Unit 3 - Diet and nutritional treatment approach for dysphagia

3.2. Balanced diet

3.2.1. Criteria of the dysphagia diet

Focus on...

  • To ensure an adequate supply of energy, macro and micronutrients, it is essential to take into account the characteristics of the dysphagic individual.

  • Short-term or long-term dysphagia. If dysphagia is temporary – many patients will be able to progress to a wider variety of foods and more normal textures, as swallowing functions improves. If dysphagia is certain neurological and degenerative disease, deterioration is progressive and inevitable.

  • Meal fortification. Liquid added to food should have some nutritional value. Higher caloric additions, such as full fat milk, cream, butter and sauces, provide extra energy and several nutrients.

  • Diet supplementation