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Diet for Stroke Victims After a Feeding Tube

Mar 28, 2011 | By Helen Messina

Part of the aftermath of a stroke can include difficulty swallowing enough food to maintain adequate nutrition. A dysphagia evaluation, performed after a stroke, assesses the ability to swallow liquids and solids in varying levels of consistency. The degree of difficulty to swallow without aspirating food and fluids into the lungs can determine whether a feeding tube is placed or not. Once a feeding tube is placed and nutritional status becomes manageable, gradually teaching the individual how to swallow foods safely is the next phase.

Dietary Changes

Stroke victims with swallowing problems may encounter difficulties preparing food that is nutritious and tasty. Pureed foods can look and taste unpalatable and thickeners can make a simple glass of water unpleasant. Soft or pureed foods prepared appropriately taste appealing and enhance nutritional intake. Begin with a wide range of fruits, vegetables and grains that are cooked and perhaps pureed if swallowing remains a difficulty. Protein intake includes low-fat, lean meats, chopped or pureed, along with chicken, fish and beans. Maintain a low-salt diet by using herbs for flavor. Use the broiler or oven for cooking and eliminate fried foods.

Dysphagia Screening

The risk of death from aspiration pneumonia greatly increases after a stroke because of difficulty swallowing. A speech therapist can perform a swallowing evaluation, or dysphagia screening, to assess the ability to swallow effectively. Different consistencies of liquids and solids are used for testing the ability to propel food to the back of the throat and swallow without coughing, choking or pocketing food. At the end of the test, the therapist determines what consistency is best for the individual until improvement with swallowing occurs. Some individuals resolve swallowing problems in approximately a week after a stroke, while others might take longer to recover.

Stroke Effects

A disruption or blockage in the flow of blood to the brain causes a stroke. Prognosis for recovery is determined by evaluating the extent of the damage and improves with emergency medical treatment. After-effects from stroke might include paralysis on one side of the body, speech, language and swallowing deficits. The deficits are a result of injury to the nerves and brain tissues and cause impaired mobility, inability or difficulty speaking and an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Considerations

Difficulty consuming adequate nutrition on a daily basis can be discouraging to the stroke victim with problems swallowing. Vitamin and mineral supplements might be necessary to compensate for losses when intake is low. Foods with high nutritional content, as well as commercial liquid supplements, at the appropriate consistency, help with low intake. Additionally, those on specific diets for pre-existing diseases or disorders, such as kidney disease or diabetes, need to maintain a prescribed diet. Consult with your physician before making any dietary changes or additions.

References

Article reviewed by Mia Paul Last updated on: Mar 28, 2011

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