Free delivery to Omniva parcels throughout the Baltics for purchases from 20 euros!Stroke and diet
Stroke is rather frequent condition which may entail severe and permanent complications and disability therefore healthy lifestyle is crucial to prevent it; however, if it has already happened, you must follow instructions of attending physician and rehabilitologist very thoroughly. The risk of stroke increases with each episode therefore healthy lifestyle and prevention play a crucial role in reducing the risk, in case a person has not done it before.
Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants which may help reducing vascular damage. They also contain potassium which may help control blood pressure.
Fruit and vegetable fibres may lower cholesterol levels. Folate (folic acid), which is found in green leafy vegetables, may reduce stroke risk. Wholegrains and cereals also contain fibres and folate.
Dairy products are another source of potassium, accompanied also by calcium, which may help controlling the blood pressure. Dairy product alternative, if a person has lactose intolerance, is calcium-fortified soymilk or rice milk. Other sources of calcium are fish, almonds and tofu.
If you had a stroke, you should limit intake of the following products:
- Salt. Excessive salt consumption may elevate blood pressure. When picking products, read labels and chose ones with lower salt content. Do not add salt when preparing or serving the meals. Instead use herbs and spices to enhance food’s taste. If you gradually reduce the salt intake, your taste buds will adapt to the new situation in few weeks.
- Sugar. Too much sugar can damage blood vessels. When picking products, read labels and chose ones with lower sugar content. Even if you don’t find a particular product to be sweet, it may have ‘hidden’ sugar, for example, ketchup. You should also limit intake of sweetened soft drinks, fruit drinks, vitamin waters, energy drinks and sports drinks.
- Saturated fats. They cause high cholesterol levels. One should limit foods with high levels of saturated fats, such as cookies, cakes, confectionery, pies, cold cuts, burgers, pizzas, fried food, potato chips and other spicy snacks. Saturated fats are contained also in butter, cream, margarine, coconut oil and palm oil.
- Alcohol. Alcohol abuse promotes several stroke risk factors – high blood pressure just being one of them. Healthy men and women should not consume more than two standard drinks per day. If you already had a stroke, your doctor would advise when it is safe to consume alcohol and what would be the harmless amount.
