What Foods Should Older Diabetic Stroke Survivors Eat?

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Best Food for Aging Diabetic Stroke Survivors in Edmonton, AB

If your senior loved one has had a stroke and also has diabetes, he or she may be unable to eat certain foods. A healthy diet is essential for stroke recovery and the management of high blood glucose levels. Here are some of the best foods for stroke survivors with diabetes.

Whole-Wheat Pasta

Refined pasta isn’t high in nutritional value. It’s low in fiber content and high in carbohydrates. Whole-wheat pasta contains more fiber, which is important for stroke survivors, who may experience bouts of constipation as a result of nerve damage, and it’s also a better glycemic choice for diabetics, as it prevents unhealthy spikes in blood sugar levels. In addition to whole-wheat varieties, pasta made from vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and beets is also a healthy choice for stroke survivors who are also managing their diabetes.

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. Edmonton 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.

Egg Yolks

While egg yolks were once considered unhealthy, they may prevent diabetes-related risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. Like salmon and nuts, egg yolks contain omega-3 fatty acids, are low in sodium and sugar, and are easy to chew and swallow. Although egg yolks may slightly raise the type of cholesterol known as “bad cholesterol,” they also raise “good cholesterol” levels that keep the heart healthy. Consumed alone or with egg whites, egg yolks may be one of the best foods for stroke survivors who have diabetes. Very versatile and soft, eggs can be eaten scrambled, hard-boiled, or fried with heart-healthy olive oil or a low-fat butter substitute.

Dietary issues can make caring for a loved one after a stroke increasingly challenging. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of at-home care. Edmonton Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.

Natural Applesauce

Unsweetened natural applesauce is low in fat and sugar and is a soft and refreshing treat for both stroke survivors and diabetics. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the unsweetened applesauce. Cinnamon has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics, and it also reduces cholesterol. Adding raisins, dates, or figs to unsweetened applesauce also enhances the nutritional value. Applesauce contains vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B-6, iron, and magnesium, all of which are essential for stroke survivors who have diabetes.

Sweet Potatoes

Unlike white potatoes, sweet potatoes are high in beta carotene and adiponectin, a nutrient that plays a role in the regulation of insulin. They’re also low in fat and sodium and are considered a “low glycemic” food, unlike white potatoes, which carry a higher glycemic load. High in disease-fighting phytochemicals and antioxidants, sweet potatoes are healthy for stroke survivors with diabetes. Your loved one should be able to chew and swallow sweet potatoes with ease, and sweet potatoes also go well with lean sources of protein such as chicken breast and turkey. Although sweet potatoes are good for stroke survivors with diabetes, they shouldn’t be loaded with butter and sour cream, as these high-fat products may partially negate the benefits of sweet potatoes.

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 homecare 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. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.

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