Dietary Guidelines for Stroke Prevention

Overview

A healthy diet plays a crucial role in preventing stroke by managing key risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Key Dietary Recommendations

1. Reduce Sodium Intake

• Limit daily sodium to <2,300mg
• Choose fresh foods over processed options
• Read nutrition labels carefully
• Use herbs and spices instead of salt

2. Increase Potassium-Rich Foods

• Leafy greens
• Bananas
• Sweet potatoes
• Yogurt
• White beans

3. Mediterranean Diet Components

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Whole grains
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Fish (2-3 times per week)
• Limited red meat

4. Foods to Limit

• Saturated fats
• Trans fats
• Processed meats
• Sugary beverages
• Alcohol

Practical Implementation

Daily Targets

• 4-5 servings of vegetables
• 4-5 servings of fruits
• 6-8 servings of whole grains
• 2-3 servings of lean protein

Meal Planning Tips

• Prepare meals at home
• Use portion control
• Plan meals in advance
• Stay hydrated with water

Expected Benefits

• Lower blood pressure
• Improved cholesterol levels
• Better blood sugar control
• Healthy weight maintenance

Consult your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if you take blood thinners or have other medical conditions.