What should be included in post stroke diet

Infarction is a serious, potentially lethal episode, requiring immediate medical attention.

Although it occurs suddenly, it is essentially a consequence of a long-term disorder of vascular function, the so-called "atherosclerosis", which is closely linked to diet and lifestyle.

Thus, the adoption of healthy eating habits is an integral part of the instructions given to a patient after a heart attack, aiming at a faster recovery, as well as preventing the occurrence of a new episode in the future.

Below, you will find the main nutritional tips that a person who has had a heart attack should follow:

1. Enhance the intake of fruits and vegetables, emphasizing variety and intense colors. Target 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
2. Choose whole grain cereals (bread, toasted bread, nuts, breakfast cereals, pasta, rice) as compared to the processed ones.
3. Limit the intake of saturated fat by choosing milk, dairy products and low fat cheeses. In addition, reduce the consumption of red meat once a week and choose low fat meats.
4. Reduce the intake of trans fatty acids, avoiding eating fried foods, fast food meals and foods such as hard margarines, ready made cakes, croissants, biscuits and pastries, frozen desserts, pizzas and puff pastries, and savory snacks such as crackers and crisps .
5. Consume fish 1-2 times a week, choosing fish with high omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, anchovies, sardines, mackerel and tuna.
6. Choose legumes and greens 2-3 times a week.
7. Use olive oil as the main added fat in food and salads.
8. Reduce sodium-salt intake, limiting the added salt to food and avoiding foods rich in it, such as canned food, salty cheese, salami, sausages, pickled vegetables, ready-made juices / sauces / soups, salted snacks and salted dry fruits.
9. If you have an increased body weight, seek a gradual loss.