If you have dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, it is important to monitor the texture and nutritional quality of all your foods and beverages. Choking and undernutrition are potential dangers from dysphagia and the following guidelines may be helpful in learning to eat appropriately. Always sit up at least at a 45° angle. Avoid lying down while eating, drinking or immediately after a meal. Determine whether or not you need to change the textures of your foods and beverages. Thin liquids may need to be thickened and tough or thick foods may need to be softened. Thickening agents are available for liquids and foods can be ground or pureed. Dysphagia can make eating feel like a chore. To make sure you are eating enough, you may need to eat six small meals a day instead of three large ones. Avoid grainy textured foods such as cornbread, nuts and seeds. Dry foods can be moistened to make swallowing easier. For instance, put gravy on biscuits and extra syrup on pancakes. To boost calorie intake, pour cheese sauce over cooked vegetables, add pureed fruit to thick milkshakes, or put margarine on breads, cooked cereals and mashed potatoes.
If you would like more information on this diet, ask your doctor to refer you to an MUSC Outpatient Dietitian. Call MUSC Outpatient Scheduling at 843-876-0888. | 
