A neurologist has revealed the three things he avoids at all costs in a bid to reduce his chances of having a stroke.
Dr Bing’s advice went viral on TikTok, racking up 8.3 million views as he aimed to educate followers on the simple ways they can help ensure their health.
It all comes from years of experience for the double-board certified expert, and from seeing first-hand the common ways people risk their brain health.
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In the video – which was liked almost one million times and features on Need To Know – Dr Bing said there are three rules he has for himself – and recommended others follow suit.
The Michigan-US based medic said: “I’ve seen strokes happen this way.”
Some of them are even things many of us would consider very healthy…
YOGA
Now, for fans of the exercise, don’t panic: it’s not ALL yoga that Dr Bing is concerned about.
However, he says, certain poses can prove dangerous.
He explained: “Yoga overall is fantastic for health, but some poses that force the neck into extreme hyperextension or hyperflexion can be risky.
“In rare cases, which we have seen, these can lead to dissection, which is a tear in the vessel wall, and that can cause a stroke.
“So staying mindful of your neck position and avoiding extreme strain is very important in yoga.”
NO HEAVY LIFT STROKES AT THE GYM
When it comes to workouts, while many will assume getting in the gym and lifting weights is perfectly healthy behaviour, Dr Bing has issued a warning.
He said: “I don’t do a one rep max, or lift heavy weights while holding my breath.
“This is what we call a heavy lift stroke – where people lift heavy weights while holding their breath and perform a Valsalva manoeuvre.
“This can then spike systolic blood pressure to extreme levels – sometimes over 400 – and that is a massive surge of force on the blood vessels in the brain.
“I have seen this trigger blain bleeds.
“There are safer ways to build strength with controlled breathing and exhaling during exertion.
“Using submaximal weights with higher reps can get you strong without that extreme pressure spike.”
STRICTLY NO ENERGY DRINKS
For fans of sugary energy drinks, this one will come as an unpleasant surprise.
Dr Bing said: “I don’t drink energy drinks – I personally stick to simple coffee in the morning, because many energy drinks pack very high caffeine content, sometimes pushing or exceeding the recommended daily limit for most adults.
“Then you add other stimulants like guarana – which is another source of caffeine – and taurine, which can amplify effects.
“This combination can disrupt how blood vessels regulate themselves and can increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythms.
“Irregular rhythms can form clots, and those clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.”
Dr Bing noted that, besides strokes, he has also seen nerve damage caused by the excessive vitamin B in energy drinks.
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