Guide : Best Foods to Eat After a Stroke

Stroke is one of the most dreaded diseases there is, just like heart diseases. It happens when there is an inadequate blood supply to a portion of the brain, and it can happen to anyone at all, especially aged people over the age of 55 years.

After suffering stroke for the first time, your top health priority will be to avoid a recurrence. One of the most important things you can do to avoid stroke recurrence is to eat properly. Life after a stroke can be challenging, but eating properly can help reduce this challenge and also help you tackle other chronic diseases that come with old age.

Here are 10 superfoods that can help you stay healthy and avoid another stroke:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids

Not all fats are good for the health, especially when recovering from a stroke. As a matter of fact, you should avoid fats as much as possible, except omega-3 fatty acids. They have a long history of boosting stroke recovery.

According to scientific studies, it’s been proven that the Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content of omega-3 has brain protective powers. They also have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and they help to lower elevated triglyceride level (a stroke risk factor).

Some good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are

• Flaxseeds
• Salmon
• Brussel sprouts
• Beef
• Shrimps
• Soybean, etc.

If you’re struggling with finding a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, you can talk to a dietician or a doctor about it.

2. Pomegranate

The good thing about pomegranate with regards to this case of stroke is that it has high potent antioxidant content. This special content helps to protect you from any damage that may be caused by free radicals in the body if you eat a pomegranate.

Free radicals can affect your body in a whole lot of ways, but it is the brain that suffers the most. Since the effects of free radicals damage the brain more than any other part of the body, it will be wise to take food like pomegranate to help fight those radicals.

3. Nuts and Seeds

This is a good replacement for unhealthy snacks. You can take nuts and seeds anytime you feel like munching on something. They will not only satisfy your cravings, but they also have great benefits for your health, including stroke prevention.

Nuts and seeds are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that corresponds with less cognitive decline as you get older.

4. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are associated with a lower risk of stroke because of their high antioxidant content. This antioxidant, lycopene, can reduce the possibility of suffering a stroke by 55% as shown in a scientific study.

In addition to reducing the risk of having a stroke, lycopene also works to reduce your chances of stomach, prostate, and colorectal cancers. It helps you maintain strong bones, fight against the damages caused by smoking, reduce cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, and protects your kidney and eyes.

5. Garlic

There are a lot of health benefits of garlic:

However, many people do not know that some properties of garlic are very effective in managing stroke. Its antimicrobial properties are very good for stroke prevention.

One important thing to take note of when recovering from a stroke is to avoid anything that can cause a clot in the arteries (or go for anything that can remove clots in the arteries). Garlic is known to have active elements that reduce plaques or clots of blood in the arteries which naturally reduce the risk of stroke.

In addition, this food also has some blood thinning properties which promotes easier blood circulation in the brain. On the other hand, eating garlic regularly can help to lower blood pressure.

Note that it is not advised to take garlic if you’re on anticoagulant drugs.

6. Sesame seeds

This is another healthy meal that can help you recover and prevent stroke. And yes, it is a super food because it has a lot of other properties aside from aiding in stroke recovery and prevention.

Sesame seeds are valuable because of their high omega-3 fatty acid content and the ability to lower bad cholesterol. The omega-3 fatty acid content of sesame seeds protects the brain and lowers a stroke factor that can be triggered by an increase in triglyceride.

7. Walnuts

To say that walnuts are nutritious is a bit of an understatement because they are more than just nutritious. They have a whole lot of health benefits that can keep you away from suffering a stroke, and that is just the beginning of it.

Walnuts are rich in antioxidants, plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, and it reduces inflammation, supports weight control, reduces the risk of type-2 diabetes and cancer, and supports good brain function thereby reducing the possibility of suffering a stroke. Any food that can do all that is a superfood.

8. Beans and Legumes

After a stroke, the brain is stressed and needs to be taken care of properly to prevent another occurrence. Foods that benefit the brain, like legumes, play notable roles in boosting the health and power of the brain thereby reducing the risk of having another stroke.

It is known to deliver glucose to the brain to enable it to function properly. Eating beans quite often can help to stabilize your blood glucose level, and steady the supply of glucose to your brain; thanks to its high protein content.

Any of the following will do if you’re looking for a type of beans for consumption:

• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Kidney beans
• Peas
• Pinto beans
• Soybean
• Black beans, etc.

Legumes may be underrated by many other, but for a person who is trying to recover from a stroke, it should be a staple diet.

9. Avocados

Delicious avocados can minimize the risk of having a stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. After a lot of studies and researches, avocado can be said to have risen to the level of superfoods as a result of its effectiveness towards the well being of the human body. In addition to a lot of other health benefits, avocado boosts the brain power and helps you to think faster and effectively.

The stroke preventive abilities of avocado are linked to one of its nutritional contents known as oleic acid. This acid powers the grey matter in the brain which is responsible for processing information.

You can eat avocado in its raw state or you can eat it in the following ways:

• With bread as a spread
• Add it to your scrambled eggs
• With other fruits as fruit salad
• It can be used in soups

There are many ways you can enjoy your delicious avocado while recovering from a stroke.

10. Coffee and Green Tea

These world-class famous beverages can also help you reduce the risk associated with stroke. It contains a high level of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients; both of which are necessary for warding away stroke.

One thing most people know about coffee and green tea is that they can improve energy levels and make you smarter as a result of their caffeine content. This is very helpful to anyone recovering from a stroke seeing as one of the symptoms of stroke is a weak face, arms, legs, and other parts of the body.

Prevention is very critical if you want to fight stroke. It occurs without warning, so you need to keep up on your path by consuming a variety of whole plant-based foods, fewer animal products, and processed foods. It is advised to workout, take plenty of rest, and stay positive in order to stay healthy and stroke-free.