BBC Doctor Warns About Popular Drink Linked to Increased Stroke Risk - OK! Magazine

A BBC resident doctor has raised the alarm over common habits that could up the risk of stroke, singling out a much-loved beverage for scrutiny. Appearing on BBC Morning Live on Tuesday, 1 October, Dr Xand van Tulleken warned viewers that strokes are becoming more widespread, with older age being a major component. Yet, he emphasised it's not solely about getting older and that modern UK life habits play a significant part too.

Dr Xand pointed out the lifestyle culprits, saying: 'All of those things are associated with life in the modern UK and as those things go up, so does our risk of a stroke' and highlighted one drink particularly, noting that 'particularly fizzy drinks are associated with a high risk'.

According to the NHS, a stroke is a grave medical situation threatening life itself, happening when blood supply to part of the brain stops. This event can impact basic abilities such as talking and moving, and recovery may be extensive.

Artery health is crucial, Dr Xand elaborated, since fragile and easily irritated arteries can make clots more likely, with multiple risk factors able to harm arterial health, reports the Daily Record.

In an eye-opening account, one viewers recounted her partner's experience with a stroke that broke from the standard warning signs. In response, Dr Xand underscored its significance, recommending everyone memorise the acronym FACE, symbolising Face, Arms, Speech, Time.

He warned that while these symptoms might indicate many strokes, they only represent 85 per cent of cases since a stroke can occur in any area of the brain. He added for clarity that, 'all strokes are different'.

A stroke's effects vary widely because it can influence any part of the body depending on which brain blood vessels are blocked. Highlighting the most crucial message, he advises everyone, 'The key point is if you think there is something wrong with your brain, talk to your doctor. It is a medical emergency.'

Dr Xand's warning comes after he and his wife Dolly welcomed a baby beautiful boy, Rex, earlier this year. The little one made his first on-screen appearance and was introduced as the 'newest member' of the Morning Live family back in April as he snoozed in his TV star dad's arms.

Dr. Xand held his son up to the camera for viewers to see and said, ever since his arrival, things have been 'absolutely extraordinary' and that they're in a 'baby bubble'. He added: 'Dolly has been amazing... she's been up feeding and figuring everything out.'