What is Stroke?
Either a Blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds, resulting in a stroke, or there is a blockage in the brain's blood supply. Blood and oxygen are prevented from reaching the brain's tissues due to the rupture or blockage.
Stroke is the leading cause of death in the United States and other parts of Africa (Nigeria), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Brain tissue and cells become damaged and begin to die within minutes without oxygen.
Strokes come in three main varieties:
A blood clot is the cause of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which typically resolves on its own.
An artery blockage caused by either a clot or plaque is what causes ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke can have symptoms and complications that last longer than those of a TIA or may become permanent.
A hemorrhagic stroke is brought on by a blood vessel seeping into the brain either burst or leaking.
Symptoms Of A Stroke
A stroke occurs when the brain's tissues are damaged by a lack of blood flow. The body parts controlled by the damaged brain regions exhibit symptoms of a stroke.
The better the stroke patient's outcome, the earlier they receive treatment. As a result, knowing the symptoms of a stroke can help you act quickly. Symptoms of a stroke can include:
paralysis, numbness or weakness in the arm, face, or leg, especially on one side,
difficulty communicating with others, slurred speech, confusion, disorientation, or lack of responsiveness, sudden behavioral changes, especially increased agitation, vision problems, such as difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, vision that is blackened or blurred, or double vision, difficulty walking,
loss of balance, or coordination, dizziness, severe, sudden headache with an unknown cause, seizures, or vomiting,
Call your local emergency services right away if you or a loved one thinks they are having a stroke. The key to avoiding the following outcomes is prompt treatment:
brain damage, long-term disability, and death It's better to be overly cautious when dealing with a stroke; therefore, if you think you recognize the signs of a stroke, don't be afraid to get emergency medical help.
Stroke: What causes it?
The type of stroke determines the underlying cause. There are three main types of strokes:
- and transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Other types of strokes can be further subdivided into these categories, including:
thrombotic stroke, embolic stroke, intracerebral stroke, and subarachnoid stroke. Your treatment and recovery process are influenced by your type of stroke.
Ischemic stroke
Ischemic stroke The arteries that carry blood to the brain narrow or become blocked in an ischemic stroke. These obstructions are caused by blood clots or severely reduced blood flow to the brain. They can also be caused by plaque fragments breaking off and obstructing a blood vessel.
Ischemic stroke can be caused by either of two kinds of blockages:
When a blood clot forms in another part of the body, typically the heart or arteries in the upper chest and neck, and moves through the bloodstream until it hits an artery that is too narrow to allow it to pass, this is known as a cerebral embolism, also known as an embolic stroke.
The clot becomes stuck, preventing blood flow and resulting in a stroke.
When a blood clot forms at the fatty plaque within the blood vessel, cerebral thrombosis, also known as thrombotic stoke, occurs.
Ischemic strokes account for 87% of strokes, according to the CDC.
Transient ischemic attack
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a ministroke or transient ischemic attack, is characterized by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain.
The symptoms resemble those of a complete stroke. However, when the blockage moves and blood flow is restored, they typically last only a few minutes or hours.
A TIA typically results from a blood clot. A TIA is a warning sign that a stroke might occur, even though it isn't technically a full stroke. As a result, you should avoid ignoring it. Seek treatment in the same way that you would for a major stroke and seek immediate medical assistance.
More than a third of people who have a TIA but don't get treatment have a major stroke within a year, according to the CDC. Within three months, 10% to 15% of people who have a TIA have a major stroke.
Stroke with hemorrhage
This type of stroke occurs when an artery in the brain ruptures or leaks blood. The blood that comes from that artery puts too much pressure on the skull and makes the brain bigger, which hurts the brain's cells and tissues.
Intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhagic strokes are the two types:
The most prevalent type of hemorrhagic stroke is an intracerebral hemorrhage. After an artery bursts, it occurs when blood fills the brain's surrounding tissues.
It is rarer to have a subarachnoid hemorrhagic stroke. Between the brain and the tissues that cover it, it causes bleeding.
Stroke Risk Factors
Some risk factors make you more likely to have a stroke. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's identifies the following risk factors for stroke:
Diet
An unbalanced diet can make you more likely to have a stroke. This kind of diet has a lot of:
You might like all about Unsaturated Fats, benefits and more
Less active
Inactivity can also increase the risk of stroke.
There are numerous health benefits to regular exercise. Adults should get at least 2.5 hours of aerobic exercise each week, according to the CDC. This might just entail going for a quick walk a few times a week.
You might like all about aerobic exercise
Excess alcohol drinking
The risk of stroke also rises with heavy drinking of alcohol.
Drink in moderation if you do. For women, this means no more than one drink per day, and for men, no more than two drinks per day.
Consuming a lot of alcohol can raise blood pressure. Additionally, it may increase triglyceride levels, which may result in atherosclerosis. Plaque builds up in the arteries, which makes the blood vessels narrow.
Smoking Tobacco
use of tobacco also increases the risk of stroke because it can harm the heart and blood vessels. Additionally, smoking raises blood pressure.
Personal history
You cannot control certain stroke risk factors, such as:
Family history
High blood pressure and other genetic health factors increase the risk of stroke in some families.
Sex: The CDC says that while both men and women can get strokes, women are more likely to get them than men in all age groups.
Age: A stroke is more likely to occur in older people.
Identity and ethnicity: Compared to other racial groups, African Americans, Alaska Natives, and American Indians are more likely to suffer a stroke.
Previous medical conditions have been linked to stroke risk. These are some:
- a history of stroke or TIA
- heart conditions
- coronary artery disease
- and blood clotting disorders
How to Avoid a Stroke
Changes in lifestyle can't prevent all strokes. However, many of these adjustments have the potential to significantly reduce your risk of stroke.
The following are some of these changes:
Give up smoking: If you smoke, stop now to lower your stroke risk. You can talk to your doctor about making a plan to quit.
Avoid alcohol: Consuming a lot of alcohol can raise your blood pressure, which in turn can make you more likely to have a stroke.
Reach out to your doctor for assistance if reducing your intake is difficult.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity and excess weight raise the risk of stroke. Eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly to help you control your weight. Both actions have the potential to lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well.
You might like best exercises for weight loss
Get regular checkups: Discuss with your doctor the frequency of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other conditions examinations. They can also give you advice and support as you make these changes to your lifestyle.
You can improve your stroke prevention by taking all of these steps.
Diagnosis
Upon receiving a diagnosis of stroke, your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and what you were doing at the time. To determine your stroke risk factors, they will examine your:
You will also have a physical exam, during which your doctor will evaluate you for:
Your doctor will then perform certain tests to help confirm a stroke diagnosis, such as:
- balance and coordination weakness
- numbness in your arms, face, or legs
- symptoms of confusion, and vision problems.
They can use these tests to help figure out if you had a stroke and, if so:
what might have caused it, which part of the brain is affected, and is there bleeding in your brain?
Dietary Management
Foods that boost Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) are the best for stroke recovery. The brain-dwelling neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that encourages neuronal connections and helps new brain cells (neurons) grow. This is very important for the process of neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to rewire itself after a stroke or other injury.
Because neuroplasticity is activated by exercise and massed practice and helps you recover lost skills after a stroke, your therapists require you to perform highly repetitive rehab exercises. Eating foods that increase the production of BDNF can also enhance the effects of neuroplasticity, which is activated by consistent practice.
Again, before making any changes to your diet, always consult your doctor or dietitian. They can help make sure that any conditions you already have or stroke risk factors like high blood pressure aren't getting worse.
The following are some of the best foods for stroke recovery:
Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon (EPA)
support neuroplasticity and the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. EPA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in salmon and other fatty fish. Even though the body makes some EPA on its own, more EPA can help people recover from strokes. In fact, you can get it naturally from food, making it one of the best vitamins for stroke patients.
Whole grains
like quinoa, which are derived from plants, have been shown to lower the risk of stroke in studies. Quinoa is a well-liked type of whole grain. Quinoa has all of the amino acids needed to make a complete protein and is high in fiber. The body can't make complete proteins on its own because it needs them to make new cells and repair old ones. As a result, quinoa easily makes this list of stroke patients' favorite foods.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a great source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that your body cannot produce on its own. Because of this, ALA can only be obtained through diet. ALA boosts neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, according to a recent study. This is very important for people who have had a stroke and are more likely to have another one.
Vitamin E from Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a good source of vitamin E, which has been linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline as we get older. Due to its antioxidant properties, which shield cells from damage caused by free radicals, vitamin E also aids in stroke recovery. Additionally, vitamin E aids in cognitive enhancement.
Eggs
For stroke patients, eggs are a good source of protein. Because they are soft and can be cooked in a variety of ways, eggs are easy for people who have dysphagia (inability to swallow) after a stroke to eat. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, eating eggs may also assist in preventing another stroke. In point of fact, additional research demonstrated that consuming one egg per day can assist in lowering the risk of stroke by 12%.
Avocados
The brain regions involved in information processing rely on oleic acid to function at peak efficiency. After a stroke, this is a great nutrient to include in your diet, especially if you have trouble thinking clearly.
Avocados, a food high in oleic acid and a great source of antioxidants, are one example. Studies showed that the exceptional cell reinforcements in avocados may likewise be compelling neuroprotective specialists. Try topping your sandwich, salad, or smoothie with a quarter of an avocado.
Oil Olive
Increasing the amount of apolipoprotein, a blood-based protein, in your body is aided by olive oil. This protein's high levels can help lower heart disease risk. Be mindful so as not to overconsume olive oil since it contains supportive supplements for stroke recuperation. Olive oil, on the other hand, can be an excellent choice for salad dressing and cooking.
Yoghurt or skim milk
yogurt is an excellent protein and calcium source. You can include it in your breakfast or use it as a snack. Additionally, Greek yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health and may also lower the risk of stroke in the future.
Additionally, Greek yogurt is a softer option for stroke patients who may have trouble swallowing or chewing. But if you have trouble swallowing, you should work closely with your Speech-Language Pathologist to make a safe list of foods that you can eat.
Green Tea
Caffeine is a habitually discussed point in the stroke recovery field. Caffeine should be avoided if you have high blood pressure because it causes a brief but significant rise in blood pressure. This is a great illustration of the significance of consulting a dietitian or doctor before making any dietary changes.
Due to its high antioxidant and flavonoid content, green tea is a healthy option for survivors who still desire caffeine. According to an American Heart Association study, stroke survivors who consumed several cups of green tea per day had a 62% lower death risk.
Vegetables
Vegetables are, without a doubt, an essential component of a well-balanced and healthy diet. Because they are excellent sources of protein, potassium, and iron, legumes are a class of vegetables that are excellent for stroke recovery.
After a stroke, beans, lentils, and peas are all good legumes to include in your diet. Magnesium, which is particularly abundant in beans, aids in neuroprotection. Additionally, legumes can be used to make burgers without meat or to add them to soups and stews.
How can someone with swallowing difficulties eat well?
- It is simpler to swallow liquids that are thicker in consistency.
- To meet your fluid requirements, drink eight cups of liquid each day.
- Foods that are very warm and cold make swallowing easier.
- To meet nutrient requirements, consume small meals frequently throughout the day.
- Consume foods that are moist, like sauces and casseroles.
You might like clear liquid diet
Food for Stroke Patients with High Blood
Pressure Pre-existing health conditions like high blood pressure can make it more likely that a person will have a second stroke. As a result, if you want to control your blood pressure, it's important to be careful what you eat. Limiting one's intake of certain foods high in sugar or salt is especially important for stroke patients.
Salt (or sodium) can make your blood pressure go up and make you more likely to have a stroke. Some researchers suggests consuming something like 2,300 mg of sodium each day. While this might appear as though an enormous sum, it can rapidly be consumed particularly through canned soup and handled meats.
Patients who have had a stroke and high blood pressure should also limit or avoid sugar if at all possible. Sugar can damage blood vessels and raise the risk of stroke when consumed in excess. Sugar overconsumption can also lead to diabetes and weight gain, which is another risk factor for stroke. As a result, it's important to limit foods and drinks with a lot of sugar.
In addition, cutting back on sugar may be difficult for some stroke survivors. Fortunately, there are a number of fruits that help satisfy sweet tooth cravings because they contain natural sugar.
You might like all about natural sweetener
Another type of drink that raises blood pressure is alcohol. Additionally, excessive drinking raises a number of risk factors for stroke. After a stroke, inquire with your doctor about when and how much alcohol you are allowed to consume.
Ask your dietitian for a list of foods that can help stroke patients recover.
Although the above list of foods that can help stroke patients recover is supported by clinical evidence, it is important to talk to your doctor or dietitian before making any changes to your diet. They are able to evaluate any existing health conditions and ensure that your choices are appropriate and safe.
You might like who is a registered dietitian and nutritionists
We hope this article helped you understand why it's important to cut back on salt, sugar, and saturated fats while still eating a lot of other healthy foods that help with stroke recovery.
