Stroke and Nutrition

Nutrition

Your diet is an important part of your treatment after a stroke. Eating the right kinds of foods may help you feel better and get stronger. A well balaced diet helps your body build tissues that may have been harmed and also gives you energy.

How Can Stroke Affect Nutrition?

After a stroke:

• Parts of the body that are needed for eating, such as the mouth, throat and/or hands, may not work properly
• The taste of foods may change
• Keeping a desirable body weight may become a problem

Eating Better After a Stroke

Each person's diet has to be individualized based on the type and extent of the problems caused by stroke. Eating after a stroke may require:

• Using special utensils
• Making sure that dentures fit well
• Eating soft foods, which may be easier to chew and swallow

Preparing Foods After a Stroke

• Flavor your meat, chicken or fish by marinating and/or cooking in fruit juices, wines, dressing or sweet and sour sauce
• Use strong seasonings such as oregano, rosemary, basil or pepper
• Try tart foods such as oranges, lemons or lemonade
• Flavor vegetables with garlic or onion
• Eat foods at room temperature to enhance the taste
• Cook foods until soft and tender
• Cut foods into small pieces or process to a puree texture
• Liquids may need to be thickened or avoided altogether
• Mix food with gravies and/or sauces

Some examples of foods that may be tolerated well are: scrambled eggs, macaroni and cheese, stews, mashed potatoes, creamy soups, puddings, applesauce, hot cereal, milkshakes, cottage cheese and bananas.

Maintaining a Desirable Body Weight

To make sure that your weight does not become a problem:

• Eat a variety of foods
• Balance the amount you eat with the amount of energy you use through physical activity
• Choose whole wheat grains, vegetables and fruits
• Avoid high fat and fried fruits
• Limit your salt and sugar intake
• Drink alcohol in moderation

Remember: Each person has certain needs depending on his or her health and medical diagnosis.

A Registered Dietitian is part of the team of specialists who can help you achieve a satisfying and nutritionally adequate diet according to your health needs and food preferences.