Here's How Strokes Affect Our Immune System And Steps To Prevent Them

A stroke is a condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, which can cause cell death. It is often among the major causes of mortality and disability involving the overall immune system. According to the World Health Organisation, stroke is the second leading cause of death globally, affecting 15 million people every year. There is a strong link between stroke and the immune system. While the immune system protects the brain, some immune responses have negative effects after a stroke.

Postdoctoral Scholar at Stanford University, Kristy Zera, and Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Marion S. Buckwalter, in their co-authored paper, explain the immune response to a stroke. In the aftermath of a stroke, many forms of immunity significantly shift due to the impact that stroke has on the system.

First, there is a stage of acute inflammation that brings immune cells into the brain; this also contributes to tissue destruction. But this is followed by a phase of immunosuppression whereby the overall immune response of the body is suppressed. This immunosuppression increases the tendency for developing infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections, which are complications normally associated with stroke.

It has been established that peripheral lymphopenia and T-cell unresponsiveness are prolonged in stroke patients—factors that make these patients susceptible to infections.

This immunosuppression can last for weeks to months after the first event, adding to the complications of the recovery process and the mortality ratios.

Furthermore, stroke also shrinks immune organs, including the spleen, and thus increases the risk of infection prevalence.

Lifestyle Changes to Lower Risk of Strokes

Small lifestyle changes can prevent the risk of stroke and strengthen your immune system by a significant margin. These include paying attention to diet and physical activities.

1. Regular Exercise: Physical exercise is necessary as it boosts the immune system and minimises inflammation. It also maintains a healthy weight, keeps cholesterol in check and strengthens the heart.
2. Balanced Diet: A diet filled with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals helps boost the immune system.
3. Adequate Sleep: Sleep is very important to the immune system. Lack of sleep affects people’s ability to fight diseases through weakening of their immunity system.
4. Stress Management: Stress which is sustained in the long run has been proven to harm the human immune system. Stress management as well as the strengthening of the immune system can be achieved through the use of practices like mindfulness, meditation and yoga.
5. Avoiding Tobacco and Excessive Alcohol: Tobacco smoking hampers defensive mechanisms and intensifies the risk of stroke; likewise, alcohol is not good for health as it weakens the immune system and contributes to strokes, too.
6. Regular Health Check-Ups: The risks of stroke and complications may be avoided by early detection.