Stroke Diet

DEFINITION

A Post-Stroke Diet will need to be individualised for people with conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol/hardening of the arteries, diabetes etc. Generally, the Post-Stroke Diet is low in salt, fat and cholesterol. Stroke survivors may have special needs which also should be considered.

DESCRIPTION

-Recent clinical data suggests that a diet high in red and processed meats, white flour, sweets and desserts may increase Stroke risk, whereas a diet higher in fruits and vegetables, fish and whole grains may protect against Stroke.
-People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, bowel and bladder function and other medical complications will require individualised diets following a Stroke.
-In general, the diet following a Stroke should be low in salt, fat and cholesterol.
-It is important to maintain a healthy weight.
-Some people will have chewing or swallowing difficulties after having a Stroke. It is important that they continue to eat a variety of nutritious foods and not the same easy-to-eat foods repeatedly. They may also need to be monitored so they do not choke on their food.
-Loss of appetite may occur for a number of reasons, including lack of desire for food, lack of taste sensation, fear of choking because of chewing/swallowing problems, mouth discomfort from ill-fitting dentures or medication. Carers should provide constant encouragement in these instances.
-Special utensils which make eating easier are available for physically impaired Stroke survivors.
-Visual perception may be impaired following a Stroke. Carers should encourage Stroke survivors to look for all the food on their plate.
-Eating meals may take longer following a Stroke. The frequency of meals may need to be increased if assistance is required at each meal time.

SAMPLE MEAL PLAN

The following meal plan has been recommended for this condition:

BREAKFAST

1. 1 - 1 1/2 cups rolled oats porridge (blend if necessary) or oat flake cereal or semolina with added oat bran and raw wheatgerm and low fat milk or soy milk.
Progress to toast with mashed sardines.
2. Half -1 cup stewed or pureed fruit or fresh fruit juice.
Herbal tea, tea or coffee (thickened if necessary).
Water in between meals.

MORNING TEA

Mashed banana or pureed peaches or pears with low fat yoghurt .
Progress to pieces of fruit with low fat yoghurt.
Fruit juice, herbal tea, tea or coffee.

LUNCH

1. Vegetable soup (low salt) with added kidney beans or 3 beans. Blend if necessary.
2. Mashed sardines.
3. 1 cup mashed potato or sweet potato.
Progress to rice or pasta or bread.
4. Plenty of vegetables, mashed or pureed as required.
5. 1 cup stewed fruit.

AFTERNOON TEA

Semolina or rice pudding made with low fat milk.
Progress to pieces of fruit with low-fat yoghurt.
Fruit juice, herbal tea, tea or coffee (thickened if necessary).

DINNER

1. Low-salt vegetable soup (blended if necessary).
2. 120-150g tender, lean mince or chicken with low salt gravy
or 1 - 1.5 cups salmon or tuna mornay on low fat milk
or 2-3 scrambled eggwhites.
3. 1-2 medium potatoes or sweet potato, mashed with low fat milk
or well-cooked rice.
4. Plenty of vegetables, mashed or pureed.
5. 1 cup stewed or canned fruit with low fat yoghurt.
Herbal tea, tea or coffee.