The Role of Puréed Dysphagia Meals

Individuals with dysphagia and other medical conditions often need to eat puréed foods to reduce the risk of choking or aspiration. According to the Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics, “Modified texture food, and specifically pureed food, are integrally involved in the management of nutritional intake in patients with oral-pharyngeal dysphagia.” In addition, “Pureed food is also commonly used to provide adequate nutrition for persons with chewing difficulties or any other challenge that affects the manipulation and preparation of solid foods prior to the swallow.” LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers a variety of puréed dysphagia meals to help people maintain a healthy diet.

What Is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is a common health issue experienced by individuals with severe medical conditions. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders (NIDCD), “People with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing . . . Often, dysphagia makes it difficult to take in enough calories and fluids to nourish the body and can lead to additional serious medical problems.” Dysphasia may cause intense pain during swallowing, making it difficult to motivate people to eat enough nutrients throughout the day. Malnutrition is a common issue for individuals with dysphagia.

Dysphagia is caused when something interferes with the nervous system, affecting muscle control in the throat. Muscle disorders, nervous system or brain disorders, and structural changes to the throat caused by surgery or other factors are the most common causes of dysphagia. The condition can severely impact a person’s diet and ability to digest the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals.

Often, people must change the type of foods they eat to ensure they receive enough nutrients throughout the day. The experience frequently causes emotional distress. LifeSpring Home Nutrition believes everyone deserves the dignity of choice and provides a range of options to ensure people feel more in control of their meal options after experiencing health issues causing dysphagia.

How Do Dysphagia Meals Improve Quality of Life?

People who are experiencing dysphagia benefit from eating easy-to-swallow foods. Medical professionals often prescribe puréed meals to reduce pain and the risk of choking. The smooth texture of puréed meals ensures a safe and enjoyable eating experience for individuals with dysphagia.

Dysphagia meals improve quality of life by ensuring the following:

• Individuals absorb enough essential nutrients during each meal.
• The risk of aspiration or other health hazards is reduced.
• Meal quality is improved through a variety of delicious food options.
• Stress is decreased as the eating process is more manageable and enjoyable.

People with dysphagia may have a limited diet or not enough enriched foods to accommodate their condition. Meals specifically designed for individuals with dysphagia eliminate these issues and help people build healthier relationships with food.

Who Benefits From Puréed Dysphagia Meals?

A few of the conditions that may cause dysphasia include:

• Dementia
• Cancer surgery
• Strokes
• Neurological disorders
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Esophageal cancer
• Myasthenia gravis

Individuals with dysphasia have unique nutritional considerations due to their condition. People benefit from dysphagia meals if they have difficulty swallowing or have a higher risk of choking on more solid foods. Medicine says, “Texture-modified foods and thickened drinks are commonly used to reduce the risks of choking and aspiration.” Additionally, doctors may temporarily prescribe puréed meals if someone experiences a severe illness or injury affecting the jaw and throat.

What Is Included in Dysphagia Meals?

Dysphagia meals provide tasty foods in an easy-to-swallow texture. Some of the puréed and soft foods available include mashed potatoes, soups, and puréed vegetables or fruits. Dysphagia meals may consist of neutraceuticals and other enriching ingredients to increase the amount of vitamins and minerals people absorb after each meal.

Most cooked foods can be puréed to make them easier to swallow and digest. LifeSpring Home Nutrition offers multiple purée meal options to ensure there is something to meet each client’s needs and preferences.

Dementia-Related Health Issues and Dysphagia Meals

Dementia-related dysphagia is often highly distressing for the individual experiencing it due to the following:

• Memory issues affect their ability to remember the context of their condition.
• Symptoms of dementia can include paranoia or anxiety.
• The physical discomfort caused by dysphagia may cause them to avoid eating.

According to Dementia & Neuropsychologia, “The prevalence of dysphagia in moderate to severe [Alzheimer’s] is from 84 to 93%.” Many people with age-related dementia experience this condition. Medically tailored puréed meals offer relief and ensure that people with dysphagia have access to enriched nourishing foods.

LifeSpring Home Nutrition understands the importance of enhancing food variety and appeal. Many people with dysphagia have a very limited diet. However, home-delivered meals provide people with a greater range of nourishing foods. Purée meals ensure individuals who have difficulty swallowing certain foods still have access to delicious and nutrient-rich dishes. The ability to choose from multiple attractive options can improve mental health and help people feel more positive about their diets, even if they are struggling with chronic or degenerative health issues.

Puréed meals ensure that individuals with oral-pharyngeal dysphasia can access the enriched foods they need to stay healthy. Many people with dysphagia are being treated for severe or chronic health issues. Puréed foods ensure they get the calories and nutrients needed to heal. Often, people with dysphagia have limited access to foods that are both healthy and appetizing. LifeSpring Home Nutrition ensures that people have multiple puréed meals to choose from. Everyone deserves to eat the foods they find most comforting. Home-delivered medically tailored and puréed meals allow people to choose from a catalog of attractive food options. To learn more about our services and meals, call us today at (800) 798-5767.