There
are few events in life that will cost you more recovery time than a stroke. So
get up already — and get moving! The more you move your body, the stronger your
cardiovascular system gets, and the less likely you are to have a stroke. If
you can’t even remember the last time you did anything more strenuous than
stroll to the kitchen to make a sandwich, start by getting a clean bill of
health from your doctor. Then take off by going for a walk every day. It
doesn’t have to be fast or far — a moderately brisk walk to the corner and back
will do for starters. Gradually increase your time, speed, and distance until
you’re really exercising — walking, running, biking, swimming, even dancing — for
15 to 20 minutes each and every day.
If you’ve already had a stroke or know someone who has, this news
will be music to your ears: The journal Nutrition
Neuroscience reported the results of a study involving 26 volunteers who
had recently suffered a stroke. Half of the folks were given 20 milligrams of
zinc each day for a month, while the rest took no supplements. At the end of
the 30 days, the zinc takers had a 30 percent greater recovery in brain
function than those who had not taken the mineral. And here’s even better news:
You don’t have to take zinc supplements to get your brain-boosting quota. You
can easily get 20 milligrams or more simply by eating plenty of zinc-rich foods
like plain yogurt, lean meat, oysters, crabs, lentils, and the dark meat of
turkey and chicken.
And for a quick breakfast on the go, this Fresh and Fruity Smoothie is just what the doctor ordered. It’s
chock-full of anti-stroke superstars, including vitamin B, vitamin C, and
potassium. What’s more, it’s just about as delicious as a drink can get.
Ingredients:
1 apple, peeled, cored,
and chopped
1 frozen banana, peeled
and chopped
½ cup of freshly squeezed orange
juice
¼ cup of milk
Combine the ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Pour
into a chilled glass, and drink up!
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