Stroke
Swallowing disorders:
Some people find that they may have swallowing difficulties after a stroke. If this applies to you it will be necessary to be assessed by a Speech & Language Therapist as they can identify those consistencies of foods and fluids that are safest for you to eat and drink. As a dietitian, once I have this information from the Speech & Language Therapist, I can advise you and / or your carer on how to achieve a nutritionally adequate diet, taking into account the consistency of the diet as advised by the Speech & Language Therapist. This would firstly involve an assessment of both the type of foods you are eating and the amounts together with any recent weight changes. Some people may find that with difficulties in eating they are not eating as much as they used to and they lose weight. In this situation, I can advise if additional supplements are necessary to maintain or gain weight.
The aim of nutritional advice is to support good nutrition while there are limitations on the consistency of foods eaten. If you have other difficulties after your stroke, for example difficulties in food preparation or shopping, these factors will be taken into account when considering your diet. I would advise on the preparation of the suitable consistency of foods and / or the purchase of meals and foods of the appropriate consistency.
For people with difficulty drinking ordinary fluids, the Speech & Language Therapist may advise thickening fluids. I can advise about availability of thickened fluids and assess and advise on the amounts of fluids required daily.
Diet after stroke – recommendations on healthy eating after stroke
Many people want to do what they can to have a healthy lifestyle after a stroke. A food and drink diary should be completed prior to the first appointment as this allows me to either, reassure you that you are eating well and within the current recommendations, or can highlight areas that you may benefit from changing to meet the recommendations as outlined below:
Link to downloadable food and fluid diary
Intake of fruit and vegetables – people sometimes do not realise that tinned fruit and dried fruit also count as a portion.
Fish intake - current recommendations are for all the population to eat 2 portions of fish per week, one of which should be an oily fish.
Saturated (animal fats) and keeping this intake low.
Salt intake – we know there is a link between salt and blood pressure and that high blood pressure can be a risk factor for stroke. Reducing salt intake may help to reduce blood pressure.
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