Have you ever experienced a sudden loss of consciousness or choked while eating? These events may be signs of cerebrovascular disease, and you should seek medical attention promptly. However, for people with a higher risk of stroke, diet therapy based on their physical condition can help dredge blood vessels and prevent cerebral infarction.
Transient Amaurosis: An Indication of Cerebrovascular Issues
If you’ve ever experienced a sudden blackout in front of your eyes, were unable to see, and then quickly returned to normal, you’ve experienced transient amaurosis.
Chen Huixuan, director of the Department of Neurology at Chang’an Hospital in Taiwan, stated on the NTDTV program “Health 1+1” that transient amaurosis is like the eyes being covered by a black cloth from above, like a curtain that suddenly drops. In most cases, one eye will see darkness or even turn completely blind, and then automatically return to normal within seconds to minutes. It is a temporary and painless loss of vision.
The transient amaurosis is caused by a momentary inadequate blood supply to the retina, mostly related to thrombosis and vascular stenosis. The occurrence is likely a warning of an impending stroke, which means that the body’s blood vessels may be at risk of atherosclerosis, vascular stenosis, or thrombosis, and is equivalent to temporary cerebral ischemia.
Chen said that when transient amaurosis occurs, the patient is advised to see an ophthalmologist to rule out retinal or other issues. If there is no problem with the eye, a neurologist can conduct related examinations, such as blood draws (to check coagulation index, blood sugar, cholesterol, etc.), heart-related (such as electrocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound), carotid artery ultrasound, brain imaging examination (computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging), to find out which risk factors caused the amaurosis.
TCM Constitution Conditioning to Prevent Cerebral Infarction
Dr. Yang Jingduan, CEO of New York Northern Medical Center, appeared on the online radio program “Four-dimensional Health.” He said that after experiencing early symptoms of cerebral infarction, in addition to going for diagnosis in the hospital, and controlling the three highs—high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol. It is also recommended to regulate the constitution—restoring internal balance and boosting the body’s resilience.
TCM categorizes those at high risk of cerebral infarction into three types, each with tailored dietary and herbal remedies:
1. Qi Deficiency and Phlegm Turbidity Type
The “qi” mentioned in TCM refers to the energy in the body, which has the function of promoting blood circulation and maintaining metabolic functionality. In this context, qi deficiency therefore refers to insufficient energy in the body, while “phlegm” refers to metabolic waste in the body, such as high blood lipids.
Characteristics: Dizziness, easy fatigue, heavy hands and feet, fat tongue with tooth marks.
Common groups: Sedentary office workers, those who do not exercise, with indigestion, and with slow metabolism.
Recommendation: Yam, coix seed, and red date porridge eaten in the morning.
Recipe: Yam, Coix Seed, and Red Date Porridge
Ingredients
- 90 grams medium-grain rice
- 100 grams fresh yam
- 30 grams coix seed
- 10 red dates
- About 1500 ml of cold water
Preparation
- Rinse rice and coix seed, soak in cold water for half to one hour.
- Peel, wash, and cut yam into small pieces
- Wash red dates
- Add 1500 ml of water to a pot with rice and coix seed and bring to boil over high heat. Stir every few minutes to avoid sticking.
- After bringing to a boil, add yam and red dates, reduce to low heat, and cook until the coix seed becomes soft and the rice porridge becomes sticky—about 1 hour.
2. Hyperactivity of Liver Yang Type
TCM divides the body’s energy into two categories: yin and yang. Yin is like water, which can nourish organs and tissues, while yang is like fire, which can increase the body’s heat and power. “Liver Yang rising” means that the liver yang qi is too strong and rushes toward the head.
Characteristics: Headache, dizziness, flushing, dry mouth, bad temper, restless sleep.
Common groups: People with high blood pressure, long-term stress, and irritability.
Recommendation: Drink “Qinggan Mingyan Tea” in the afternoon.
Recipe: Qinggan Mingyan Tea
Ingredients
- 6 grams wolfberry
- 6 grams cassia seed
- 3 grams chrysanthemum
- About 500–600 ml hot water
Preparation
Place all ingredients in a teapot or heat-safe container.
Pour about 500–600 ml of freshly boiled water over the herbs and steep for 10 to 20 minutes. Then strain and drink. (Alternatively, you may simmer the ingredients over low heat for enhanced extraction, especially if using whole cassia seeds.)
Cassia seed is the seed of a leguminous plant, which aids weight loss, lowers blood lipids, and protects the liver.
3. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Type
Qi stagnation and blood stasis refer to the obstruction of the body’s energy flow and poor blood circulation.
Characteristics: Headache in a fixed location, poor memory, dark lips with purple tongue, and ecchymosis.
Common groups: People with arteriosclerosis, history of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and family history of stroke.
Recommendation: Blood activating and brain nourishing soup once a week.
Recipe: Blood Activating and Brain Nourishing Soup
Ingredients
- 3 grams Chuanxiong rhizoma
- 3 grams Angelica
- 30 grams black beans
- 1 chicken thigh
- About 1,000 milliliters water
- Salt to taste
Preparation
- Wash black beans and soak in water for 2 to 4 hours
- Rinse Chuanxiong rhizoma and Angelica
- Blanch chicken legs to remove the blood foam
- Place all the ingredients in a pot with the water. Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat, cover, and cook for about 90 minutes until the black beans become soft. Salt to taste.
Angelica is known for its efficacy in replenishing blood, resisting oxidation, regulating immunity, and enhancing memory.
Chuanxiong rhizoma can also replenish blood and promote blood circulation, and is often used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Black beans are rich in anthocyanins and have antioxidant effects.
Coffee and Stroke Risk: Drink in Moderation
Chen said that smokers, those with three highs, obesity, family history, and those over 50 years of age are at high risk of stroke and should pay special attention to signs. In addition, diseases such as atrial fibrillation and sleep apnea could also make one prone to stroke.
Lifestyle habits such as prolonged periods of sitting, lack of exercise, and nutritional deficiencies can increase the risk of stroke. Chen said that the latest research shows that we should also be careful not to drink too much coffee.
A 2024 study published in the journal International Stroke found that people who drank more than four servings of 250 milliliters a day of coffee had a 37 percent increased chance of stroke. Chen said that it is because coffee contains caffeine, which may increase blood pressure, which is also one of the main risk factors for stroke.
On the other hand, coffee contains hydroxycinnamic acid and catechins, which have been shown to have antioxidant properties, potentially benefiting cardiovascular health. Therefore, the net effect of coffee on stroke may be complex, and it is recommended to drink in moderation and avoid adding too much creamer.
The above study also noted that people who drank three to four servings of tea a day had a 20 percent lower chance of stroke. Chen pointed out that tea contains antioxidant polyphenols, which are beneficial for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health.
In terms of nutrition, we should also reduce our intake of highly refined foods, trans fats, and saturated fats, and supplement our vitamin intake. Chen said that vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to hyperhomocysteinemia. “If blood contains too much homocysteine, it is like having a knife constantly scraping your blood vessels, causing inflammation and then arteriosclerosis.”
In addition, chronic stress can also increase the risk of stroke in middle-aged or young people.
Seek Medical Attention Within the ‘Golden 3 Hours’
Once stroke symptoms appear, timely medical attention is critical, said Chen. Ideally, the patient should seek emergency care within three hours of symptom onset. If the stroke is caused by a blood clot (a thrombotic stroke), doctors may administer thrombolytic agents to dissolve the clot and help restore blood flow. These medications are most effective when given within 4.5 hours of the stroke.
If imaging shows that a large artery is blocked, mechanical thrombectomy (arterial embolectomy) may be performed to physically remove the clot—an option that can remain viable up to 24 hours after symptom onset. However, this procedure is not suitable for blockages in small blood vessels.
Common symptoms of stroke include facial asymmetry, numbness, or weakness on one side of the body, slurred or incoherent speech, choking on food, dizziness, unstable gait, or inability to walk, double vision, etc.
Use the F.A.S.T. method to quickly determine:
“F” stands for face. Ask the patient to smile or simply observe the patient’s facial expression to see if the two sides of the face are symmetrical.
“A” stands for arm. Ask the patient to raise both hands and observe whether one of the hands is weak and falls.
“S” stands for speech. Ask the patient to read a sentence and observe whether it is spoken clearly and completely.
“T” stands for time. Make sure to record the date and time of the attack and seek medical attention immediately.
Stroke Is Not a Terminal Illness
Chen said that stroke is not a terminal illness. Many patients can resume work and return to their normal daily life through active rehabilitation. The degree of recovery is related to the location of the stroke, the patient’s age and health status, and requires a comprehensive assessment. The golden period for rehabilitation is six months.
The earlier the treatment or intervention, the more obvious the benefits of rehabilitation will be. In addition to repairing the stroke nerves, it is also necessary to identify the risk factors for the disease to prevent secondary strokes. Auxiliary treatments such as Chinese medicine, acupuncture, nutrition, and intravenous laser are also helpful.
Health Tea to Assist Recovery
Yang recommends a health tea for stroke patients:
Ingredients
- 3 grams salvia miltiorrhiza
- 5 grams astragalus
- 6 grams wolfberry
- 3 grams chrysanthemum
Preparation
- Place all the ingredients in a thermos or heat-safe teapot, and steep with freshly boiled water for about 10 minutes.
- Drink once a day, preferably in the afternoon or after dinner, when the body is more receptive to nourishment and gentle circulation support.
Applicable to: People with memory loss, an unclear mind, and frequent brain fog
Salvia miltiorrhiza is the root of a plant of the genus Salvia and is commonly used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Astragalus has the effect of replenishing qi and is suitable for patients who are tired and weak after recovering from a serious illness. Randomized double-blind controlled clinical trials have confirmed that taking astragalus can help improve fatigue and improve the quality of life for patients who feel fragile after a stroke.
Note: Some of the herbs mentioned in this article may be unfamiliar, but are generally available in health food stores and Asian markets. Treatment methods may vary depending on the person. Consult a health care professional for a personalized plan.