Food Challenges for the Stroke Survivor

Thanksgiving is not only about gratitude but a holiday that centers around food.  But what if you have a loved one with food and diet challenges, how do you navigate not only Thanksgiving but also daily meal preparation.  In our home, the challenge is that ‘nothing tastes the way that it uses to or just tastes bad” So how do we navigate this issue, this week, let’s explore some of the most common food and diet issues that you may encounter and what others have tried and has worked for them.

Common food challenges post stroke for the survivor.

1.        Eating difficulties such as unable to swallow or inability to feed themselves.

2.      Diet changes that need to be made but difficult to institute

3.      Loss of appetite, no energy or desire to eat

The above list is common concerns that have been either experienced by me or shared with me.  Each situation is different and the issues you encounter may be different.  On my Facebook page “Stroke and the Spouse Caregiver”, many of the members share challenges and solutions that have helped.  Put your concern on the site and you will be pleased with the support provided.

Eating Difficulties

If your loved one has trouble swallowing such as choking, gagging while eating or coughing when eating, a few tips that might help.

• Stick to soft foods - If you want to try tougher foods, cut them into small pieces or chop them in a blender to make them easier to chew.

• Thicken fluids – Although fluids are critical to prevent dehydration, water and other fluids can go down the wrong pipe. Talk with your MD but adding tapioca, matzo meal, cornstarch, banana or potato flakes can thicken the fluid.

• See a speech therapist – The therapist can provide exercises to strengthen tongue and mouth muscles, recommend alternatives and medications that can help.

Another difficulty experienced is problems using utensils.  When Rick first came home this was an issue but post PT and OT, this did improve.  A stroke can weaken muscles which makes using knives and forks harder. A few tips that might help.

• Flatware with larger and thicker handles. 

• Plate guards that help the SS to scoop the food against a wall on the plate while eating with one hand

• Rubberized pads- so that the plate or cup does not move.

• Many of these items can be specially ordered but I found that going to the baby/children’s section has many items that are helpful and much cheaper.

Implementing diet changes

This was so hard in my home.  The recommendation was for a Mediterranean Diet.  I bought cookbooks and looked online.  After spending hours prepping meals, he did not like the food and would not eat.  Ideally, making a diet change should be much easier but my experience with SS is that it is not.  What I learned …

• Make one or two changes at a time.  Remove food they should not have and add a food choice on the new diet.

• Avoid trying new recipes, look at the recipes that you both have enjoyed and then adapt to the new diet needs.

• Make breakfast the main meal of the day.  By evening they tend to not want to eat as much.  Make the last meal easier, a sandwich or cereal.

• Buy pre-cut, pre-washed fruits and veggies. It can make prepping and eating these nutritious foods a breeze.

• Ask friends and family members to make dishes that you can freeze and reheat on those days when you’re too pooped to cook.

Loss of appetite, no energy or desire to eat

Post stroke, the SS may not feel as hungry as before.  Their activity level has decreased, and they may not feel like eating.  The part of your brain damaged by the stroke can affect your sense of taste and smell.  To increase their appetite, I tried the following.

• Choose foods with strong flavors. Look for options that are low in saturated fat and salt, like citrus fruits, herbs, and spices.

• Select colorful foods like salmon, carrots, and dark green veggies that might look more appetizing. These foods also are full of heart-healthy nutrients that will lower your risk for another stroke.

• Eat high-calorie foods in your meal first. If you’re truly not hungry, also try a liquid supplement for added energy and nutrients.

• Exercise lightly, such as walking, to ramp up your appetite.

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Next week, we will discuss food challenges for the caregiver.  Eating alone, making meals that are not eaten, and eating out.

For more information on what worked for us, check out “Stroke and the Spouse” available on Amazon or follow the code below to purchase.

Stroke Caregiver Connection…Because you care!