When an older adult is recovering from a stroke, proper nutrition is important to ensure they have the strength they need. It is also an important part of controlling blood pressure, managing weight, and reducing the chances of having another stroke.
What Foods are Part of a Healthy Diet?
What your older family member eats after a stroke can help to reduce the risk factors that may lead to another stroke, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. However, it can be hard for stroke survivors to get enough nutrition because of:
- Trouble swallowing.
- Difficulty using eating utensils because of problems moving hands and arms.
- Memory and other cognitive problems that can cause seniors to forget to eat.
- Lack of appetite.
Offering the older adult a variety of foods can help to ensure they get enough of all the nutrients they need. Food groups to include are:
- Grains: Choose whole grains whenever possible. At least half of the grains the older adult eats should be whole grains.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Offer a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables to provide as much nutrition as possible. Seniors should eat 5 to 7 servings each day. Also, include beans and legumes.
- Dairy: Dairy choices should be low- or non-fat. If the older adult has trouble digesting dairy, include other calcium-rich foods and talk to the doctor about using a supplement.
- Protein: Protein is available through poultry, meat, fish, nuts, beans, and some other plant sources. When choosing meats, look for lean cuts.
What Foods Should Stroke Survivors Avoid?
While eating a variety of foods is the key to good nutrition, there are some foods that should be limited or avoided, such as:
- Salt: Eating too much salt can cause blood pressure to rise. Check labels for sodium content and choose foods that are lower in sodium. Instead of adding salt to foods, use herbs and spices to flavor them.
- Sugar: Excess sugar can lead to damaged blood vessels.
- Saturated Fats: Saturated fats increase cholesterol levels. Look for healthy fat alternatives, like polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Nut butter and avocado are good sources of healthy fats.
- Alcohol: Drinking too much can cause elevated blood pressure and contribute to other risk factors for stroke.
Eldercare can help your aging relative to eat better following a stroke. Eldercare providers can assist the older adult to plan healthy meals that include lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eldercare providers can also drive the senior to the store and help them with grocery shopping. An elder care provider can even prepare meals and help the senior to eat if needed.
Sources
https://www.stroke.org/we-can-help/survivors/stroke-recovery/life-style/diet-and-nutrition/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/13486-eating-well-after-a-stroke
https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Help-after-stroke/Stroke-resources-and-fact-sheets/Diet-after-stroke-fact-sheet
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Huntley, MT, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Billings today at 406-839-2390.
