Do dietary supplements help cerebral infarction?

There is currently no clear evidence-based medical evidence to support that regular consumption of dietary supplements can directly treat cerebral infarction and reduce the risk of recurrence. Only a small number of patients with clear nutrient deficiencies can obtain certain auxiliary benefits by following medical advice and taking targeted supplements.

I have been in the follow-up post in Shen Nei for almost five years, and I have seen too many patients recovering from cerebral infarction take this detour. Last year, I met 58-year-old Chen. He actually recovered well from his first cerebral infarction. He didn’t have any obvious sequelae when he walked or talked. As a result, I heard from the community health group that he was recovering well. Iyakinase and deep-sea fish oil can "clear blood clots and open blood vessels." I spent more than 8,000 yuan to stock up on the amount for half a year, and secretly stopped the aspirin and statins prescribed by the doctor. Only more than three months later, I was hospitalized again due to the recurrence of acute cerebral infarction, and half of my body was paralyzed. It was too late to regret.

Of course, this does not mean that all dietary supplements are completely useless. There is now a clear consensus in the academic community that if homocysteine ​​levels are significantly elevated in patients with cerebral infarction, supplementing with folic acid, vitamin B6, and B12 as directed by the doctor can indeed help reduce the risk of recurrence of stroke. Don’t underestimate this. Many patients with cerebral infarction with H-type hypertension in my country are deficient in folic acid, and the benefits of targeted supplementation are real.

The remaining supplements we often hear about, such as lecithin, coenzyme Q10, and ginkgo leaf extract, are still quite controversial in current research. Some small sample studies claim that they can improve blood lipid metabolism and protect nerve cells. However, in clinical trials with large sample populations, no clear prevention and treatment effect on cerebral infarction can be seen, and it is more of a marketing gimmick by merchants.

Many people may think that "there is no harm in supplementing", but this is not the case. Many dietary supplements have complex ingredients. If they interact with the anticoagulant and lipid-lowering drugs they are taking, they will increase the risk of bleeding and metabolic burden on the liver and kidneys. To put it bluntly, it is like the flowers you plant have enough nutrients in the soil. If you have to pour the nutrient solution indiscriminately, it will easily burn the roots.

If you really want to help you recover after a cerebral infarction and reduce the risk of recurrence, the key is to follow the doctor's instructions and take standardized secondary prevention drugs, control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids within the standard range. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and high-quality protein during your daily meals. A balanced diet of nutrients is more reliable than any high-priced supplement. If there are really eating disorders and nutrient deficiencies, you must first seek evaluation from a nutritionist or doctor, and don't buy blindly.