A stroke is a brain injury caused by the sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain. It’s often a result of blockages in blood vessels, heart disease, or other conditions. Strokes can result in paralysis, cognitive impairment, and emotional distress. In general, stroke is considered the third leading cause of death in the United States. When a stroke occurs, and the blood vessels that supply your brain aren’t blocked, your chance of fully recovering from it can be good.
Top Fruits for Stroke Patients:
Maintaining a healthy diet during stroke recovery requires supplementing your food intake with the right kind of essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some fruits that will help a patient recover from a stroke.
1. Avocadoes
If you love avocadoes but don’t eat them often, you can replenish your intake by consuming them in smoothies. One avocado blended with a cup of yogurt and a banana is all it takes to get your nutrition dose of folate. Folate is essential since it’s a water-soluble B vitamin that serves as a coenzyme in converting amino acids to glucose. It’s necessary if you’re a stroke survivor since it can reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Oleic acid found in avocadoes helps areas in your brain responsible for processing information to work optimally.
2. Blueberries
These tiny but nutrient-rich fruits are a superfood for their anti-inflammatory properties, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Your brain requires anti-inflammatory agents to heal from the damage caused by stroke. Blueberries also contain flavonoids that help improve communication between your brain cells. They also contain quercetin, which has been shown to protect your brain from inflammation and swelling.
3. Pomegranate
Pomegranate contains an enzyme that helps your brain rid itself of the iron deposits accumulated due to the stroke. Pomegranate is also a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C, which adds to your overall antioxidant activity in the body. Folate found in pomegranate helps your body produce the protein necessary to repair damaged blood vessels.
4. Citrus Fruits
Oranges, kumquats, lemons, grapefruits, and limes are all citrus fruits you can eat during recovery. These fruits contain antioxidants and nutrients that help reduce the risk of stroke. Citrus fruits also reduce the stiffness of blood vessels, thus allowing blood to flow freely through them. Vitamin C in citrus fruits helps your body produce collagen, which is essential for tissue repair.
Foods That Aid Recovery
1. Salmon
Salmon is rich in selenium, a trace mineral known to lower the risk of stroke. Selenium deficiency can lead to a buildup of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood arteries, leading to clogged arteries and increasing your risk for stroke. Omega 3 fatty acids are also abundant in salmon. These healthy fats have been linked to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
2. Nuts and Seeds
Like walnuts and flax seeds, nuts and seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids that help balance your lipid profile. Your lipid profile indicates your risk for stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases. Nuts are also a good source of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure. It also aids in normalizing your heartbeat and prevents the formation of clots in your blood vessels.
3. Eggs
Egg yolks are a great source of choline, which your brain needs to prevent the buildup of fluid in and around your brain. Choline helps improve memory and learning capacity.
4. Yogurt
Yogurt is a good source of protein that helps improve your body’s healing ability. Yogurt also contains probiotics, which are live microorganisms that aid in the breakdown of food and reduce the risk of some diseases.
5. Whole Grains
Whole grains, like brown rice and whole wheat, contain various nutrients that are good for recovery. The fiber found in whole grains is good for lowering your cholesterol levels and reducing your risk of stroke. Whole grains contain vitamins and minerals like magnesium, niacin, selenium, and zinc.
6. Olive Oil
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which help lower triglycerides, a common blood lipid. Monounsaturated fats also help improve your body’s ability to use insulin and maintain normal blood pressure.
Foods Stroke Patients Should Avoid
High blood pressure is a pre-existing condition that you need to treat with the help of a certified nutritionist—Flintrehab provides neurorehabilitation guidance of this kind. High blood pressure can increase your risk of a second stroke and other vascular problems. Improving your diet and nutritional intake may be enough to bring your blood pressure under control. Stroke patients with high blood pressure should avoid:
1. Salt
Salt raises blood pressure levels in your body by increasing your blood volume. It also causes water retention, which increases the blood pressure in your arteries.
2. Sugar
Sugar has a lot of calories. Overeating sugar is a quick way to gain weight. This, in turn, can lead to increased blood pressure levels and other health problems like diabetes and stroke.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol can cause fluid retention, which leads to much higher blood pressure. Alcohol also speeds up your heart, increasing the risk of a second stroke.
Conclusion
Stroke survivors should avoid unhealthy and processed food and drink. By following a healthy diet, they can better their recovery and lessen their risk of suffering from a second stroke. Healing is highly possible, and with the aid of neuroplasticity, you can regain your cognitive functions slowly.