3 Things that Will Make Life With Dysphagia Easier

People who suffer from dysphagia have to make changes to their daily habits, but that doesn't mean that they can’t have a fun and fulfilling life. Some tricks will make the condition much more manageable, to the point that you may forget that you're suffering from the condition at times. You may have to change your approach to cuisine, for instance, and find ways to make supplementation easier. Let's take a look at some of the things that will make life with dysphagia more enjoyable.

Learn to Love Pureed Foods

If you're suffering from level one or two dysphagia, you will have to eat pureed or semi-pureed foods. Those suffering from level one dysphagia need homogenous and finely pureed foods that often need to be moistened, while people with level two dysphagia can eat more solid purees that are not completely uniform.

Some foods will naturally taste better when pureed than others. Many casseroles, for instance, can be modified to taste practically the same when pureed. Foods that have lots of sauce or are naturally moist will also tend to taste better when pureed. 

Try to get creative with your food choices and don't assume that you can't have a delicious pureed meal. If you like meat, for instance, you could try to barbecue the meat in your recipes instead of baking or braising it. Things like pulled pork, for instance, taste great when pureed. If you like vegetables, there are tons of great puree options you can think of and veggies can also be thrown on the grill to add some of the smoky flavor. After a while, you'll realize how many options there are and how truly delicious pureed meals can be.

Choose The Right Thickeners

A lot of people don't like traditional starch-based thickeners, but you should know that there are plenty of alternatives out there. The thickeners at simplythickhoney.com are made from soluble fiber and alternative thickening agents that do not change the taste of liquids. So, if you don’t like the taste of your current thickener or its consistency, then you should consider trying a different one.

Another thing you want to look for when searching for thickeners is the formats they offer. It’s nice to have a big container at home, but you also want to have some on hand in case of emergency or have some at your place of work. 

Supplement Well

A lot of people with dysphagia end up suffering from malnutrition as a result. That's because many of them will have a natural tendency to eat less. This is why you may have to add things like a multivitamin to your diet. You should also consider adding an omega 3, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and a B12 supplement to the mix.

Living with dysphagia can be challenging, but you'll be able to have a much more normal life if you follow these few tips. Don't hesitate to speak with your doctor for recommendations and ask other people with the condition if they have tips that could help you.