Which Foods Cause Elevated Stroke Risk?

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Cause Elevated Stroke Risk

The risk of stroke increases with age, but there are steps older adults can take to maintain good mental and physical health. Following a healthy diet is the best place to start, which includes avoiding foods that raise blood pressure and damage the brain. Take a look at some of the foods that could trigger a stroke and reasons your senior loved one should avoid these items.

Cakes and Donuts

Sweet treats are popular among all age groups because the sugar in these products can be highly addictive. However, pies, cakes, cookies, and donuts are high in trans fats, which raise LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL (good cholesterol). When this happens, your parent’s risk of stroke and heart disease increases. Your loved one can reduce these odds by limiting the amount of trans fats he or she consumes to no more than two grams per day. He or she should also eat foods high in low-density lipoproteins, such as fruits.

If your loved one needs help planning and preparing healthy meals, a professional caregiver can be a great source of support. In Barrie, senior home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Canned Soups

Processed foods such as canned soup contain too much salt. The extra sodium causes the body to produce and store more water, which leads to high blood pressure and heart disease and increases the odds of a stroke. If your loved one likes this type of food, he or she could purchase low-sodium options or make homemade soup and use healthy ingredients that decrease the odds of cardiovascular problems.

Red Meat

Eating steaks, sausages, and other red meats high in saturated fat could lead to a stroke. An elderly person who eats red meat is more likely to have an ischemic stroke because saturated fat causes blockages in blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. To prevent heart disease and keep your loved one in good mental and physical shape, encourage eating fatty fish and lean meats instead. Poultry, most fish, and meatless alternatives such as tofu, beans, and legumes are the healthiest sources of protein for seniors.

If you usually help your loved one plan and prepare nutritious meals but need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Barrie, ON, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

Potato Chips

These snacks are popular among aging adults because they’re accessible and tasty. However, eating potato chips increases the odds of a stroke in the senior years. The unhealthy snack contributes to weight gain and leads to blocked arteries. When blood and oxygen are unable to flow freely throughout the body, a brain attack, also known as a stroke, can occur. Therefore, your parent should look for healthy snack alternatives, such as fruits, kale chips, and veggies with low-fat dipping sauce.

Soda

In addition to eating nutritious foods, seniors should drink healthy beverages that keep them hydrated and protect their bodies against heart disease. For example, instead of consuming sodas and sugary drinks, your loved one should choose water, green teas, low-fat dairy products, smoothies, and natural juices. These items could lower the risk of dehydration, obesity, and stroke.

Homecare agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 647-970-3803.

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