Health Library

A stroke causes damage to brain cells, which can affect your ability to walk, talk, and eat. The effect of a stroke is different for everyone, and so is recovery.

Malnutrition can happen after a stroke. A good eating plan is important for your recovery because:

1. It can prevent malnutrition by ensuring that your body gets enough food and nutrients.
2. It can lower your risk of having another stroke.

Talk to a dietitian about healthy food choices and about the foods and nutrients you may need to prevent weight loss and muscle loss.

If you have trouble chewing and swallowing your food, you may need to work with a speech therapist to retrain the muscles that are used for eating.

What are tips for following this plan?

Reading food labels

a. Choose foods low in sodium. A good goal is to choose foods that have less than 300 milligrams (mg) of salt (sodium) per serving. Ask your health care provider how much sodium you should have.

b. Avoid foods that have high saturated fat or more than 5 grams (g) of fat per serving.

c. Avoid foods with trans-fat such as baked goods, fried foods, or processed foods.

d. Choose foods that are low in cholesterol. Limit the amount of cholesterol you eat each day to less than 200 mg.

e. Choose foods that are high in fiber. Eat 25–30 g of fiber each day.

f. Limit foods with added sugar. Aim for <30 g of added sugar daily. Check the food label and avoid foods that have:

1. Sugar
2. Corn Syrup.
3. Honey
4. Molasses.
5. Cane Juice.

Shopping

1. Buy fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables from the grocery store or local farmers markets.
2. Buy fresh seafood, poultry, lean meats, and eggs.
3. Buy dry grains, beans, nuts, and seeds.
4. Buy low-fat dairy products.
5. Buy whole ingredients instead of prepackaged foods.
6. Buy frozen fruits and vegetables in resealable bags.

Cooking

1. Prepare foods with very little salt. Use herbs or salt-free spices instead.
2. Cook with heart-healthy oils, such as olive or avocado oil.
3. Avoid frying foods. Bake, grill, or broil foods instead.
4. Remove visible fat and skin from meat and poultry before eating.

Meal Planning

1. Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Make sure one-half of your plate is filled with fruits and vegetables at each meal.
2. Eat fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium, such as:

Apples, bananas, oranges, and melon.

Sweet potatoes, spinach, zucchini, and tomatoes.

1. Eat fish that contain heart-healthy fats (omega-3 fats) at least twice a week. These include salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines.
2. Eat plant foods that are high in omega-3 fats, such as flaxseeds and walnuts. Add these to cereals, yogurt, or pasta dishes.
3. Eat several servings of high-fiber foods each day, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
4. Do not put salt on the table for meals.
5. If you have trouble swallowing:

Choose foods that are softer and easier to chew and swallow.

Cut foods into small pieces and chew well before swallowing.

Thicken liquids as told by your provider or dietitian.

Let your provider know if your swallowing doesn't get better over time.

Lifestyle

When eating out at restaurants

1. Ask the server about low-salt or salt-free food options.
2. Avoid fried foods. Look for menu items that are grilled, steamed, broiled, or roasted.
3. Ask if your food can be prepared without butter.
4. Ask for condiments such as salad dressings, gravy, or sauces to be served on the side.

General information

Involve your family and friends in your recovery, if possible. It may be helpful to have a slower mealtime and to plan meals that include foods everyone in the family can eat.

Brush your teeth with toothpaste twice a day, and floss once a day. Keeping a clean mouth can help you swallow and can also help your appetite.

Drink more water as told. If needed, set reminders or ask your family to help you remember to drink water.

If you drink alcohol:

1. Limit how much you have to:

               i.   0–1 drink a day for females.

               ii.   0–2 drinks a day for males.

1. Know how much alcohol is in your drink. In the U.S., one drink equals one 12 oz bottle of beer (355 mL), one 5 oz glass of wine (148 mL), or one 1½ oz glass of hard liquor (44 mL).

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.