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Stroke study highlights importance of hydration
Drinking five or more glasses of water per day can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 53%.
The data was confirmed by research from Harvard University School of Health in the USA and published in Harvard Health Magazine.
The study also shows that maintaining fluid intake improves the health of those who have already suffered a stroke.
Hydration as a topic for other studies
In 2015, it was proven by Johns Hopkins Hospital that a lack of fluid intake increases the risk of complications related to cardiovascular disease almost four times.
“Dehydration causes the blood to become more viscous, which increases the formation of thrombi, which can cause a stroke. Therefore, patients are always recommended to drink enough fluids,” explains neurosurgeon Victor Hugo Espíndola, a specialist in cerebrovascular diseases who worked on the study.
According to the expert, hydration only has benefits if the liquid consumed is water juices and soft drinks do not have the same effect. The study shows that the average drinking amount is six glasses of water per day, which is around 1,800 ml per 2 liters.
“We highlight the importance of drinking water to prevent strokes and there is evidence that wellhydrated stroke patients have better recovery,” says Espíndola.
Photo credit: iStock/Yurii Yarema
Drinking water helps reduce the risk of stroke by up to 53%
Why does a stroke occur?
A stroke occurs due to a lack of blood flow to a certain area of the brain. The most common symptoms include:
- face fallen to the side;
- inability to raise arms;
- speech distortion;
- Headache;
- numbness or tingling in the limbs;
- Loss of balance.
There are also cases where a stroke can occur silently, without the affected person noticing any signs.
Wellbeing and quality of life have a lot to do with adequate fluid intake in the body. Therefore, maintaining adequate hydration can not only provide health benefits but also prevent serious illnesses.