Scientists discover the body's built-in stroke repair (but here's how to make sure you never need it)  I always love stories that show the body's ability to heal itself, and here's another one. Researchers have just discovered a previously unknown mechanism through which the brain produces new nerve cells after a stroke. The findings, published in the journal Science, showed that following a stroke, support cells, called astrocytes, start to form nerve cells in the injured part of the brain. Just a little background: a stroke occurs when a blood clot gets stuck in a blood vessel and blocks blood flow to the brain. Without adequate blood flow, the brain experiences a shortage of oxygen. This lack of oxygen kills nerve cells. Which, in turn, results in the devastating effects most often associated with stroke: motor, sensory and cognitive problems. So this new discovery--that the brain has the ability to form new nerve cells to help repair the damage--is huge. Again, it's great to see evidence of what the body can do on its own. But there's still plenty you can do to support it. First of all, a healthy lifestyle (a nutritious diet that focuses on protein, healthy fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables) will ensure your body is primed and ready to heal itself when and if it needs to. But there are also some specific things you can do to help make sure it never has to repair stroke damage in the first place. In fact, one of the best--and easiest--ways to cut stroke risk is by taking a simple vitamin B supplement. Last year, a major meta-analysis involving 14 trials and some 55,000 older participants showed that a combination of B vitamins significantly reduced incidence of stroke. And, the longer patients took the supplements, the more stroke risk dropped. Don't get me wrong: It's wonderful to learn that the human body has such exciting potential to heal itself. But, as I always say, it's better to give your body what it really needs, so it can prevent problems in the first place--instead of testing its healing potential after the fact. Until next time, Dr. Fred Sources: "Big Intake of High-Fat Dairy May Be Protective for Diabetes," MedScape Medical News, 9/16/14 ( http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/831789) "A latent neurogenic program in astrocytes regulated by Notch signaling in the mouse." Science, 2014; 346 (6,206): 237 "Mechanism that repairs brain after stroke discovered." ScienceDaily, 10/10/14 (www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141010083859.htm).