Group of drinks millions consume found to increase stroke risk

Strokes can have several underlying causes. High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke. But high levels of blood sugar also pose a massive risk and as a result food and drinks containing lots of sugar may also pose a risk. New research that looked at over a million people found startling evidence that drinking beverages sweetened with sugar or other sweeteners – which can bump up your blood sugar levels significantly – increases your odds of getting a stroke.Strokes are when the blood supply to your brain is limited by blockages in your arteries.The brain is starved of oxygen, which can kill regions of the brain, including areas responsible for movement and thinking.It’s this damage that causes the recognisable stroke symptoms such as one side of the face drooping down.High blood sugar can increase the chances of blockages occurring. The American Stroke Association explains: ‘Over time, excessive blood glucose can result in increased fatty deposits or clots in blood vessels.’READ MORE: Dyschezia could signal spreading tumour of bowel cancer – sign that strikes on loo High blood sugar levels can increase your risk of stroke (Image: GETTY)’These clots can narrow or block blood vessels in the brain or neck, cutting off the blood supply, stopping oxygen from getting to the brain, and causing a stroke.’The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, found that ‘sugar-sweetened beverages [SSB]’ increased the risk of having a stroke by 10 percent.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: ‘Sugar-sweetened beverages are any liquids that are sweetened with various forms of added sugars like brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, raw sugar, and sucrose.’The study was a meta-analysis, meaning that it pooled together the data from dozens of large studies to find trends.DON’T MISS:Bob Mortimer admits he is ‘not very well’ – ‘It’s a real downer’ [CELEBRITY]Blood clots warning: Four types of drinks to avoid – can cause ‘hardening’ of arteries [INSIGHT]Three symptoms commonly appear a month before someone dies from a heart attack – study [SIGNS] Sugary and sweetened beverages are associated with a higher risk of diabetes (Image: Getty) Drooping on one side of your body is a common sign of stroke (Image: Getty)If you have diabetes, it’s important to be wary of the signs of a stroke. The earlier it is treated, the better your chances of avoiding severe consequences, including death.The most recognisable symptoms include slurred speech and drooping of one side of the face and body.Other symptoms include trouble walking, problems seeing out one or both eyes, and a headache.The NHS recommends remembering the word FAST, which stands for the following information:Face – the face may have dropped on 1 side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped.Arms – the person with a suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm.Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.Time – it’s time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.