Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and a growing number of studies have shown that what we eat can play a role in stroke risk. While some foods can help protect against stroke, others can increase our risk.
A stroke is a serious medical condition when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This can happen if a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or if it bleeds. Brain cells become oxygen-deprived and start to die if this happens. A stroke is a medical emergency and can cause lasting brain damage, disability, or even death.
You can reduce your risk of stroke by making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, and not smoking. You can also help lower your risk by knowing your blood pressure numbers and working with your healthcare team to keep them under control. If you’re looking for additional treatment options for stroke, you can check out clinical trials for stroke at Power.
Here are foods you need to avoid
There are certain foods you should avoid when it comes to stroke risk. A diet high in saturated and trans fats can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol and lead to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in your arteries. This can increase your risk of having a stroke. Here are some of the worst offenders when it comes to stroke risk:
- Processed meats.
According to the American Heart Association, processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli are some foods you need to avoid to lessen your stroke risk. These meats are high in sodium and saturated fat, which can increase your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and lead to a higher risk of stroke. These are meats preserved by smoking, curing, salting, or adding chemicals.
The new study found that even one serving of processed meat per day was associated with a 23% increased risk of stroke. The American Heart Association recommends that people avoid processed meats as much as possible to reduce their risk of stroke. If you can’t avoid them entirely, they suggest limiting yourself to no more than one serving per week.
If you’re looking to reduce your stroke risk, try swapping out processed meats for leaner protein options like chicken or fish and adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet.
- Trans fats.
According to the American Heart Association, trans fats are one of the worst types of fats you can eat. They raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower your HDL (good) cholesterol, which can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries. This can increase your risk of having a stroke.
There are a lot of processed foods that contain trans fats, so it’s important to read labels carefully. Some common foods that contain trans fats are:
-Cake
-Cookies
-Crackers
-Fried food
-Ice cream
-Margarine
-Potato chips
-Pizza
-Soup
Eating trans-fat-free is one small change you can make to help lower your stroke risk. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, check the labels and avoid foods containing trans fats.
- Refined carbs.
Refined carbs are found in processed foods like white bread, white rice, and pastries. They’re also sometimes added to foods that don’t traditionally contain carbs, like salad dressings and ketchup.
- Sugar-sweetened beverages.
These include sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks. There are a few different types of sugar-sweetened beverages to avoid, including sodas, sweetened teas, energy drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juices. Even though fruit juices may seem like a healthier alternative, they’re often loaded with sugar and calories. The best way to quench your thirst is with water or unsweetened beverages.
- Salt.
A stroke is a serious medical condition that can lead to death or disability. While there are many risk factors for stroke, including family history and age, diet is also a significant factor. Eating foods high in salt can increase your risk of stroke, so it’s important to be aware of which foods to avoid. This is found in processed foods and in many restaurant meals.
- Deep-fried foods.
Recent research has shown that there is a strong link between the consumption of deep-fried foods and an increased risk of stroke. These are also high in saturated and trans fats and can contribute to weight gain. While fried foods can be delicious, it’s important to be aware of their health risks.
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to avoiding deep-fried foods:
- Try to limit your consumption of fried foods to once a week or less.
- Opt for healthier cooking methods, such as baking, grilling, or stir-frying.
- Make sure to choose leaner cuts of meat and low-fat dairy products to help reduce your overall fat intake.
By following these simple tips, you can help reduce your risk of stroke and enjoy a healthier diet overall.
- Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure and lead to stroke.