Dysphagia makes eating and drinking difficult and even outright dangerous in some instances. When something that’s normally as simple as enjoying a meal becomes a challenge, it can affect numerous aspects of everyday life. It can make eating stressful and scary instead of routine and pleasant and make carrying out those activities around other people a bit embarrassing.
This condition forces people to make changes in their diet and the way they eat and drink. Still, it doesn’t have to take away their ability to enjoy meals and leave them isolated. With the right resources and techniques, you can manage dysphagia and take much of the stress out of eating and drinking. This practical guide to overcoming the daily challenges of the condition is designed to help you do just that.
Take Advantage of Thickening Agents
One way to make eating and drinking safer and more enjoyable is to take full advantage of the thickening agents that have become available. These substances, like SimplyThick, are designed to make thin liquids easier to control in the mouth and slow their journey along the esophagus. That, in turn, greatly reduces the risks of aspiration.
Thickening agents can be added to most drinks, soups, and other thin liquids. Many people find that they make liquids feel unusual at first, but they tend to become accustomed to the changes in consistency and even find it more reassuring over time. Additionally, it may take a bit of trial and error to find a consistency that works well for you.
Plan Meals Carefully
Another way to overcome some of the challenges of dysphagia is to plan your meals carefully. Soft, moist, and relatively smooth foods tend to be the easiest to swallow. Those include mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, puddings, oatmeal, and fully cooked vegetables. Solid and chunky foods can also be pureed or blended to give them a texture that’s safer and easier to swallow.
It’s important to avoid overly dry and hard foods. Those with mixed consistencies, like chunky soups, can be challenging to control as well. Consider making a list of the foods that are easier to manage and that you enjoy. That’ll give you a quick reference for grocery shopping and planning meals.
Keep Mealtimes Calm
Having quiet, peaceful meals with few distractions can also help you manage dysphagia. When mealtimes are loud, hectic, and rushed, you’re more likely to try to eat quickly. You’re more susceptible to distractions as well. Keep noise and distractions at a minimum when you’re eating. Slow down, focus on your foods, and concentrate on chewing them well and swallowing carefully. Some people find that eating smaller meals more frequently helps too.
Be Sure to Stay Hydrated
Finally, remember that it’s important to stay hydrated. Many people who suffer from dysphagia avoid drinking. That can lead to numerous problems. Rather than avoiding drinking, make use of the previously mentioned thickening agents to make drinks more controllable. You can supplement conventional drinks with gelatin desserts, moist foods, and smoothies. Keeping beverages at room temperature can be helpful as well.
Making Life With Dysphagia Easier
Dysphagia forces people to change their approaches to foods and drinks. Living with this condition can be challenging at first, but with patience and practice, it becomes easier. Plan meals carefully, keep mealtime calm, and take advantage of thickening agents to make thin liquids safer and more manageable. Don’t forget to stay hydrated as well. These measures can help keep you safe and healthy while also aiding in managing the symptoms of dysphagia.
