Helpful Tips

Overcoming daily obstacles

Dysphagia can be a challenge, but it can be managed with proper nutritional resources and the support of a healthcare team. Learning new ways to prepare your meals and eat can be a daunting task. But remember, many favorite foods can still be enjoyed. Here are some tips for learning how to live with dysphagia.

Cooking

Here are some tips to making food more exciting and easier to swallow:

  • Try stimulating your appetite by using seasonings and flavorful sauces.
  • Moisten foods with sauces, butter or gravy.
  • Puree, blend, grind or soften foods to make them easier to chew and safer to swallow – as recommended by your healthcare provider.
  • Serve foods on small plates and in small portions to help encourage appetite.
  • Present food artistically—different sized scoopers can help make pureed meat look like meatballs or pureed vegetables like peas.
  • Add garnishes like whipped topping or color desserts with gelatin powder to help food look more appealing.

Eating

Try some of these tips to make mealtimes more enjoyable:

  • Take time to eat.
  • Avoid large pieces of food, and make sure to break apart foods that are difficult to chew.
  • Before eating, savor the smell of the food; this will help promote saliva, which makes it easier to swallow.
  • Take small bites of food and small sips of beverages.
  • Don't talk while eating.
  • Practice good posture, sitting upright or in a position specified by the swallowing therapist.
  • Accompany meals with beverages that are a proper consistency.
  • Relax while eating; a peaceful environment may help.

Living with Dysphagia

Some of these ideas may help ease the burden of dysphagia:

  • Keep hydrated by drinking correct consistency beverages more often.
  • Watch for signs of dehydration such as dark-colored urine, dry mouth, constipation or sudden weight loss. Be sure to talk to a doctor if any of these arise.
  • Ask for support—family and friends are there to help; the doctor, speech pathologist and registered dietitian can also provide more information and recommend support groups.
  • Share feelings—feeling isolated and worried about eating is normal, but others may be able to offer solutions or suggestions.