It’s important for seniors recovering from strokes to maintain optimal nutrition. Strokes can impair chewing and swallowing functions, which may diminish the appetite. Here are some foods that are helpful during stroke recovery because they reduce the risk of a second stroke, are well tolerated, and are easy to chew and swallow.
Sardines
Fatty fish such as sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to play a role in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes. Sardines are well tolerated by stroke survivors with chewing and swallowing deficits. However, before offering them to your senior loved one, make sure to remove any bones that may be present in them.
Also, before encouraging your loved one to consume large amounts of sardines or other fatty fish, talk to his or her doctor. Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods can interact with aspirin or other anticoagulants, raising the risk of abnormal bleeding.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of homecare services. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
Tomatoes
Rich in lycopene and vitamin C, tomatoes are helpful during stroke recovery. The nutrients found in tomatoes may lower total cholesterol levels, decrease blood pressure, and enhance renal function so the risk of a second stroke decreases.
If your loved one has difficulty with chewing or swallowing, remove the tomato’s skin so it doesn’t get caught in the throat. Also, if your loved one has lower gastrointestinal issues such as diverticulosis, eating foods containing seeds may cause abdominal pain.
Steamed Broccoli
High in vitamin C and a good source of fiber, steamed broccoli is a good food to eat during stroke recovery. When broccoli is steamed, it can be easily chewed and swallowed, and while cooking broccoli too long may diminish its nutritional value, a quick steam may not cause the vegetable to lose too many nutrients.
If your loved one has difficulty digesting roughage-rich foods, he or she can still eat broccoli. However, don’t offer large portions. Eating too much broccoli may cause abdominal cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.
Also, if your loved one’s physician has prescribed anticoagulants to lower the risk of a second stroke or heart attack, ask if broccoli consumption is safe. Broccoli contains vitamin K, which can diminish the effectiveness of certain prescription anticoagulant medications.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Home Care Naples families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber, which can facilitate an optimal pattern of bowel elimination. Bowel function may be impaired after a stroke, which can cause severe constipation and, in some cases, a painful fecal impaction.
Whole grains are also essential during stroke recovery because they’re high in thiamine and folate (important B vitamins) as well as magnesium. It’s thought magnesium may lower blood pressure and promote a healthy cardiovascular system, which can reduce the risk of a second stroke. 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. Naples, FL, 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. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Assisting Hands Home Care today.
