Cori Broadus, the 24-year-old daughter of rapper Snoop Dogg and his wife, Shante Broadus, shared on social media early Thursday morning that she suffered a stroke. In an Instagram story, she expressed her shock and emotions, saying, "I had a severe stroke this a.m. I started breaking down crying when they told me. Like I’m only 24 what did I do in my past to deserve all this."
It is not clear what caused Cori's stroke or what her current condition is. However, Cori, who was diagnosed with lupus (a chronic autoimmune disease) at the age of six, has had a health journey that has been marked by ups and downs. In 2021, she survived a suicide attempt, highlighting the mental toll of her condition.
Nevertheless, she found hope in September 2023 when she began taking a holistic approach to her health. She stopped taking medication and turned to natural remedies like herbs and sea moss, combined with a focus on fitness and hydration.
In a September interview with PEOPLE magazine, the media personality shared that she had been feeling "better than I’ve ever been" after taking an all-natural, holistic approach to her health.
"I’ve had medication since I was 6 years old, depending on these drugs all my life. So I wanted better for myself," she explained. "I wanted to change because it just became a lot. I’m only 24 years old, taking 10 to 12 pills every single day. So I kind of just went cold turkey."
“I started working out, drinking lots of water. So now I think my body's like, okay, this is the new program, and she's getting used to it,” she continued, noting she made the transition after the longtime use of medications made her “feel like I was going insane.”
Despite the progress she has made, Cori acknowledged that there was still more to do to improve her health.
“It's continuously a learning process because there's so much more I could be doing,” she explained, confessing that she struggled with “eating terribly” and “not getting the proper rest.” Understanding that her health couldn't do a “360 change”, Cori began to focus on the day-to-day progress instead of feeling overwhelmed.
“I have days where I'm sick, but I'm still blessed and able to do what I love to do and to tell my story,” Cori shared. “But then there's days I'm like, ‘Wow, I wish I wasn't sick. What would my life be if I was just a normal girl?’ It's part of being human. You're going to have bad days, you're not going to always have good days.”
Cori has also been open about her kidney health, sharing updates with her followers. Last February, she shared the results of her kidney biopsy, which showed that her kidneys were at stage 3 out of 5, indicating mild but still active disease. While this was better than stage 4, which would have required chemotherapy, Cori's doctors have been treating her condition aggressively to ensure her safety. She continues to undergo treatment and monitor her condition closely.
Despite her health challenges, Cori remains determined to prioritize her overall well-being. "I want to be okay," she told PEOPLE in September. "You’re not going to always be okay, and that’s okay because we’re human, but I want to be okay overall, mentally, physically. And we’re going to get there."
The Connection Between Lupus and Strokes
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and damage to various organs, including the brain. While strokes are not a common symptom of lupus, the disease can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, including stroke. This is due to lupus causing inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to the formation of blood clots that can block blood flow to the brain, resulting in a stroke.
Tips for Managing Lupus and Reducing Stroke Risk
For those with lupus, it's essential to be aware of the potential risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular disease. Managing lupus effectively through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular medical check-ups can help reduce the risk of complications such as stroke. Here are some tips for managing lupus and reducing the risk of stroke:
- Medication Adherence: Follow your doctor's prescribed treatment plan for lupus, which may include medications to control inflammation and prevent complications.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Regular exercise can also help improve cardiovascular health.
- Stress Management: Stress can trigger lupus flares and may contribute to cardiovascular problems. Practice stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or hobbies you enjoy.
- Regular Check-ups: Keep up with regular medical check-ups to monitor your lupus and overall health. Your doctor can assess your risk factors for stroke and provide guidance on managing them.
- Know the Symptoms: Be aware of the symptoms of stroke, such as sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If you experience any symptoms of a stroke, seek medical help immediately. Time is crucial in treating a stroke, and early intervention can improve outcomes.
