The Ultimate Diet for Stroke Patients

 How stroke happen?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted. As a result, brain tissue no longer receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Once you start doing this, your brain cells begin to die, and you can suffer a stroke. There are also numerous types of strokes that can occur, and the patient will know what type it is after an examination. Therefore, the diet of stroke patients may differ depending on the type of stroke.

Best diet for stroke patients

A stroke patient's diet consists of low-fat and low-salt foods and plenty of fruits and vegetables. So that there are no risk factors for a second stroke. High cholesterol, high blood pressure and body fat are all risk factors.

People who have had a stroke may need to take medication. Some meals may not mix well with them. The doctor can advise you whether or not you should start a new diet.

You should talk with your doctor about how you eat on a regular basis because everyone has different dietary needs.

Superfoods for stroke patients

Here is a list of expert recommended list of foods for stroke patients:

1. Flaxseeds (Alpha-Linolenic Acid)

The diet of stroke patients should include plenty of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from flaxseed. ALA is a plant-derived, necessary omega-3 unsaturated lipid that is essential for you to consume. Your body cannot make ALA itself.

You need to take it in with food. As a result, ALA improves the function of brain-derived neurotrophic factors. In addition, it improves neuroprotection and neuroplasticity. ALA can help not only cure but also prevent strokes. This is crucial for people because people who have suffered a stroke have a higher risk of having another stroke.

2. Salmon (EPA)

Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids help normalize brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) levels and maintain the brain's ability to change. The diet of stroke patients is what you consume to help your body recover from a stroke. There is no question that getting nutrients from food is the best option. EPA is an omega-3 fatty acid that the body needs. Salmon and other fatty fish contain it. Since your body produces some of EPA itself, it is a good idea to supplement your diet with EPA -rich foods.

3. Blueberries (Flavonoids)

Blueberry flavonoids are known to promote the production of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factors). Could this be why blueberries help people think more clearly? If your doctor has prescribed a low-fat diet to help you manage risk factors for stroke, such as high cholesterol, blueberries could be an excellent addition to your diet.

4. Pomegranate (Antioxidants)

Pomegranates have a high content of cell-strengthening substances that protect you from injury, whether you consume them or drink their juice. The diet of stroke patients is based on a list of the healthiest meals, because people who have suffered a stroke can easily recover from severe damage. So pomegranates help stroke patients feel better.

5. Tomatoes (Lycopene)

The tomato became popular when it was discovered to be high in the antioxidant lycopene. It continues to be an excellent meal for stroke victims. It was discovered that lycopene helps protect the brain from damage caused by an ischemic stroke. While there are lycopene supplements, we believe tomatoes are the best source of lycopene.

6. Eat Nuts and Seeds (Vitamin E)

Nuts and seeds are high in vitamin E, which helps us fight cancer and think more clearly as we age. Despite the fact that further research is needed to demonstrate that vitamin E specifically helps people recover from a stroke.

7. Avocados (Oleic Acid)

The dark matter in your brain that processes data needs oleic acid to function properly, and avocados are rich in oleic acid. They also contain many cancer-fighting chemicals. Avocados can be beneficial for brain health because of their high concentration of cell-boosting compounds. Try adding a quarter of an avocado to your sandwich, salad or smoothie if you have a stroke.

8. Take Beans (Magnesium)

Magnesium protects the brain in a number of ways after a stroke. While further research is required to demonstrate that magnesium can benefit humans. Magnesium is on the list of substances that can help people recover from strokes because of its role in neuromuscular function. Beans are a good source of magnesium in a stroke diet. Some delectable ways to incorporate them into a stroke patient's diet.

9. Red Wine (Polyphenol)

People who consume a lot of alcohol, but not too much, have a decreased risk of having an ischemic stroke. However, it is unclear if the benefit comes from alcohol or red wine, which contains an essential polyphenol called resveratrol. When rats were given resveratrol, their levels of BDNF increased considerably. This adds red wine to the list of foods that aid recovery. A glass of wine a day may help you recover from stroke diseases.

What to avoid after a stroke

1. Salt: Excessive salt consumption might raise blood pressure. For the stroke patient's diet, you should check labels and pick foods with less salt. Don't use salt when cooking or at the table. Instead, utilize herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of your cuisine. Your taste receptors will quickly adjust if you progressively reduce the amount of food you eat.

2. Sugar: Too much sugar in the body can damage blood vessels. You should check food labels and pick items with less sugar. As a result, in the stroke patient diet, avoid sugar as much as possible.

3. Unhealthy fats: These cause an increase in cholesterol in your body. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated oils are the most important types of oils to consume. Try nut butter or avocados as part of a stroke patient diet.

4. Alcohol: One of the risk factors for having a stroke is high blood pressure. Excessive alcohol use also increases the danger. Healthy men and women should limit themselves to no more than two standard drinks each day. You can ask your doctor whether it is safe to resume drinking alcohol and how much you can drink, especially if you have had a stroke.

If you have had a stroke and are following the aforementioned diet, you may also practice stroke physiotherapy exercises to recover. If you have any questions about the exercises, visit your doctor.

References:

Stroke Risk Factors, Genetics, and Prevention https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5321635/

Risk factors, clinical presentations and predictors of stroke https://bmcneurol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12883-019-1409-0

Stroke Journal Articles https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/publications.htm

Primary Care of Adult Patients after Stroke https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STR.0000000000000382

Journal of Stroke https://j-stroke.org/

International Journal of Stroke https://journals.sagepub.com/home/wso

Diagnosis and management of acute ischemic stroke https://pn.bmj.com/content/20/4/304

Home Care https://www.thehealthscore.com/product/