Stroke

Enhance stroke recovery and reduce risk of recurrence; diet affects weight, cholesterol and BP

Recommended For

Brain attack, Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), Hemorrhagic stroke, Intracerebral hemorrhage, Subarachnoid hemorrhage, Ischemic stroke, Thrombotic stroke, Embolic stroke, Transient ischemic attack.

Diet Goals

Lower stroke risk factors

  • Low salt diet to decrease BP
  • Low fat, low cholesterol
  • Nutrients to reduce stroke risk factors
Globally, one in four people over age 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime. Healthy lifestyle choices, mainly diet, decrease risk the most.

Food Recommendations

Foods to Eat

Fruits, Vegetables: Berries, avocado, leafy greens, carrots
Fish 2 x week: Salmon, bass, cod, crab, scallops, shrimp
Whole grains: Whole wheat bread & pasta, oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa, brown rice
Low fat dairy: Skim, 1% milk, yogurt, cheeses, buttermilk
Nuts, Seeds: Chia seeds, flax, pepitas, almonds, walnuts
Lean proteins: Poultry, white fish, low fat yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese, tofu, beans

Foods to Avoid

Fried foods: Pan fried or deep fried in hot oil or butter
Alcohol: Beer, wine, liquor, canned alcohol drinks
High sodium: Deli meat, soup, cheese, pizza, salty nuts & snacks
Saturated fats: Beef, lamb, pork, full fat dairy, butter, pastry, pie, biscuits
High sugar: Fruit yogurt, granola, energy bars; raisins, ketchup, pasta sauce
Processed foods: Fast or fried foods, packaged foods, frozen dinners, cakes

Diet Rules

Additional Information

Research

Diet is a major risk factor for stroke; healthy lifestyle choices reduce the risk of stroke by ~80%.
Research shows a Mediterranean-type diet may reduce risk for first ischemic stroke with an effect comparable to statin therapy.
Diet after a stroke is key to recovery; diet can help control BP, weight, reduce risk of having another stroke, and help with stroke therapy.

Caveats

Reduce risk factors of stroke: High cholesterol, high BP, high BMI, diabetes.
Saturated fat increases cholesterol level most; sodium affects BP most.
Sugar affects triglycerides most; also risk for diabetes; natural sugars in fruit safest; limit sugar intake.
Sodium affects BP most; low sodium foods + magnesium, potassium foods help lower BP.

References

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