Diet for Brain Aneurysms

When a blood vessel in the brain forms a bulge, it's called an aneurysm. Typically these cause no harm and produce no symptoms, but ruptured aneurysms can be and often are fatal. Lifestyle affects your chances of developing a brain aneurysm, and following a diet that controls blood pressure can reduce your risk.

Get Medical Advice

Talk to your doctor. Before you change your diet, make sure you're meeting your needs. A diet to prevent brain aneurysm is in general a healthy diet, so chances are your doctor will be delighted to know you're choosing healthy foods.

Cut Out Alcoholo

Reduce your alcohol consumption. According to the Mayo Clinic, heavy drinkers are at risk to develop a brain aneurysm.

Whole Grains

Eat plenty of whole grains. According to the National Institutes of Health, eating six to eight daily servings of grains helps keep your blood pressure at save levels. Serving examples include a slice of bread, an ounce of dry cereal or half a cup of cooked pasta, rice or cereal.

Vegetables and Fruits

Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. The National Institutes of Health recommend four to five servings of each every day. Serving sizes include a cup of leafy vegetables, a medium-sized fruit and half a cup of fruit or vegetable juice (no sugar added).

Dairy and Fats

Limit dairy and fats. According to the National Institutes of Health, two to three daily servings of each should suffice. Serving sizes include 1 cup of milk or yogurt, 1.5 oz. cheese, 1 tsp. of vegetable oil and 2 tbsp. of salad dressing.

Protein

Include lean meats and nuts. Strive for 6 oz. of lean meat every day and four to five servings of nuts each week. Servings of nuts include 2 tbsp. of peanut butter, 1/2 oz. of seeds (they fall into the nut group) and 1/2 cup of cooked dry beans and peas.

Sugar

Limit sugar to five servings a week. Serving examples include 1 tbsp. sugar, 1 tbsp. jam, 1/2 cup of sorbet and 1 cup of lemonade.