6 Healthy Foods to Eat After Having a Stroke

Senior stroke survivors need to make significant changes to their everyday lifestyles during the recovery process, including changes to their diets. Eating healthy foods can help seniors lower their blood pressure and cholesterol and boost their cardiovascular health. However, they often need encouragement and assistance to maintain a nutritious diet. Here are some of the foods your elderly loved one should eat while recovering from a stroke.

1. High-Fiber Cereal

Whole-grain cereal varieties are the best types of cereal for senior stroke survivors to eat. The soluble fiber found in cereal can prevent strokes. Steel-cut oatmeal flavors are also healthy choices. For a nutritional boost, serve almond milk with the cereal. The antioxidants in almond milk fight against the toxins that clog up the arteries and damage the heart and the brain.

2. Lean Protein

Avoiding pork and red meat can help your loved one remain healthy while recovering from a stroke. Lean meats such as chicken, salmon, and low-mercury varieties of fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in saturated fats, which limit cholesterol levels. Stroke recovery may go smoother if your loved one lowers his or her cholesterol, and it can also prevent a second stroke from occurring.

If your loved one needs help recovering from a stroke or reducing the risk of future strokes, consider hiring an in-home caregiver. Families shouldn’t have to worry about finding reliable home care. Montgomery Home Care Assistance is a leading provider of elderly home care. We offer a proprietary program called the Balanced Care Method, which uses holistic methods to promote senior health, our caregivers and Care Managers are available 24/7, and all of our in-home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

3. Fruits and Vegetables

Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables your loved one eats can lower his or her blood pressure and enhance his or her small vessel function. The flow of fluids from blood vessels to body tissues need to remain healthy, and eating fruits and vegetables can boost microvascular function. The best fruits and vegetables for your loved one to eat while recovering from a stroke include:

• Apples
• Citrus fruits
• Leafy vegetables
• Pears

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

4. No-Salt Seasoning

Skip the processed and packaged foods that typically have high salt content. Cutting back on sodium can lower your loved one’s blood pressure. Hypertension is one of the major risk factors associated with strokes. By consuming less than 2400 milligrams of salt each day, your loved one can maintain normal blood pressure and a healthy heart. Make sure your loved one’s meals are cooked with salt-free seasonings, and use herbs, spices, or fruit juices to add flavor to foods.

5. Beans

Eating beans can provide senior stroke survivors with the potassium they need to remain healthy. Potassium rids the body of sodium and lowers blood pressure levels. The potassium your loved one receives from eating beans could relax his or her blood vessels. Having more potassium could also prevent your loved one from experiencing another stroke in the future.

6. Low-Fat Dairy Products

Low-fat Greek yogurt, milk, cheeses, and other low-fat or fat-free dairy products are ideal foods to eat for stroke management. The calcium in these foods can help your loved one lose weight. Obesity has been linked to strokes and other cardiovascular issues. However, if your loved one can maintain a body mass index of 25 or less, he or she can increase the chances of remaining healthy post-stroke.

Helping with stroke recovery is just one of the challenges you may face as a family caregiver. For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Montgomery Home Care Assistance is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break. To speak with one of our dedicated Care Managers, call (334) 593-3988 today.