Around the world, one of the most common diseases is considered to be diseases of the cardiovascular system, which include stroke. Proper nutrition after a stroke is very important for the patient. You can quickly get back on your feet and restore health by applying a special, therapeutic diet in the patient’s diet.
The basics of good nutrition after a stroke
Regardless of the severity of the disease, the patient's nutrition should be nutritious and balanced, at least 4-5 times a day, in small portions, the volume of which does not exceed 200-250 ml. (gr.). It should also contain a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals, which are very important for the restoration and strengthening of health and the immune system.
The daily calorie intake should not exceed 2500 Kcal, and it is advisable to bake or steam the dishes, but fried foods are contraindicated to the patient. It is recommended to eat every 3-4 hours, this will avoid a malfunction in the digestive tract.
To ensure normal and stable operation and proper functioning?
The menu should contain a sufficient amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates. If there is a violation of the swallowing or desired reflex, the food should be grinded, and a little warmed up before feeding the patient.
To accelerate metabolic processes in the body and improve blood circulation, it is necessary that the patient drank enough fluids - at least 1.5 liters per day. It can be like ordinary water, weakly brewed tea, juices and fruit drinks, compotes, infusions of medicinal herbs.
After a stroke, it is very important for a person to have a full diet so as not only to maintain and restore health, but also to prevent repeated exacerbations of the disease, as well as the development of new diseases.
That is why you should adhere to such recommendations:
• Reduce consumption of animal fats;
• Increase the content of vegetable fats;
• Minimize the consumption of light carbohydrates (flour products, potatoes, etc.), and include more complex carbohydrates - cereals, cereals and vegetables;
• The menu should contain a sufficient amount of protein;
• Limit the use of salt and sugar as much as possible.
About Prohibited Foods After a Stroke
When the term "diet" is used, associations about tasteless food immediately arise with very severe dietary restrictions. But this does not apply to the diet after a stroke - on the contrary, it should be complete. The only thing that is forbidden is the use of fried foods, and you need to limit the use of sugar and salt, try to fortify the patient’s diet as much as possible.
The main enemy of a stroke patient is cholesterol. It is its increased content that leads to the development of atherosclerosis, and stroke as a result. And cholesterol is found in large quantities in animal fats.
And excessive salt intake leads to a very high blood pressure, and for patients this is extremely undesirable. Therefore, it is necessary to limit its use to 3-4 grams. per day, and do not salt food during cooking, but add a ready-made portion.
Approximate daily menu of a stroke patient
Patients will not feel discomfort, as the menu after a stroke is balanced, satisfying and very tasty. And, of course, the dishes are easy to prepare and some exotic ingredients are not required for their preparation.
Breakfast - porridge in milk with the addition of dried fruits, fresh or frozen berries, weak green tea;
Snack - a little 5% of cottage cheese, compote or fruit drink;
Dinner - soup with chicken and cereal, a portion of baked vegetables, a drink;
Snack - steamed omelet, tomato salad with greens;
Dinner - steamed fish, a portion of rice with carrots, tea;
Before bedtime - fermented milk drink with biscuits or cookies, apple.
The most important thing is to encourage the patient to take food independently if possible, trying to help him if possible, until he alone can do without it. If the patient cannot take food on his own, you should adhere to the following recommendations:
• If possible, ensure a calm environment, eliminate distractions;
• Feeding should take place in a sitting position, it is possible to impose a pillow on the patient;
• For feeding, a small spoon is best suited, for example, a dessert (something between a dining room and a tea room);
• A straw or a special drinker with a spout is used for drinking.
All these recommendations are also suitable for feeding bedridden patients, not only after a stroke, but also with other diseases. It is worth remembering that the recovery process after a stroke is not a quick process, and proper nutrition plays an important role in it. That is why it is worth adhering to those recommendations that are prescribed by the attending physician.
