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Dysphagia patients experience difficulty in chewing and swallowing food. Patients sometimes also feel pain or choke while swallowing standard food as the food might enter the airway. A diet that is specially made for such people can help in meeting the nutritional deficiencies. This diet must be of an appropriate consistency so that it can be swallowed easily. Food thickeners are thickening agents that increase the thickness (viscosity) of liquid or pureed foods without changing the properties of these foods. They are used to thicken soups, puddings and sauces without changing the taste. Find here food thickeners and pre thickened food in many flavours with just the right consistency. Buy now!
Pureed foods must be smooth, homogeneous and cohesive like a pudding. You may use a blender or food processor to puree food. Be sure to strain solid food particles if any. Cook the food until soft and edible before pureeing. Add the indicated amount of thickeners to achieve the required consistency. Try giving several small meals throughout the day rather than large meals to meet the nutritional needs of dysphagia patients. Calorie boosters like butter or sugar can also be added to the food if appropriate.
Pre-Thickened foods are also available in various flavors. These foods are properly cooked before pureeing and deliver great taste with the required consistency. These foods are prepared according to guidelines of dietitians and provide good nutritional value. We bring to you a range of food thickeners and pre thickened foods like Kent Thick-It Purees, Kent Thick-It Original Instant Food And Beverage Thickeners and many more from top manufacturers like Kent Precision Foods Group, Nestle Nutrition, Simply Thick etc. at best prices and attractive discounts.
A number of signs suggest a person is experiencing dysphagia, including:
Oral leaking or drooling
Choking or gagging
Pocketing food (capturing it in the cheeks)
Taking longer than 10 seconds to swallow
Weakness, poor motivation
Poor chewing ability, which may lead to choking on food
A dysphagia diet features various textures of foods and liquids that make it easier and safer for patients to swallow. These textures make it easier to chew and move food in the mouth and reduce he risk of food or liquid going into the windpipe or trachea, which results in choking.
Factors to consider before choosing thickeners/pre-thickened foods include:
Amounts of thickener required for thickening food/beverages -Attention must be paid to the amount of thickener and directions for use as described on the packaging.
Viscosity differences between brands - each brand’s version of nectar and honey consistencies may vary.
Added carbohydrates - if an individual has concerns regarding sugar/carbohydrate intake, they may want to consider using a gum-based thickener instead of a traditional starch-based thickener to avoid additional carbohydrate consumption
Using thickeners with pureed foods - The starch-based thickeners will work better for making a firmer consistency and would be the better choice if the pureed foods are going to be shaped or molded.
When pureeing food it must be kept into mind that the food must be of correct consistency. It should be thick enough to be scooped with a spoon or a fork.
