If you have trouble swallowing food and liquid, then you are not on your own. Chewing and swallowing difficulties are signs of a condition known as dysphagia, which can often be a symptom of a wider underlying condition. There are several reasons why problems swallowing food and liquid might happen, including as a result of a stroke, certain types of cancer, medication, or surgery.
The good news is that there are several safe, effective ways to manage dysphagia symptoms, stay healthy and avoid lasting health problems. One of the easiest ways to manage this condition is to be careful about the types of food and drink in your diet. Some options that tend to be easier to manage for people with this condition include:
Soups
Soups are a great choice of food if you are struggling with swallowing. There are lots of options to consider including ready-made soups or soups that you can make yourself at home. If you have problems with both chewing and swallowing, thicker, smooth soups can be a good option to consider. If thinner soups are harder to swallow for you, then you can find products that are designed to thicken them and make them easier to swallow, such as Simply Thick.
Vegetables and Fruits
Many fruits and vegetables are ideal foods to add to your diet if you have difficulty chewing and swallowing. This is because they can be cooked to soften them to make them easier to eat, or blended or pureed to make swallowing easier. Along with this, fruit and vegetables are healthy options to add to your diet, which is important for your nutrition if you have chewing and swallowing trouble.
Pureed or Blended Food
Any food that can be pureed or blended until it is fully smooth can be an ideal choice for you if you are having problems with swallowing and chewing. This is a recommended option for people with dysphagia as it can help you avoid the dangers of choking if you struggle to swallow. Any food can be made blended or pureed with the right tools. Along with this, there are also various foods that come ready blended or can be made from scratch and blended, such as hummus.
Mechanical Soft Diet
The above foods can be used to create a mechanical soft diet, which is often recommended for people with dysphagia and other conditions that make it difficult for them to swallow. This diet involves only eating foods that are well-cooked, mashed, blended, or naturally soft. Food that is prepared this way tends to be easier to chew and swallow, posing less of a health risk and making nutrition easier. Some examples of mechanical soft diet foods include scrambled eggs, soft buns, mashed potatoes, casseroles with minced meat rather than large chunks, or meatloaf.
Dysphagia is a condition that makes it hard to safely chew and swallow food. By carefully selecting the foods in your diet, it can be easier to swallow safely and ensure that you get the right nutrients.