Look for a high-fiber, low-sugar variety which is multi-grained or whole wheat. Sprouted wheat, flax seed and low carbohydrate bread varieties are all excellent choices.
Whole grain breads and cereals are an integral part of a healthy diet, and studies have shown that they may reduce the risk of stroke. Try to consume 2-4 small servings per day.
Some foods to reduce or avoid include: highly processed baked goods, such as white bread, cakes, and pastries. foods high in saturated fats, such as red meat and full-fat dairy. foods that contain added sugars, such as sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, brown sugar, or molasses.
You should limit sweets, cakes, biscuits and processed and fatty meats. It's important to also switch the saturated fats in your diet for unsaturated fats and to reduce your salt intake by avoiding high-salt foods like processed meats, salty snacks and ready-made soups, as well as not adding salt to foods.
Low-Fat Dairy
Low-fat dairy products such as yogurt are also good food choices for senior stroke survivors. Rich in calcium, yogurt and other low-fat dairy products, such as ricotta and cottage cheeses and 2 percent milk, are well tolerated by most people, and they're easy to swallow.
Eggs are a beneficial source of protein for stroke patients. Eggs are soft and can be cooked in many ways, allowing them to be easily eaten by those who have difficulties with swallowing (dysphagia) after stroke.
Promote dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt which are high in calcium and have protein. Avoid low-calorie, low-fat and low-sugar foods as these are “empty calories”.
Foods high in potassium, such as sweet and white potatoes, bananas, tomatoes, prunes, melon and soybeans, can help you maintain a healthy blood pressure — the leading risk factor of stroke.
Soft Foods That Are Easy for Stroke Patients to Eat:
Yogurt: Yogurt is one of the best foods for stroke patients because it is very easy to eat and also a great source of protein and some yogurts contain probiotics which aid in digestive health.
Avoid Processed Foods, Salt, and Sugar
Processed foods typically contain a lot of sugar and salt, which may contribute to plaque buildup that can cause an ischemic stroke, says Chen.
In addition to whole-wheat varieties, pasta made from vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and beets is also a healthy choice for stroke survivors who are also managing their diabetes.
Your parent should avoid eating white rice and other refined carbohydrates while recovering from a stroke and instead choose healthy whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats.
If your loved one is really craving some sweets such as ice cream, it is ok for her to have reasonable quantities each day. As you try to manage the diet of your loved one, be sure that she is making her regular doctor visits and his or her orders are being adhered to as much as you can.
Be prepared. At home: Stock your pantry and fridge with quick, easy snacks: Fresh fruit, cut-up vegetables, plain popcorn, unsalted nuts, granola bars (make your own), and lower-fat yogurt and cottage cheese.
whole grain brain? The healthiest bread for you is 100% whole grain bread, with minimal sodium, saturated fat, and little to no added sugar. This could be whole wheat bread or whole grain sourdough bread. Whole grain breads provide essential nutrients that are lacking in white bread.
Avocados
The soluble fiber found in avocados regulates the body's use of sugars and lowers the blood cholesterol levels of senior stroke survivors. Avocados contain fiber, monounsaturated fat, minerals, and vitamins that keep the heart healthy.
The study found that people with the highest amounts of lycopene in their blood were 55 percent less likely to have a stroke than people with the lowest amounts of lycopene in their blood.
To recap, your best choices are hydrating beverages that contain minimal calories, sugar or salt. Reach for water, coffee or tea most often. And keep a water bottle handy – the visual cue reminds you to keep sipping.
This vegetable provides seniors with fiber, calcium, vitamins, and other minerals they need to manage diabetes and recover from a stroke. Broccoli can lower insulin levels and protect cells against free radicals. Your loved one should avoid eating broccoli sold in steam bags that need to be heated up before serving.
Bananas. One of the most common risk factors in the development of a stroke is high blood pressure. The mineral potassium is thought to have a positive effect on hypertension. Potassium-rich foods should be incorporated into your loved one's diet after he or she experiences a stroke.
Incorporating even small amounts of peanuts (4-5 peanuts/day) into your diet may be protective for ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease.
Limit foods which contain mostly saturated fats such as butter, cream, cooking margarine, coconut oil and palm oil. Limit foods and drinks containing added salt.
Alcohol can increase the impact of changes to speech, thinking, vision and balance caused by your stroke. If fatigue is an issue for you, alcohol may make it worse. Alcohol can interfere with some medicines.
In moderation, says UCLA neurologist Jeffrey L. Saver, caffeine intake is fine for patients who have suffered a stroke. But moderate is the key word here.