Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects millions of people around the world. Several issues can cause this condition, such as strokes, dementia, head injuries, and blockages in the esophagus. Despite its commonality, treatment options have been limited until fairly recently. Recent innovations in the world of medicine, though, have led to advancements in diagnosing and managing this condition. New developments have made determining the causes of dysphagia in different patients more effective, and that has paved the way for more targeted treatment plans.
That being said, one of the most effective ways to manage dysphagia is to make certain dietary changes. Those modifications can help dysphagia sufferers get the nutrients they need. They can also reduce the potential risks of the condition, such as developing aspiration pneumonia and other infections, choking, and dehydration. Take a look at some of the food modifications that can make eating safer and more enjoyable for those who are living with dysphagia.
Thickening Liquids
One effective food modification is thickening liquids before consuming them. Thickening agents that are specifically designed for dysphagia sufferers are becoming more widely available, and they can make thin liquids like beverages easier to control without changing their flavor. You can explore SimplyThick posts on Facebook to learn more about these options.
Soups, broths, sauces, and gravies can be thickened in a few ways to make them more manageable. Thickeners like those mentioned above work with these types of foods, but they’re not the only options. If you’re cooking liquids, you can use a slurry made of cornstarch and cold water. Simply whisk the slurry into the liquids while they’re cooking. Alternatively, you can thicken gravies and broths using a roux made of oil or butter and flour. Just heat the oil or melt the butter and add flour to it. Saute the mixture until the flour browns a bit, and whisk it into the dish you’re making.
Eating Soft Foods
Another helpful measure is to eat soft foods as opposed to hard, crunchy, and chewy ones. Cooked fruits and vegetables are recommended. They’re rich in nutrients while also being soft enough to swallow more easily. Mashing those foods or chopping or dicing them into small pieces makes them more manageable as well.
In addition to cooked fruits and vegetables, an array of other soft foods can make great additions to your diet and give you more variety. Pudding is a great choice, as is custard. Relatively thin grits, oatmeal, and cream of wheat are nice options as well. In some cases, scrambled eggs and cold cereals soaked in milk are suitable for people with dysphagia.
Pureed Foods
Pureed foods are likewise recommended for people who are living with dysphagia. You can transform chunky soups and stews into smooth dishes by pureeing them in a blender. Meats can be pureed as well. Be sure to add liquid to them during the process, though. When pureeing meats, slowly add broth or other types of liquid until the mixture reaches the consistency you’re looking for. Smoothies are terrific sources of flavor and nutrients as well.
Bringing Variety to Your Meals
People who have trouble swallowing often suffer from nutritional deficiencies and dehydration. After all, the condition makes managing thin liquids and swallowing certain types of solid foods difficult and even dangerous in some cases. Finding the right foods to eat isn’t always easy when you’re dealing with dysphagia, but the dietary modifications mentioned here can make it simpler while also making mealtime more enjoyable.