Understanding swallowing difficulties
Learning about dysphagia makes it easier to manage the challenges associated with the condition. Below are answers to many common questions regarding dysphagia, as well as resources to help a person cope. To find solutions that work, talk to your healthcare professional.
Eating slowly makes it seem like it takes all day to eat. Is there a way to get more calories into smaller amounts of food?
Adding calorie-dense ingredients into smaller portions will help those living with dysphagia receive enough calories and spend less time eating. Try adding extra butter/margarine, mayonnaise, or other high-caloric spreads to normal foods. BENECALORIE® is an additive that adds calories and protein, and typically doesn't change the taste, consistency or texture of a food.
Ask your healthcare provider if BENECALORIE® is right for you.
Difficulty with eating seems to increase as the day progresses. Why is that and what can be done about it?
The swallowing mechanism operates with 26 different muscle groups. Because these muscles are affected by the underlying condition that caused the dysphagia, they may not be in good physical condition and can tire as the day progresses. In this situation, it’s best they have most of their food earlier in the day when their swallowing mechanism is feeling stronger and more energetic.
What different types of foods can be eaten?
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) professional should be consulted. To find a SLP near you visit this website: http://www.asha.org/findpro or calling 800-638-8255.
Should a doctor be consulted when weight loss occurs?
Yes, individuals should bring this up with their doctor immediately. Just as the muscles in the rest of the body require nutrients and energy to function, so do throat muscles. Also consider that weight loss can result from a loss in muscle strength.
How is it possible to consume enough fluids when all beverages are thickened?
Thickened beverages are still high in fluid even though they don't behave like fluids. An 8 oz. container of thickened juice still has 8 ounces of fluid in it. The fluid is released during digestion and will be absorbed just like it would from regular juice.
Is there a way to improve the variety of a dysphagia diet?
Many favorite foods can be made into an appropriate texture and thickness by using a food processor. Adding RESOURCE® THICKENUP® to get the right consistency will give better texture and food that’s more pleasing to look at. See the recipes section for some great ideas and sample meal plans.
It's also possible to add variety by using flavoring agents such as extracts, herbs, spices, sauces and syrups. For example, make pineapple-orange juice by adding pineapple extract to the RESOURCE THICKENED® Orange Juice.
Is it possible to make chocolate milk with the RESOURCE® Dairy Thick®?
Yes. A small amount of the syrup will work better than powders to flavor the RESOURCE® Dairy Thick®, and won't alter the consistency much either. Extra flavor can be added with other sweeteners, such as vanilla or other extracts.