Stroke: Three key dietary choices to avoid another brain attack

Fibre: Why it is a key part of a healthy diet

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“Healthy eating can improve your health and reduce your risk of having another stroke,” the experts at the Stroke Foundation said. So what does that entail? Firstly, it’s important to include plenty of vegetables of different types and colours. Sticking with the notion that variety is key, a healthy diet to help minimise another stroke risk is to eat different fruits.

“Fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants, which can help reduce damage to blood vessels,” the Stroke Foundation pointed out.

“They also contain potassium which can help control blood pressure.”

The fibre in fruits and vegetables can also lower cholesterol.

Furthermore, folate – found in green leafy vegetables – could reduce the risk of stroke.

The third key dietary choice is to “drink plenty of water” throughout the day.

Other dietary guidelines to minimise another stroke risk includes eating lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts, seeds, legumes and beans.

Wholegrain contains fibre and folate, thereby further minimising the risk of a brain attack.

There are certain foods you need to stay away from too, especially those high in saturated fats.

Foods high in saturated fats:

• Biscuits
• Cakes
• Pastries
• Pies
• Processed meats
• Burgers
• Pizza
• Fried foods
• Potato chips
• Crisps.

In order to eat healthily, it also pays to limit foods and drinks containing added salt or sugar.

Examples include: cordials, soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, and sweets.

“Too much salt can raise your blood pressure,” the Stroke Foundation elaborated.

“Don’t add salt when cooking or at the table. Use herbs and spices to increase flavour instead.

“If you reduce your intake gradually, your taste buds will adjust in a few weeks.”

Meanwhile, too much sugar can also damage blood vessels.

In an attempt to abstain from another stroke, it is more safe to avoid alcohol completely.

Drinking alcohol can contribute to a number of stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure.

Following a stroke, your doctor will advise you if, or when, you are able to consume alcohol.

“Healthy men and women should have no more than two standard drinks a day,” the Stroke Foundation added.

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