Stroke Therapy class: Nutrition

Rehabilitation Center of Mechanicsburg

Introduction: What is a Stroke?A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blood clot or a burst blood vessel.

● 780,000 strokes occur in the United States every year.● Strokes are the leading cause of disability and the third

leading cause of death in American adults● Most victims are unaware of their common

susceptibility

Are Strokes Preventable?YES. These are common risk factors you can avoid to help prevent strokes:● Smoking● Hypertension/High Blood Pressure● Diabetes● Hyperlipidemia/High Cholesterol● Abdominal Obesity● Heart Disease

Prevention is Key● Know your blood pressure● Stop smoking● If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation● Treat elevated cholesterol● Control diabetes● Exercise daily● Eat a sensible diet

Q: What do these factors all have in common?A: Nutrition

Dairy• Milk: Skim or 1%• Cheese: low fat/low sodium versions• Yogurt: Non-fat or Low-fat• Cottage Cheese: Non-fat or Low-fat• Ice Cream: Low-fat

Protein• Beef or Pork: lean cuts• Poultry: remove skin• Fish: choose salmon/mackerel/fresh tuna• Egg substitutes• Dried beans and peas

Keep in mind:● Cut of meat – the leaner the better● Portion size – limit to 3 oz● Preparation – bake/broil/roast/grill

Combination Foodsi.e. soups and stews casserole frozen entrees supreme pizza stir fry

Check food labels for:• Calories• Fat content• Sodium content

Grains● Cereal, bread, rice, pasta, oatmeal, tortillas, etc.● White vs. Wheat

o The benefits of fiber● Avoid baked goods

with hydrogenated oilor saturated fat

Fatsi.e. Pastries, oils/dressings, nuts, candy, butter, etc.

● Choose: Soft or liquid margarines/

vegetable oil spreads Low-fat salad dressings

● Avoid: Solid cooking fats Tropical oils Hydrogenated oils

VegetablesChoose Lower Sodium Varieties• Fresh• Frozen • Canned

FruitChoose Lower Sugar Varieties• Fresh• Canned• Juice

Contains virtually no fat or sodium

SeasoningsChoose lower-sodium varieties

Better yet, use fresh herbs and spices instead● Garlic, onion, pepper, chive● Thyme, basil, parsley, cilantro, oregano● Cayenne, chili powder, cinnamon, nutmeg

Quick Tips● Don’t keep a salt shaker on your kitchen table● Use measuring cups when adding sugar, oils,

butter, etc.● Stay hydrated● Keep healthy snacks individually portioned and in

sight● Take 15 seconds to read all food labels