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A stroke occurs when something blocks the blood flow to your brain. You might be familiar with the symptoms of stroke, such as weakness in one arm, facial drooping (especially a lopsided smile), an inability to raise your arms evenly, and trouble with speaking.
If you or anyone you know suffers from any of these symptoms, it’s time to get immediate medical attention. The sooner you get treatment for a stroke, the better your outcome will be. When seconds matter, use a medical alert button to get help fast.
According to the Medical University of South Carolina, about 75% of strokes occur in seniors aged 65 and older. Only about one in five strokes are fatal.1 That means that if you get to the hospital in time, clot-busting drugs that work wonders for strokes can reverse much of the damage done by the blockage of blood flowing to the brain.
The CDC reports that more than half of stroke survivors face issues with mobility during recovery, which can lead to a greater risk of falls – that’s why a fall detection alert for elderly adults is such a good idea.
But there are other physical changes as well, such as difficulty with swallowing. This can lead to more problems, as a lack of good nutrition might make it more difficult for healing and recovery.2
What’s the Best Nutrition for Stroke Survivors?
A good diet can help reduce your risk of having another stroke. The American Heart Association has specific food recommendations for stroke survivors:3
· Choose a wide variety of vegetables. Non-starchy vegetables are the best for recovery, as they are low in calories yet high in fiber and contain the vitamins and minerals you need to become stronger. If you choose canned or frozen veggies, look for those with no added salt.
· Eating a good variety of fruit is just as important as the veggies. You can eat fresh, frozen, or canned – just make sure there is no added sugar. Look for fruit packed in 100% fruit juice or water.
· Look for 100% whole grains, including brown rice, quinoa, barley, and oats. Select pasta made with whole grains as well.
· Lean proteins are the best option, including poultry (without the skin) and extra-lean cuts of beef. Look for meats with very little fat and prepare them in ways that don’t need much butter or oil.
· Fatty fish is rich in omega-3s, which can help your brain repair the damage from a stroke. Plan to eat fish at least twice a week. The best options include salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, and sardines.
· Be careful of the fats you include in your diet. Healthy fats, like olive and avocado oil, are good for you. Others, such as bacon fat and lard, definitely not so much.
But you might be wondering what to do if you can’t yet eat the foods listed here. For many stroke survivors, chewing and swallowing food is challenging at first. That can make it tough to get the nutrition you need during a crucial time of recovery.
The recipe modifications below will help you get good nutrition as you regain your strength.
Staying safe in the kitchen is imperative for everyone, but might be even more concerning for those who are recovering from a stroke. For instance, if your hands no longer work as well, you might need adaptive utensils and knives to avoid injuring yourself.
If you are suffering from the lingering effects of stroke, now is the time for a button alert. Medical alert technology can provide you with the peace of mind that if you require any assistance, you can get the help you need right away.
Recipe Modifications for Stroke Survivors
The best recipes for stroke survivors take into account the ability to swallow after a stroke. The difficulty with swallowing is called dysphasia, and it affects more than 50% of stroke survivors. Fortunately, most cases resolve within a week or two, but some seniors might notice that their difficulty in swallowing can last for many months.4
The good news is that you don’t have to give up the foods you love. You just might have to modify them a bit. Here are a few examples.
· Scrambled eggs. This classic dish can be modified in dozens of ways, from adding a variety of spices to incorporating bits of tomatoes, green onions, and even tiny bits of ham. Add low-fat cheese as a nice treat.
· Oatmeal. This is a blank canvas for all the flavors you love. Instant oatmeal provide a quick meal and can be thinned out to the desired consistency. This is perfect for adding spices, small bits of softened banana, and even add-ins like pumpkin puree.
· Yogurt parfait with fruit. Yogurt is an ideal food for stroke survivors, and it has the added bonus of going well with just about any fruit. When you add in strawberries, peaches, and more, make sure to mash them well with a fork before incorporating. A pre-made fruit compote is ideal for this.
· Baked salmon with herbs. Tender, flaky salmon can easily be taken in very small bites, but it can also be mashed to create a sort of pate that works well as a topping for soft bread or easy-to-chew crackers. Use whatever herbs you like, but try to avoid those that have “sprigs” that could get caught in your throat, such as rosemary or thyme.
· Tuna salad. Canned tuna is an excellent way to get the good omega-3s your brain needs while ensuring you can eat a hearty dish with little difficulty. As you mix the tuna with add-ins of your choice, make sure everything incorporates fully and the veggies or additional condiments are finely chopped.
· Chicken. This is one of the most versatile foods out there, serving as a canvas for a wide variety of flavors. Chicken can be shredded (especially when prepared in a slow cooker), cut into tiny bites, or even mashed with a fork before adding to a salad or other dish.
· Chili. Speaking of versatile, there are few recipes as easy to modify as chili. You can base the consistency on what you can swallow safely. A chili that is made with ground beef might be very agreeable. Make sure any beans or bits of onion or tomato can be mashed easily with the back of a spoon.
· Meatloaf. This old-fashioned dish can be made with almost any sort of protein, including ground pork, lamb, chicken, or beef. To make sure it’s incorporated very well, use a food processor or even a blender to puree the meat and other ingredients to the desired consistency, pour into a loaf pan, and bake. Strain away the excess fat before serving.
· Potatoes. This is another food that is a blank canvas for delightful flavors, and it can be served in many ways. Mashed is among the most popular ways to serve them. Want to be even healthier? Go with cauliflower instead of potatoes.
Any of these recipes can be pureed to the consistency you need. This might not give you the texture you love, but it will certainly give you the good flavor and nutrition you want.
Make Life Easier in the Kitchen
When you’re preparing meals on your own after a stroke, there are some things you can do to make sure your kitchen is not only safe, but allows you to make meals with less effort.
· Select pre-cut and pre-chopped foods. Yes, they are more expensive, but they save a great deal of time and energy.
· Rubber grip pads under your cutting boards or mixing bowls can keep them securely in place.
· Consider utensils with rubber grips or adaptive handles. You can also use food processors and blenders more often.
· Look for can and jar openers that allow for one-handed operation and no twisting or turning.
· Keep a chair nearby in the kitchen so you can take frequent breaks.
· Install your microwave at counter-height to make it easier to use.
· Wear a medical alarm at all times, just in case you need help immediately.
To improve your health outlook, try to manage any chronic conditions you may have, eat healthy and do the exercises your doctor allows, lose weight if you need to, stop drinking alcohol, smoking and vaping, and know the signs of stroke so you can get help fast. Alert1 can be your constant companion during recovery, giving you peace of mind that you can always get help right away, 24/7.
