Diabetic stroke survivors need to make sure they consume a healthy diet. Making the right food choices can help seniors maintain healthy blood glucose levels while keeping their blood pressure from getting too high. Here are some of the healthiest foods for diabetic stroke survivors.
Kale
Kale is considered a “superfood” because it’s dense in nutrients and has been shown to maintain healthy blood pressure while regulating blood glucose levels. Offer your senior loved one kale in soups and salads, and combine it with chicken, turkey breast, or tofu. Kale juice is also an excellent alternative to fresh kale, and it’s a good choice for seniors who are unable to tolerate the acidity of orange juice.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Richmond, VA, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place.
Herring
Herring is a fatty fish containing essential omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain and heart health. The omega-3 fatty acids in herring include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Everyone needs to consume healthy fats so their bodies function well. Herring also contains both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are thought to enhance cerebral circulation and maintain healthy blood glucose levels.
Pinto Beans
Pinto beans regulate blood sugar levels while satisfying the appetite. Eating pinto beans helps people lose weight and avoid high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. Pinto beans regulate blood glucose levels better than simple carbohydrates and other starchy foods because they have a low glycemic index. Consuming plant-based proteins such as pinto beans may also reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications and a second stroke.
Dietary issues can make caring for an aging adult after a stroke increasingly challenging. Families looking for top-rated senior care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Grapefruit
Citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, are high in vitamin C, potassium, and folate. They’re a low-carbohydrate food, and they contain healthy bioflavonoids and antioxidants, which may prevent free radical damage caused by strokes and diabetes. Grapefruit contains naringin and hesperidin, which are bioflavonoids thought to have powerful anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Grapefruit also boosts immune function, reducing the risk of infection. Certain anti-diabetic medications can suppress immunity, so consuming grapefruit and other citrus fruits, such as oranges, tangerines, and lemons, can keep your loved one healthy.
Kefir
Kefir is a potent probiotic that may have even more probiotic properties than yogurt. It can reduce cholesterol levels in diabetics, which can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Kefir also has strong antimicrobial properties, which are important because diabetics are susceptible to fungal infections of the mouth and tongue. Kefir also repopulates the gut with good bacteria, which can prevent constipation while promoting regular bowel movements in stroke survivors who have neurological deficits that affect the gastrointestinal system.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Richmond in-home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. To learn more about our premier in-home care plans, call us at (804) 207-4746 today.