If illness has created your need for a dysphagia diet, or if you are caring for a loved one who needs one, the nutritional changes can be overwhelming. Determining how and what to prepare to maintain adequate nutrition during this time may be your biggest concern. No matter which level of dysphagia diet your doctor has prescribed, there are creative ways to ensure you or your loved one will receive all the essential nutrients and vitamins to maintain a healthy, satisfying life.
What is a Dysphagia?
The National Institutes of Health defines dysphagia as the inability to appropriately or safely swallow foods and liquids. Common causes of dysphagia include oral or esophageal cancer, strokes, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease or head trauma. Dysphagia is typically diagnosed by a speech pathologist or physician and, as a result, a patient is prescribed a Level I, II, or III dysphagia diet. If left undiagnosed, patients may aspirate or choke on foods, which can lead to lung infections, pneumonia, and malnutrition.
Level I Ideas
A Dysphagia Level I or dysphagia pureed diet, consists of foods that are pureed or pudding like in texture. Thin liquids, foods requiring mastication, or manipulation, are typically discouraged for those with moderate to severe dysphagia. Liquid consistency should be verified with your physician and can consist of liquids of varying thickness. Foods that can be pre-made for a Level I dysphagia diet include smooth hot cereals, puddings, yogurt, pureed fruits, pureed meats, mashed potatoes, and pureed vegetables. Using your blender or food processor and freezing pureed meals may make preparation easier.
Level II Ideas
A Dypsphagia Level II, or mechanically altered, diet consists of foods that are soft in nature, moist, and easily formed into a bolus. Patients suffering from mild to moderate dysphagia are most appropriate for this diet with a physician prescribing a safe consistency based on a speech evaluation. Foods can be prepared as normal and simply cut into small, less than one-quarter inch pieces. Cooked fruits and vegetables, moist casseroles, meat loafs moistened with low fat gravy, and soft beans are excellent foods to prepare ahead of time.
Level III Ideas
A level III or advanced dysphagia diet consists mostly of regular textured foods. Exceptions or recommended foods to avoid include hard, sticky or crunchy foods. A liquid consistency other than thin liquids may be prescribed by your physician on an advanced dypsphagia diet. Cooking and preparing meals may model your normal routine with the avoidance of raw vegetables, nuts, tough meats, chunky peanut butter and fruits with the skin on.
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