The softer, the better
Do you have difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia? Swallowing is a reflex and one of the most complex actions our bodies perform.
Dysphagia occurs when ingesting certain foods, whether solid or liquid. The main function of swallowing is to ensure that sufficient nutrients and water pass through the digestive tract, preventing them from getting into the respiratory tracts (aspiration). The consequences of aspirating food can vary widely, from no injury at all to pneumonia or asphyxiation due to airway obstruction.
Swallowing safely prevents complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia, malnutrition and dehydration. A change in the viscosity and consistency of a chewed bite of food (called a bolus) considerably improves safety when swallowing. Modifying the texture of liquids and solids is important to avoid aspiration and ensure good hydration and nutritional status.
What can you do if you have difficulty swallowing?
IMPORTANT If you suffer from dysphagia, please see a speech therapist to define what consistency your food should have. Please choose suitable tips only after you are familiar with your stage of dysphagia. If you’re not certain, talk to your healthcare team first!
Depending on the stage of dysphagia you have, you need to bear some things in mind. The following tips contain information regarding different stages of dysphagia and have to be chosen carefully.
Avoid:
- Drinking thin liquids, e.g., water, tea, juices and broth
- Food that is difficult to chew, sticky, tough or easily crumbles, e.g., rice, grainy bread or ground meat
- Dry food that can irritate the oral cavity, e.g., toast, biscuits, nuts or chips
- Food that is difficult to chew, hard or sticky, e.g., raw vegetables, sandwich bread
- Food with two different textures, e.g., soups, creams with toast, fruits that exude juice when chewed
Better:
- Drink semi-thick liquids, e.g., vegetable juices and nectars.
- Eat yoghurt and fruit purées or very thick or creamy liquids.
- Eat soft or ground food with sauces, e.g., mashed potatoes or soft bread.
- Consider tasteless thickening powders to thicken up your soups or other liquid food.
- Eat in a calm environment, sit upright and eat at a leisurely pace to be able to chew the food well.
- Experiment with strong flavors and changes in temperature as they may facilitate swallowing.
- Vary your diet as much as possible to ensure the correct intake of vitamins and minerals.
- Enrich your dishes with extra calories and fat.
- Take small mouthfuls of 5 mL (approx. 1 tsp.) at a time since they’re easier to swallow.
- In addition to these nutritional recommendations, there are other ways to facilitate swallowing.
Generally speaking, and in synthesis, it is recommended to distribute meals throughout the day, with small, frequent and nutritional servings. Do not use foodstuffs that do not form a uniform bolus in the mouth. Select food that is easy to process and soft boiled.
Modifying food characteristics
Certain consistencies or textures may be inadequate, especially very liquid, very dry or not very homogeneous consistencies. Try food that is easy to chew and swallow, soft and well-cooked: meat balls, vegetable purées, etc. Puréed food is usually safer and allows you to take in high energy density and nutrients. Purées need to be homogeneous, with mild texture, and they should be eaten in mouthfuls according to your individual tolerance. If available, add light sauces to dishes to make them easier to swallow.
Talk to your healthcare team about your difficulty swallowing. They can help you find a customized diet.
