A neurologist named Dr. Baibing Chen shares three practices he avoids to lower his risk of experiencing a stroke. Dr. Chen, a double-board-certified expert, highlights these precautions based on his observations of common behaviors that jeopardize brain health. He emphasizes three personal rules that he adheres to and suggests others follow suit.
Dr. Bing, an online persona of the Michigan-based doctor, advises against practicing yoga to prevent strokes, citing instances where this activity has led to such incidents. While acknowledging the overall health benefits of yoga, Dr. Chen warns against poses that excessively strain the neck, as they can potentially cause vessel tears, known as dissections, resulting in strokes. He stresses the importance of being cautious about neck positions and avoiding undue stress during yoga sessions.
Regarding physical workouts, Dr. Chen cautions against lifting heavy weights, especially with a one-rep max approach or while holding one’s breath. He describes the risks associated with such heavy lifting strokes, where the Valsalva maneuver during weightlifting can significantly elevate systolic blood pressure, potentially causing brain vessel damage and brain bleeds. Dr. Chen recommends a safer strength-building approach involving controlled breathing and exhaling during exertion, using submaximal weights for higher repetitions to avoid extreme pressure spikes.
In terms of dietary habits, Dr. Chen discourages the consumption of energy drinks and opts for coffee instead due to the high caffeine content in energy drinks, which may exceed recommended daily limits for most adults. He points out that additional stimulants like guarana and taurine found in energy drinks can disrupt blood vessel regulation and increase the risk of erratic heart rhythms, potentially leading to clot formation and subsequent strokes. Dr. Chen also notes potential nerve damage from excessive vitamin B in energy drinks.
Dr. Chen, a certified neurologist and epileptologist, obtained his medical degree from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic, and finished an epilepsy fellowship at the University of Michigan.