Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath told his followers on social media on Monday that he is recovering from a “mild stroke” he suffered six weeks ago. Kamath said he felt his father's death, lack of sleep, extreme fatigue, dehydration and overwork could have been contributing factors, and doctors have advised him to “step down a bit”. Ischemic stroke, a common type of stroke, occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. When brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, cells begin to die within minutes. Stroke can cause permanent damage or disability, depending on which areas of the brain are affected and to what extent. Early treatment plays an important role. Common long-term side effects of stroke include speech impairment, limited physical ability, weakness/paralysis of limbs on one side of the body, difficulty holding objects, and decreased ability to communicate. (Also read | Zerodha's Nithin Kamath suffers from 'mild stroke': How to recognize early signs, emergency response for brain and heart attack)
Stroke rehabilitation, which includes addressing the challenges and sequelae of stroke, is an important part of recovery from stroke. This includes intensive treatment and training to help stroke survivors regain lost abilities such as motor, language and cognition, increasing independence and quality of life through targeted interventions and support. The aim is to maximize.
“Rehabilitation is critical to recovery as it helps build strength, competency and confidence. By employing the latest technology-driven treatments leveraging robotics, virtual reality, AI and more, recovery Physical activity also increases blood circulation and maintains muscle strength and mental health. However, to promote progress in a safe environment, trained neurorehabilitation professionals are needed. “It's important to work together with your family. It's also important to celebrate the small victories of progress on the road to recovery,” says Dr. Mr. Gaurish Kenkre, Physiotherapist, General Manager and Center Director, Atharv Abability.
Also, certain lifestyle and dietary changes can play an important role in the recovery process after stroke.
“In the aftermath of a stroke, adopting appropriate diet and lifestyle modifications can have a significant impact on the pace and quality of recovery. As well as physical rehabilitation, nutritional support and lifestyle adjustments It is essential to prioritize a holistic approach, including “optimal recovery.” It is a commitment,” said Dr. Rajat Chopra, Consultant Neurology, Fortis Hospital.
dietary changes
After a stroke, it is important to introduce dietary changes to ensure a quick recovery. This usually includes reducing sodium intake to manage blood pressure, increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to improve heart health, and enough to support recovery and overall health. This includes ensuring adequate hydration.
“Dietary adjustments play a vital role in post-stroke recovery. Emphasizing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can aid in nerve cell repair. In addition, it's important to include foods that are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.'' The inflammatory and antioxidant properties of foods like berries, nuts, and fatty fish can help your brain. “It may help reduce secondary damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation within the body,” added Dr. Chopra.
Dr. Kenkure shares dietary suggestions 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 well-being and help regulate blood sugar levels. Choose lean proteins such as chicken or tofu that provide essential amino acids without excess saturated fat. Include oily fish like salmon, sardines, and herring, as omega-3 fatty acids support brain health and reduce inflammation. The use of unsaturated fats, such as olive oil and avocado oil, promotes cardiovascular health. Choose low-fat dairy products like yogurt and skim milk to get calcium without the saturated fat.
• Reduce intake of processed foods: Limit your intake of white bread, cakes, pastries, or 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 salt.
•Soft, bite-sized foods: Because many stroke survivors experience difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), it is essential to adjust the diet based on the consistency of the food. These patients can choose pureed foods. Pureed foods do not require chewing and are suitable for people with severe swallowing problems. Along the patient's recovery journey, chopped and moist foods can be introduced as soft textures do not require chewing and are easier to swallow. Further improvements will allow patients to transition to soft bite-sized meals before transitioning to a regular diet.
change lifestyle
Research shows that the risk of future strokes increases significantly after a first stroke. Apart from a carefully crafted diet, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management through relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices that support overall health are important to prevent future strokes. .
“Paying attention to lifestyle factors is paramount. Regular physical activity, tailored to your individual abilities, not only improves cardiovascular health, but also promotes neuroplasticity, neural rewiring and It also promotes functional recovery. It's also important to maintain a healthy weight, manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and eat less. “Quitting smoking reduces your risk of recurrent stroke and has long-term benefits. “These are important lifestyle modifications that can help with recovery. Yoga and meditation can also be helpful,” feels Dr. Chopra.
stress management
“Stress management contributes to overall well-being. Reducing stress levels is essential, making it important to engage in relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and hobbies that bring you joy. Similarly, reducing excess weight Reducing it puts less strain on your cardiovascular system and lowers your risk of stroke. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for stroke, so it's important to regularly monitor your cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Healthcare Provider “Smoking cessation and limiting alcohol intake are important as they increase the risk of stroke. Patients should seek assistance in achieving this goal if necessary.” Yes,” says Dr. Kenkre.
get support
“Beyond dietary and lifestyle adjustments, fostering a supportive environment is essential to the rehabilitation process. This includes medical professionals such as neurologists, physical therapists, nutritionists, and mental health professionals. In addition, participating in social activities, cognitive stimulation, and emotional support networks contribute to overall well-being. , can accelerate the recovery process,” the experts conclude.
