Millions of people around the world suffer from dysphagia, a condition that affects the muscles of the mouth and throat. Difficulty swallowing solids and liquids is an unmistakable sign of dysphagia, and it can be life-threatening in some cases. While the condition makes daily life more complicated, it is manageable. Here, we offer coping and support strategies for dysphagia patients and their families.
Creating a Healthier and Safer Diet
Caloric intake is one of the biggest challenges dysphagia patients face. While most people supplement their diets with protein shakes, these products’ consistencies often make them hard to swallow. As shown in these Instagram pics from SimplyThick, there are safe ways to add healthy foods to a dysphagia-friendly diet. The best options include:
- Plain Greek yogurt. This high-fat food offers a caloric boost while serving as a base for enjoyable flavors.
- Fruits and vegetables. Options like bananas, kale, spinach, and strawberries can be pureed into healthy, easy-to-swallow smoothies.
If trying to gain weight or prevent further losses, consider adding unflavored protein powder to pureed foods and hot liquids. With a combination of protein powder and thickeners, dysphagia patients can enjoy a safer and healthier diet.
Eat Small Portions More Often
Those with dysphagia know that long meals can be tiring, and that’s why eating smaller meals throughout the day is so helpful. By eating five or six small meals instead of three large ones, dysphagia patients can reduce throat and mouth muscle fatigue while making swallowing easier and safer.
Don’t Talk With a Full Mouth
We all heard it when we were younger, and it still applies: “Don’t talk with your mouth full!” Talking while eating is a habit for many, but it can be risky for people with dysphagia. By eating mindfully, chewing each bite thoroughly, and taking periodic conversation breaks, patients can reduce their risk and build healthier habits.
Don’t Use Straws
While straws seem like helpful tools for people with dysphagia, it’s best not to use them. The primary issue is that straws increase liquid flow rates, which can pose challenges for those with swallowing difficulties due to mouth and throat muscle weakness. By choosing cups instead of straws, dysphagia patients can control the rate at which liquid enters the mouth and reduce the risk of aspiration and choking.
Choose Desserts Wisely
When coping with dysphagia, gelatin and ice cream seem like great choices—but they can be dangerous. These foods take longer to move into the back of the throat, and melting increases the risk of aspiration. Instead of ice cream or gelatin, have pudding as a dysphagia-safe dessert.
Postural Changes and Seating Adaptations
The position in which a person sits while eating can increase dysphagia risks. Try sitting upright and tilting the head forward to facilitate swallowing or use adaptive seating and cushions for those with spinal deformities.
It’s Possible to Live a Healthy, Long Life With Dysphagia
While dysphagia poses certain challenges and risks, it is possible to live a long and healthy life with the condition. Those with swallowing difficulties may need a little extra help at mealtime, but assistance is widely available. By following these simple tips and using a high-quality thickening agent, dysphagia patients and their families can manage the condition safely, easily, and effectively. To learn more about living with dysphagia, visit SimplyThick online or go to our Instagram page.