I had a stroke 4yrs ago and paralyzed on my left side. What foods or ...

Food and lifestyle changes have a significant impact on recovering from stroke. Swedish researchers have found that including fruits and vegetables as a part of the stroke recovery diet is beneficial, since these are rich in antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and something called “oxidative stress” by counter-balancing the free radicals in the body. A research paper published in the journal “Stroke” found that fruits with white flesh are more effective in the recovery process: so do include apples, bananas, cucumber, and pears in your diet. Eat foods rich in beta-carotene (which are good antioxidants), such as carrots, mangoes, pumpkin, tomato, oranges, and spinach. Wholegrains are also a must in the diet for stroke patients since these help reduce hypertension significantly. It is now proved that moderate intake of tea is good for recovery since these have antioxidants as well. Consume low-fat dairy products. In addition, make sure that you eat a diet rich in vitamin E, which aids in blood circulation.

Avoid processed red meat, smoking, and alcohol. Fish (rich in omega-3 fatty acids) is good for your heart: these include salmon, tuna, herring, and sardines. Resort to home-cooked, non-spicy, and less-oil food only. These foods should also be less in sodium content, saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, unwanted calories, and sugars. Also, ordering a can of diet soda in place of sweetened beverages may not be a good option, particularly for those who are following a stroke recovery diet. According to a preliminary research on the link between diet soda and strokes, drinking diet soda leads to a greater risk for the people suffering from strokes.

Do simple exercises, as suggested by your physiotherapist. Good amounts of sleep and rest also help in fast recovery. In addition to all these, maintain a healthy body weight and keep a tab on your blood sugar, lipid, and blood pressure reports at regular intervals.

answered by A S

Diet for stroke patients