Mark Swaim, MD, PhD, explains that a brain aneurysm occurs when a fragile spot in your brain’s arterial wall weakens and bulges. It is also known as a cerebral or intracranial aneurysm. It can be a life-threatening condition that can strike a person at any age. If a brain aneurysm ruptures, it may lead to brain damage, stroke, or death if not treated right away.
You can minimize the risk of getting a brain aneurysm by living a healthier lifestyle. Here are some tips:
Switch to a healthy diet
High blood pressure, obesity, and fatty deposits in the arteries all contribute to a greater risk of getting an aneurysm. Since all of these are connected to what you eat, Mark Swaim, MD, PhD, recommends you to choose whole, fresh foods over packaged and processed ones. Limit your fat intake. Eat fried and fast food sparingly. Be more aware of what you put into your body.
Control blood pressure levels
Hypertension increases your risk of aneurysm. Keep your blood pressure in check with a home monitoring kit. Make lifestyle changes such as switching to a low sodium diet, keeping a manageable weight, quitting smoking, managing stress levels, and exercising regularly.
Keep cholesterol levels low
High cholesterol can lead to the hardening of arteries. Lower bad cholesterol by limiting trans and saturated fats. Eat more food items rich in omega-3 fatty acids to promote good cholesterol. Mark Swaim, MD, PhD, advises that you increase your intake of fiber-rich foods since these can bind bad cholesterol and expel them before your body absorbs them.
Exercise regularly
A consistent exercise routine raises the amount of good cholesterol in your body, lowers blood pressure, and helps you lose weight. Do a combination of aerobic routines such as running, swimming, or walking with strength-training activities to attain maximum benefit.
To sum it up, Mark Swaim, MD, PhD, says that the most significant thing you can do to prevent brain aneurysm is by making substantial changes to your eating habits and lifestyle.
Mark Swaim MD PhD 