If you are having trouble with swallowing, you are not on your own. Millions of people around the world have problems with chewing and swallowing food. This condition is known as dysphagia, and there are several reasons why it might occur. Most commonly, it happens as the result of a stroke, although it can be caused by surgery, certain cancers, other conditions and in some cases, medication. The good news is that there are many safe and effective ways to manage your symptoms and avoid lasting health problems. Choosing foods and drinks that are easier to chew and swallow can be one of the easiest ways to manage this condition.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are one of the easiest types of foods to eat while struggling with dysphagia. They contain a lot of essential nutrients, which will help you avoid malnutrition and sickness as a result of the condition, and they are very easy to chew and swallow. You can also make most softer by cooking or boiling them, or you can blend them into a sauce or soup that’s easier to swallow and keep down.
Soups
Soups are another good choice of food to consider eating when you are struggling with dysphagia. You can buy ready-made soups or make your own soups in a soup maker or blender. Thicker soups are often a better choice than thinner soups for people with dysphagia since they are easier to swallow. However, you can always add SimplyThick thickener gel to your favorite soup to make it easier to eat and enjoy.
Pureed Foods
Pureed food is a good option for those with dysphagia since it will help avoid the dangers of choking without being too liquid-like which can make it difficult to swallow. There are various different pureed food options that you can add to your diet with dysphagia to make sure that you are getting the right amount of nutrients. Hummus is a good option since it is a good consistency with no lumps. You can also puree fruits and vegetables, for example, making a smoothie, and add nutrient powders.
Mechanical Soft Foods
Mechanical soft foods refer to any foods that are soft, mashed, or well-cooked. This can be an ideal choice for people with dysphagia since preparing the food this way can make it easier to chew and swallow and reduces the risk of choking, while making sure that the diet has a balance of nutrients. Some examples of mechanical soft foods include tuna, pate, mashed potatoes or root vegetables, canned or boiled foods, well-cooked vegetables, scrambled eggs, omelet, meatloaf, casseroles without chunks of meat, pancakes, and soft buns.
People with dysphagia generally need to eat food that is thick and smooth enough to swallow easily. It’s crucial to make sure that foods are chopped, mashed, or blended well to avoid choking. Add water or sauces to moisten foods like vegetables and consider using thickening products where necessary. Mash or blend foods wherever possible to make sure that it is soft and smooth.
