Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain is disrupted. It is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, taking the lives of about 140,000 Americans annually.

Several factors increase the risk of stroke, including high blood pressure, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, and poor diet. A healthy diet is crucial in preventing and managing stroke. However, some foods increase the risk of stroke and should be avoided or consumed in moderation. Below are some of the stroke-inducing foods you need to avoid.

Processed Meats

Processed meats such as bacon, sausage, ham, and deli meats are high in sodium, nitrates, and nitrites. Sodium raises blood pressure, a significant risk factor for stroke.

Nitrates and nitrites are used to preserve processed meats and give them a longer shelf life, but they also contribute to arterial inflammation and hardening, leading to strokes. A study published in the journal Stroke found that people who consume processed meats regularly have a higher risk of stroke than those who don’t.

Fried Foods

Fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken, and donuts are high in trans fats. Trans fats raise bad cholesterol levels and reduce good cholesterol levels, leading to arterial inflammation and blockage.

A study published in the journal Neurology found that people who consume trans fats regularly have a higher risk of stroke than those who don’t.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks are high in added sugars. Added sugars contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, all of which increase the risk of stroke.

A study published in the journal Stroke found that people who consume sugar-sweetened beverages regularly have a higher risk of stroke than those who don’t.

High-Sodium Foods

High-sodium foods such as canned soups, processed cheese, and frozen meals are high in salt. Salt raises blood pressure, a significant risk factor for stroke.

A study published in the journal Circulation found that people who consume high-sodium foods regularly have a higher risk of stroke than those who don’t.

Fast Foods

Fast foods such as burgers, pizzas, and fried chicken sandwiches are high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. They also contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, all of which increase the risk of stroke.

A study published in the journal Stroke found that people who consume fast foods regularly have a higher risk of stroke than those who don’t.

Canned Foods

Canned foods such as canned vegetables, fruits, and soups are high in sodium and preservatives such as BPA (bisphenol A). BPA is an industrial chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.

It can seep into food and cause hormonal imbalances, leading to strokes. A study published in the journal Hypertension found that people who consume canned foods regularly have a higher risk of stroke than those who don’t.

Diet Sodas

Diet sodas are marketed as a healthier alternative to regular sodas because they contain zero calories. However, they are high in artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin.

Artificial sweeteners disrupt gut flora and contribute to metabolic syndrome, leading to strokes. A study published in the journal Stroke found that people who consume diet sodas regularly have a higher risk of stroke than those who don’t.

Red Meat

Red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb is high in saturated fats. Saturated fats raise bad cholesterol levels and reduce good cholesterol levels, leading to arterial inflammation and blockage.

A study published in the journal Stroke found that people who consume red meat regularly have a higher risk of stroke than those who don’t.

Alcohol

Alcohol, particularly heavy drinking, raises blood pressure, a significant risk factor for stroke. It also contributes to arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, and blood clots, leading to strokes.

A study published in the journal Stroke found that people who consume more than three alcoholic drinks per day have a higher risk of stroke than those who don’t drink or drink in moderation.

Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice, and sugary snacks are high in added sugars and low in fiber. Added sugars contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, all of which increase the risk of stroke.

Low fiber intake also contributes to poor gut health, leading to strokes. A study published in the journal Stroke found that people who consume refined carbohydrates regularly have a higher risk of stroke than those who don’t.