Rahul Roy changed diet after brain stroke; now avoids onion, garlic, dairy: ‘Take eight medicines’

Actor Rahul Roy revealed in an interview that a brain stroke six years ago compelled him to adopt a strict vegan and Jain diet, which now includes taking eight medicines daily. Initially, Roy faced difficulties with speech, suffering from speech problems for nearly five to six months. Post the stroke, he quit smoking and stopped consuming chicken, onion, garlic, and dairy products.

However, it's crucial to note that while a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can support recovery and cardiovascular health, it doesn't reverse the brain damage caused by a stroke, according to Dr Yogesh Godge, a Consultant Neurologist at Jupiter Hospital, Thane. Dr Godge emphasizes that the primary dietary goal should be to maintain healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body weight, as these are significant risk factors for another stroke.

He also points out that while a vegan or Jain diet can be nutritionally adequate, its benefits stem from the overall dietary pattern rather than the removal of specific foods like onion, garlic, chicken, and dairy. These foods do not need to be eliminated in all cases; rather, the focus should be on providing sufficient protein, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, iron, and other essential nutrients.

Moreover, diet should be personalized based on individual needs, considering factors like diabetes, kidney disease, or other medical conditions that might affect dietary requirements. Lastly, maintaining long-term lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, regular physical activity, healthy weight management, and controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol are vital for preventing a second stroke.