SALT

Hi Steve, 
PLease talk to your doctor about your leg cramps. When I first started on statins my leg muscles ached heaps so taht had to be checked but it did suside and I have found an electric blanket helps hepas with my leg cramps. 
I'd also ask you doc about eating out. Being told to stay home sounds terrible...socialisation can be so important for our mental and emotion health. The doc may also be able to recommend a dietitian who can then give you advice based on your personal circumstances. 
I don;t use a lot of salt in my cooking but I love herbs (fresh and dried) and spices so my foood is never bland. Maybe start experimenting with some and see if there are any flavours you really like.
Good luck with it all
Toni

Thank you so much Toni 

I'm booked in to see a nutritionist in the next two weeks so hopefully they will be able to put me on the straight and narrow.

Thankyou again Toni

That's great to hear Steve! If you feel like it, it would be great to get an update to hear how you've got on.

Best wishes Toni

Hi Steve, Im a bit confused as to why the nurse would have said that to you? I haven't been told anything, ( that I can remember anyway) about a diet, I eat what i used pro-stroke. I am involved in a gut health program and all I can say that is that too much salt can dehydrate your body fluids so a suggestion is to use herbs and spices instead of salt.

But then I have  heard that the lack of salt can cause cramping. I had a 100 year old client and she always swore that Celery was good for cramps??? So who knows..lol

Hi Steve

I am glad you’ve reached out and Toni has given some great suggestions so far. I agree that it is important to speak with your doctor about your cramps. Your doctor may be able to check on your blood results and rule out any deficiencies that may be causing your cramps. They can also speak with you regarding the side effects of any medications you are taking, as Toni mentioned.  There are other potential causes of cramps, so talk with your doctor and see what they suggest first.

In regards to diet after stroke, we have a great fact sheet which you can read here. This looks at improving nutrition and guidelines for healthy eating. It's a good step to reduce your salt intake, as salt can increase your blood pressure, a risk factor for stroke.  It’s great that you’ve booked in to see a nutritionist, getting some individual advice from a nutritionist or dietitian when you are not sure if you are eating in moderation can help.  A nutritionist or dietitian can provide specific dietary advice to help manage your overall health better.  It sounds like you generally have a very healthy diet but you need to be eating foods you can also enjoy.  Toni’s suggestions about using herbs and spices to flavour your food is a great one. Things like chili, or lemon/lime can really lift a meal and give you some flavourful healthy options.

You are welcome to give us a call here on StrokeLine and chat more about healthy eating options. You can call us on Ph. 1800 787 653 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. We can talk with you in more detail about any other questions you might have, perhaps after you’ve seen the nutritionist in the next couple of weeks.

Best wishes

Siobhan (StrokeLine)