Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath took to social media on Monday to tell his followers that he is recovering after suffering a “mild stroke” six weeks ago. Kamas believes his father’s death, poor sleep quality, exhaustion, dehydration and overexertion may have played a role, and doctors advised him to “take it easy a little bit.” Ischemic stroke is a common type of stroke that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. When brain tissues are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, they begin to die within minutes. A stroke can cause permanent damage and disability, depending on which area of the brain is affected and how much is affected. Early treatment plays a vital role. Speech difficulties, limited physical abilities, weakness/paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty holding things, and slowed communication are common long-term side effects of stroke. (Also Read | Zerodha’s Nithin Kamath Suffers ‘Mild Stroke’: How to Recognize Early Signs of Heart Attack in the Brain and Urgent Action)
Stroke rehabilitation includes coping with the challenges and sequelae of stroke and is an important component of stroke recovery. It involves intensive treatment and exercise to help stroke survivors regain lost abilities such as movement, speech and cognition, with the aim of maximizing independence and quality of life through targeted intervention and support.
“Rehabilitation is vital to recovery as it helps build strength, ability and confidence. Rehabilitation can be facilitated by employing the latest technology-driven therapies utilizing robotics, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and more. Physical activity also improves blood circulation, muscle strength and mental health. However, it is important to work with a trained neurorehabilitation specialist to accelerate progress in a safe environment. It is also important to celebrate the small wins in recovery,” said Dr. Gaurish Kenkre, Physiotherapist, General Manager, Atharv Skill Manager and Head of Center.
Additionally, certain lifestyle and dietary changes can play an important role in the recovery process after a stroke.
“After a stroke, making appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes can significantly impact the speed and quality of recovery. A comprehensive approach must be prioritized, including not only physical recovery but also nutritional support and lifestyle modifications. Optimal recovery requires a collaborative effort all aspects of a person’s health, creating an environment conducive to neurological repair and overall health,” said Dr. Rajat Chopra, consultant neurology, Fortis Hospitals Shalimar Bagh.
dietary changes
After a stroke, it is important to make changes to your diet to ensure a speedy recovery. This typically includes reducing sodium intake to control blood pressure, increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to improve heart health, and ensuring adequate hydration to support recovery and overall health.
“Dietary modifications play a key role in recovery after stroke. Emphasizing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide essential nutrients critical for neuron repair and maintenance. Additionally, add in Foods known for their antioxidant-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as berries, nuts, and oily fish, may help reduce oxidative stress and secondary damage caused by inflammation in the brain,” adds Dr. Chopra.
Dr. Ken Clay shares dietary tips for stroke survivors.
• Prioritize colorful fruits and vegetables: These nutrient-dense foods provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Choose whole grains like brown rice, oats, quinoa, and barley because these complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy and promote heart health. Beans, peas, and lentils are excellent sources of plant-based protein and fiber, which contribute to overall health and help regulate blood sugar levels. Choose lean proteins, such as chicken or tofu, as they provide essential amino acids without too much saturated fat. Add oily fish like salmon, sardines or herring as omega-3 fatty acids support brain health and reduce inflammation. Using unsaturated fats like olive or avocado oil can promote cardiovascular health. Choose low-fat dairy products, such as yogurt or skim milk, to provide calcium without saturated fat.
•Reduce your intake of processed foods: Reduce your intake of white bread, cakes, pastries, or any other highly processed baked goods. Reduce your intake of red meat and full-fat dairy products, as they are high in saturated fat. Watch out for sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, and other added sugars. Minimize foods high in added salt.
•Soft, bite-sized foods: Many stroke survivors experience dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), so it is important to tailor meals to the consistency of the food. These patients can choose pureed foods because these foods do not require chewing and are suitable for patients with severe swallowing difficulties. During the patient’s recovery, chopped and moist foods can be introduced as their soft texture does not require biting and is very easy to swallow. With further modifications, patients can move to soft, bite-sized foods before moving on to regular foods.
change lifestyle
Research shows that after a first stroke, the risk of future strokes increases significantly. In addition to a well-designed diet, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, and managing stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices to support overall health are important in preventing future strokes.
“Focus on lifestyle factors is critical. Regular physical activity tailored to individual abilities not only helps improve cardiovascular health, but also promotes neuroplasticity, promotes neural rewiring and functional recovery. In addition, maintaining a healthy weight and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels and smoking cessation “Smoking cessation is an important lifestyle change that can reduce the risk of recurrent stroke and support long-term recovery. There are also benefits to yoga and meditation,” opines Dr. Chopra.
stress management
“Stress management contributes to overall health. Lowering stress levels is vital, so is engaging in relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and hobbies that bring joy. Likewise, losing weight can reduce stress on the cardiovascular system and reduce the risk of stroke, so In some cases, patients need to make constructive efforts to control their weight. Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels and blood pressure is important, as high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for stroke. Follow the advice provided by your healthcare provider and stick to prescribed medications. Dr Clay said: ‘It’s important to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption as both habits increase the risk of stroke. If necessary, patients should seek support to achieve this goal. “
get support
“In addition to dietary and lifestyle adjustments, creating a supportive environment is an integral part of the recovery process. This requires access to support from healthcare professionals, including neurologists, physical therapists, nutritionists and psychologists health professionals to develop a comprehensive care plan based on individual needs. Additionally, engaging in social activities, cognitive stimulation, and emotional support networks contributes to overall health and speeds up the recovery process,” the experts concluded.