A stroke happens when parts of your brain receive an interrupted or reduced blood supply. This causes issues as your brain tissue is then unable to receive the nutrients and oxygen that it requires to function properly, and brain cells can start to die within a few minutes. A stroke Is always a medical emergency that requires immediate care, but to many people, it may seem like an uncontrollable occurrence that happens out of the blue.
However, stroke prevention does not have to be hard. Amongst other more complicated habits like lowering your blood pressure, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and including certain types of food is an easy way to lower your chances of stroke. Healthy eating does not need to be hard, in fact, you probably already have some of the following foods in your diet.
Low-Fat Dairy
By choosing to replace your full-fat regular dairy products with low-fat alternatives, it can already make a big difference. Research has shown that it can result in an almost 12 percent decreased risk of both strokes and heart attacks. Another way to ensure that you are choosing the best option for your health is to look out for low-fat or other dairy products that contain extra minerals or vitamins that aren’t usually found in regular milk. The common additions are vitamin A and D which can both work to reduce the overall risk of stroke.
Whole Grains
Studies have shown that individuals who eat whole grains daily can have their risk of strokes and heart attacks lowered by 40 percent. This might seem weird considering that many popular diets today like the ketogenic diet and the Atkins diet actively discourage people from taking in more carbohydrates in their everyday meals. However, this is not necessarily accurate. As with all forms of dieting or healthy eating, moderation is key. Instead of eliminating an entire food group from your meals, consider choosing healthier alternatives instead.
Citrus
Citrus fruits are a sure way of brightening up your meal. Whether it is eating the fruit whole, making a juice, or just adding it into your meals for a vibrant splash of flavor and color, citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes in beneficial essential substances. They have been shown to be rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and really high levels of vitamin C. Flavonoids in particular have been shown to reduce the risk of stroke attacks by 19 percent.
Before you start on any drastic dietary changes, it is always beneficial to first check in with your medical provider or dietitian. Especially if you have underlying chronic conditions or dietary restrictions, there may be a list of foods that you will have to avoid such as gluten, excessive sugar, lactose, and others. With all these in mind, it can be hard to properly plan out each grocery trip when you have to intensively survey every ingredient list. It can be even harder to maintain a diverse variety of delicious and healthy food to look forward to every day.
If you are finding it hard to keep up with daily activities like cooking, it might be time to consider senior living options. Here at Discovery Village At Deerwood, our Sensations Dining program was introduced to reduce the worries surrounding your everyday meals. You will be able to have amazing food made with the best ingredients with the peace of mind that they will meet your dietary restrictions and preferences. To find out more about how we can make your life easier, contact us today.
