6 Healthy Food Choices to Boost Stroke Recovery
Diet plays a vital role in the stroke recovery process. Good nutrition can lower blood pressure levels, boost brain health, and reduce anxiety and stress, leading to a better quality of life. Take a look at some of the healthy foods senior stroke survivors need to add to their regular diets, along with the benefits each food provides.
1. Salmon
Saturated fat, typically found in sausages, steak, the skin on chicken, and other processed meats, can increase the risk of a recurrent stroke. Therefore, you should add more fatty fish to your senior loved one’s diet. Salmon contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which help older adults control their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increasing circulation and boosting heart health.
2. Quinoa
Stroke survivors need to consume adequate amounts of protein, but following a stroke they could experience swallowing and chewing problems that cause their protein intake to decrease. Quinoa is a good source of protein, and it can be easier for seniors to consume, compared to meats. The body uses the protein to produce healthy enzymes and chemicals that lead to stronger bones, better brain functioning, and a healthy weight.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of in-home care. Albuquerque Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
3. Nuts
Nuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, an element that can help the brain and arteries heal naturally. Nuts can also reduce plaque formation in the blood vessels, boosting the immune system and preventing a recurrent stroke. The best nuts for your loved one to eat while recovering from a stroke are walnuts and Brazil nuts.
4. Tomatoes
Whether your loved one eats tomato soup or adds fresh tomatoes to a salad, he or she can receive enough lycopene to reduce the damage caused by a stroke. Lycopene is an antioxidant that can protect brain cells, help with cell repair, and increase cell growth. Refrain from adding sugars when using the tomatoes to make other dishes, such as soup. The extra sugar can lead to poor circulation and damage the brain cells.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Albuquerque live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place.
5. Kale
This nutrient-dense vegetable contains many of the vitamins seniors need while recovering from strokes. For instance, the vitamin C found in kale can stop arteries from bursting and prevent a vitamin C deficiency, ultimately lowering the risk of another stroke. Kale also contains antioxidants that protect the brain, increasing focus, attention span, and learning abilities.
6. Blueberries
This nutrient-dense vegetable contains many of the vitamins seniors need while recovering from strokes. For instance, the vitamin C found in kale can stop arteries from bursting and prevent a vitamin C deficiency, ultimately lowering the risk of another stroke. Kale also contains antioxidants that protect the brain, increasing focus, attention span, and learning abilities.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted home care service provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate, professional care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 505-798-0800.
