What Should Patients with Cerebral Hemorrhage Eat?

Aug 24, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Jun

Introduction

In the early stage, patients with intracerebral hemorrhage should primarily consume liquid or semi-liquid foods—such as rice water, thin gruel, and congee—that are easily digestible. They must avoid greasy, spicy, and irritating foods. Hypertension is the most common cause of intracerebral hemorrhage; therefore, dietary management should emphasize low-salt and low-fat intake, and foods should not be overly salty. Additionally, maintaining regular bowel movements is crucial. Constipation or dry stools may lead to straining during defecation, which increases intracranial pressure and raises the risk of rebleeding.

Brain hemorrhage poses a serious threat to physical health; therefore, prompt treatment is critically important, and dietary considerations must also be taken seriously. So, what foods are suitable for patients with cerebral hemorrhage?

Recommended Foods for Patients with Cerebral Hemorrhage

In the early stage following cerebral hemorrhage, patients should consume primarily liquid or semi-liquid foods—such as rice broth, thin porridge, and congee—that are easy to digest. They must avoid greasy, spicy, and highly stimulating foods. Hypertension is a common underlying cause of cerebral hemorrhage; thus, the diet should emphasize low-sodium and low-fat principles, and foods should not be overly salty. Additionally, maintaining regular bowel movements is essential: constipation may lead to straining during defecation, which can elevate intracranial pressure and increase the risk of rebleeding. Vegetables should be incorporated appropriately into the diet; for patients with swallowing difficulties, vegetables may be blended into juices.

For patients in the recovery phase, nutritional intake should be moderately increased—particularly for those who are bedridden long-term or have developed pressure ulcers (bedsores). Due to the increased metabolic demands associated with pressure ulcers, a high-protein diet is recommended, focusing on high-quality protein sources such as chicken, fish, lean meat, milk, beef, and eggs.

Moreover, patients with cerebral hemorrhage should avoid cold foods. Ingestion of cold foods can trigger sudden gastrointestinal stimulation, leading to constriction of gastrointestinal blood vessels, elevated blood pressure, worsening of clinical condition, and even recurrence of cerebral hemorrhage. Patients should also strictly avoid high-sodium foods. For their own health, sodium intake must be limited to achieve a low-salt diet. Saturated fatty acids—particularly those derived from the pituitary gland—can significantly raise serum cholesterol levels and accelerate atherosclerosis. Therefore, consumption of high-cholesterol and high-fat foods should be restricted. Patients should avoid high-sugar supplements and limit refined sugar intake; snacking and sugary beverages should be minimized or avoided altogether.