According to the National Stroke Association, one in four stroke survivors will have another stroke at some point in their lives. A nutritious diet is essential during stroke rehabilitation, according to medical experts, to help the body heal and stop another stroke from happening. After a stroke, a senior loved one's body and brain can recover with the aid of a healthy diet rich in nutritive foods. A list of healthy foods that seniors can and should eat while recovering from a stroke has been put together by the reputable La Mesa in-home care providers at Coast Care Partners.
1. Salmon (EPA)
Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and promote neuroplasticity. Fatty fish like salmon contain an omega-3 fatty acid called EPA. While the body produces some EPA on its own, increasing EPA can help during stroke recovery. In fact, it is one of the top vitamins for stroke patients that can be consumed naturally through your diet.
2. Eggs
Eggs can be beneficial to stroke survivors in two ways. If they have difficulty chewing and swallowing during stroke recovery, eggs are a soft protein that may be easier to consume. Additionally, eggs may prevent a second stroke from occurring. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that eating one egg per day reduced stroke risk by 12 percent.
3. Blueberries
Blueberries are high in polyphenols, an antioxidant that can protect the brain from stress. These berries also promote the creation of a protein known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which helps the brain form new cells.
4. Olive Oil
If your loved one’s doctor has recommended cutting out saturated fats, olive oil is a healthy replacement. Olive oil increases the amount of apolipoprotein A-IV, a protein found in the blood. High amounts of this protein are linked to lower stroke risk.
5. Nuts and Seeds (Vitamin E)
Nuts and seeds are a good source of vitamin E, which is associated with lowering the risk of cognitive decline with age. Vitamin E is also beneficial for stroke recovery because of its antioxidant properties that protect the cells from free radical damage. Vitamin E also helps improve cognitive function
6. Quinoa
Quinoaa is often called a “superfood” because it contains all of the amino acids necessary to form a complete protein as well as being high in fiber. A study done by Harvard University found that eating one serving of quinoa a day reduced the risk of a stroke by 17 percent.
7. Greek Yogurt
After a stroke, some seniors have a difficult time consuming the nutrients they need, which can cause a delay in recovery as the body is malnourished. Greek yogurt is a healthy source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. It’s a good breakfast or snack option for seniors who are having difficulty with chewing and swallowing.
8. No-Salt Seasoning
It’s critical to keep blood pressure at a healthy level to allow the cardiovascular system and brain to heal and prevent future strokes from occurring. Salt causes the tissues in the body to swell and retain water, raising blood pressure levels. Seasoning foods with herbs and no-salt seasoning can reduce water retention.
9. Fruit
Seniors with a sweet tooth may have a difficult time cutting back on sugar after a stroke. Eating fruit can curb sweet cravings. Citrus fruits, which are high in flavonoids, can reduce stiffness in blood vessels and help them heal, which may prevent future blood clots from forming.
10. Green Tea
Pre-existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure, increase the risk of having a second stroke. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of the foods you include in your diet to help manage blood pressure. It’s especially important for stroke patients to limit the consumption of certain foods that contain excessive salt and/or sugar. Salt (sodium) can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends consuming no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.
While this may seem like a large amount, it can quickly be consumed especially through canned soup and processed meats.
Sugar is another ingredient that stroke patients with high blood pressure should limit or avoid if possible. Excessive amounts of sugar can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke. Excess sugar can also cause diabetes and weight gain, which is another stroke risk factor, therefore it’s crucial to limit high-sugar foods and drinks.
Additionally, some survivors may struggle cutting back on sugar after a stroke. Fortunately, there are various fruits that contain natural sugar that can help satisfy sweet cravings.
Alcohol is another type of drink that contributes to high blood pressure. Excessive drinking also increases a variety of stroke risk factors. Ask your doctor when it is safe for you to have an alcoholic beverage after a stroke and how much you are allowed to drink.
Avoid These Foods During Stroke Recovery
While not all stroke patients may struggle with high blood pressure, it’s essential for all survivors to avoid certain foods that can interfere with recovery. Studies have shown that saturated fats and excessive amounts of sugar can reduce the production of BDNF, neuroplasticity, and learning.
This means foods high in saturated fats and/or sugar can impact your brain’s ability to strengthen and create new neural pathways. Saturated fats, which are commonly found in fried foods and red meat, can also contribute to high cholesterol, which is a stroke risk factor. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid eating saturated fats and find healthier alternatives such as fish, nuts, and avocados.
Now that you know the best foods that help stroke recovery and what foods to avoid, you may wonder, what is the best diet for stroke patients? Let’s take a look.
What Is the Best Diet for Stroke Patients?
While the list of foods above provides many benefits, it’s important to create a diet that works best for you. Your doctor or dietitian can provide guidance on what foods to eat or avoid based on your unique medical history and any preexisting health conditions.
They may also recommend starting with simple, heart-healthy diets.
For example, the Mediterranean Diet and the DASH Diet are two diets that have been found to protect against neurodegenerative diseases and other conditions such as stroke. The Mediterranean Diet is a primarily plant-based diet that encourages the consumption of healthy fats, such as fish and olive oil, as well as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Another great diet for stroke patients is the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH Diet).
The DASH Diet focuses on managing dietary changes that are flexible and nutritious while staying within the daily recommended intake of sodium, which helps manage blood pressure. The Mediterranean Diet and the DASH Diet are ranked number 1 and 2 respectively by the U.S. & World Report as the best diets to engage in.
Finally, the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, or MIND Diet, has also been clinically proven to improve stroke recovery. It’s a simple hybrid of the two diets that encourages the consumption of 10 food types (such as green vegetables, berries, and beans) and discourages 5 food varieties (such as margarine, cheese, and pastries).
The MIND Diet also helps manage certain stroke risk factors such as atherosclerosis and obesity.
The foods included in these diets closely resemble the list of foods in this article. Whether you choose to follow a formal diet or simply include more foods from this list, you can give yourself an edge over certain stroke risk factors while promoting recovery.
if you are not getting it well about the stroke recovery, try and consort your doctor for more tips and treatment before it is too late .