April 28, 2025

Iron and the Stroke Crisis: A Hidden Catalyst for Brain Damage - AI Podcast

11 minutes

Story at-a-glance

Ischemic strokes block blood flow to brain cells, causing damage through three distinct cell death mechanisms, with iron overload playing a key role
Excess iron accumulation during strokes accelerates cell death, functioning like "gasoline on a fire" and worsening brain damage significantly
New research shows targeting iron-related cell death could lead to better stroke treatments that protect more brain cells from damage
A simple blood test called serum ferritin measures your iron stores. Keeping levels below 100 ng/mL, ideally between 20 and 40 ng/mL, helps protect your brain
Regular blood donation (two to four times yearly) is an effective strategy to manage iron levels and reduce stroke risk and severity

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14671,467 ratings

April 28, 2025

11 minutes

Story at-a-glance

Ischemic strokes block blood flow to brain cells, causing damage through three distinct cell death mechanisms, with iron overload playing a key role
Excess iron accumulation during strokes accelerates cell death, functioning like "gasoline on a fire" and worsening brain damage significantly
New research shows targeting iron-related cell death could lead to better stroke treatments that protect more brain cells from damage
A simple blood test called serum ferritin measures your iron stores. Keeping levels below 100 ng/mL, ideally between 20 and 40 ng/mL, helps protect your brain
Regular blood donation (two to four times yearly) is an effective strategy to manage iron levels and reduce stroke risk and severity

...more