Fibre: Why it is a key part of a healthy diet

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According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, an analysis of 20 studies found that a combination of vitamin D and calcium in a supplement could increase the risk of a deadly attack. Of the 42,072 research participants, 3,690 had strokes during the trials. Thus, the researchers concluded that vitamin D and calcium supplementation – taken together – could increase the risk of a stroke by 17 percent.

“The risk evidence was ranked as moderate,” the scientists wrote.

“There was no evidence that calcium or vitamin D taken alone had any health risks or benefits.”

Such results were published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Senior author of the study, Dr Erin Michos, said: “The panacea or magic bullet that people keep searching for in dietary supplements isn’t there.”

Instead of supplementation, Dr Michos recommends “people should focus on getting their nutrients from a heart-healthy diet”.

“The data increasingly show that the majority of healthy adults don’t need to take supplements,” he added.

A heart-healthy diet and reducing risk of stroke

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated: “Choosing healthy meal and snack options can help you prevent stroke.”

This includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, foods low in saturated fats and trans fat, and foods high in fibre.

“Limiting salt (sodium) in your diet can also lower your blood pressure,” the health body pointed out.

“High cholesterol and high blood pressure increase your chances of having a stroke.”

Dr Michos and his fellow researchers stated that following a low-salt diet can decrease the risk of death by 10 percent.

Of five studies, where 3,680 participants with high blood pressure were put on a low-salt diet, the risk of death by heart disease decreased by 33 percent.

What’s a stroke?

The Stroke Association warned that a stroke occurs “every five minutes in the UK”.

It occurs when the brain is cut off from a supply of oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to die.

“It can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time,” the charity warned.

Symptoms of a stroke

• Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
• Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms?
• Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
• Time to call 999: if you see any of these signs.

There may be other, less-known symptoms of a stroke that are worth noting.

For instance, a sudden, severe headache could be a warning sign of a stroke.

Other signs might include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including legs, hands or feet.
• Difficulty finding words or speaking in clear sentences.
• Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
• Sudden memory loss or confusion, and dizziness or a sudden fall.

If you encounter somebody who is showing signs of a stroke, call 999 immediately – it could save a life.

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