Stroke is a condition that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. It is a medical emergency that can cause long-term disability or even death.

While some risk factors for stroke, such as age, family history, and genetics, cannot be controlled, many lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of stroke. One important factor is diet. The following are foods that you should avoid if you want to reduce your risk of stroke:.

Salt and salty foods

Excess salt intake can cause high blood pressure, which is a leading risk factor for stroke. To reduce your risk of stroke, limit your salt intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day. Avoid salty snacks, canned goods, processed foods, and cured meats.

Instead, flavor your food with herbs and spices, and choose fresh foods whenever possible.

Sugar and sugary drinks

Excess sugar intake can lead to obesity and diabetes, both of which are risk factors for stroke. Avoid sugary drinks, such as soda, fruit juice, and energy drinks, and limit your consumption of candy, cookies, and other sweet snacks.

Choose water, unsweetened tea, or low-sugar beverages instead.

Trans fats

Trans fats are a type of unhealthy fat that can increase your risk of stroke by increasing your LDL (bad) cholesterol and decreasing your HDL (good) cholesterol.

To avoid trans fats, avoid processed foods, fast food, and baked goods that contain partially hydrogenated oil or vegetable shortening. Instead, choose healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts.

Saturated fats

Saturated fats are another type of unhealthy fat that can increase your risk of stroke by increasing your cholesterol levels.

To avoid saturated fats, limit your intake of fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils, such as coconut and palm oil.

Red meat

Red meat is high in saturated fats, which can increase your risk of stroke. To reduce your risk, limit your intake of red meat to no more than two servings per week. Choose lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, beans, and legumes, instead.

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol intake can increase your blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke. To reduce your risk, limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.

Caffeine

While moderate caffeine intake is safe for most people, excessive caffeine intake can increase your blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke.

To reduce your risk, limit your caffeine intake to no more than 400 milligrams per day, which is about the amount in four cups of coffee.

Processed and packaged foods

Processed and packaged foods are often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, all of which can increase your risk of stroke.

To reduce your risk, choose fresh foods whenever possible, and read food labels carefully to avoid hidden sources of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

Fast food

Fast food is often high in salt, sugar, unhealthy fats, and calories, all of which can increase your risk of stroke.

To reduce your risk, avoid fast food whenever possible, and choose healthy options, such as salads or grilled chicken, if you do eat fast food.

Soy sauce

Soy sauce is a high-sodium condiment that can increase your blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke. To reduce your risk, use soy sauce sparingly, and choose low-sodium soy sauce or other flavorings, such as vinegar or lemon juice, instead.