you may not know is that your eating habits may be quietly affecting your brain health. Cerebral infarction, also known as "stroke", is often related to our eating habits. Cerebral infarction usually occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is suddenly blocked, resulting in disruption of blood flow to the relevant area, and if not treated promptly, the consequences can be severe. So, what are the eating habits that manipulate the "switch" of cerebral infarction?
First, a diet high in salt and fat is a major risk factor. Long-term high salt intake will lead to an increase in blood pressure, and long-term high blood pressure is an important cause of cerebral infarction. At the same time, a high-fat diet can lead to an increase in blood cholesterol levels, and fat may accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, forming plaques, increasing the risk of blood vessel blockage, which can lead to cerebral infarction.
Secondly, the food additives commonly added to processed foods are also one of the influencing factors. Although these additives can extend the shelf life of food and increase the color and taste of food, they may also have a negative impact on vascular health. Here are five food additives that are associated with the risk of cerebral infarction, and it is recommended that you try to avoid them:
Sodium-based additives (e.g., monosodium glutamate): These additives can enhance the taste of foods, but excessive intake of high-sodium foods is a risk factor for hypertension, which is directly associated with cerebral infarction.
Nitrate and nitrite: These two are commonly used in meat products to preserve and retain color. But they can be converted into nitrosamines in the body, which is a strong carcinogen and may also promote cerebral arteriosclerosis when ingested in the long term.
Trans fats: Mainly derived from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, they are often used in baked goods to improve taste and extend shelf life. Trans fats increase "bad" cholesterol (LDL), lower "good" cholesterol (HDL), and increase the risk of cerebral infarction.
High fructose corn syrup: This is a sweetener added to many sweets and beverages, and excessive intake can not only lead to weight gain, but also increase the risk of diabetes and indirectly increase the likelihood of cerebral infarction.
Artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame): While they provide a calorie-free sweetness, excessive use may affect the balance of intestinal flora and indirectly affect cardiovascular health.
Preventive measures and daily advice
In order to stay away from cerebral infarction, in addition to avoiding the above food additives, the following lifestyle adjustments are also required:
Control salt and fat intake: In your daily diet, you should try to choose fresh ingredients and reduce the intake of processed foods, which can not only control salt but also avoid unnecessary additives.
Eat a balanced diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are rich in fiber, which can help control weight and lower cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of cerebral infarction.
Regular physical examination: monitor blood pressure and blood lipid levels, and high-risk groups need to pay attention to these indicators and adjust their lifestyle habits in time.
Increase physical activity: moderate exercise can improve cardiovascular and cerebrovascular function, and it is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, etc.
Through the above measures, we can not only reduce the risk of cerebral infarction, but also enhance the overall cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. Remember, eating a proper diet and living a healthy lifestyle are key to preventing cerebral infarction. Let's take responsibility for our own health and enjoy a healthy life from now on.