Which food would be included in the diet for a patient who had a stroke and has dysphagia

Just because you have swallowing problems, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy eating. If you’re missing your favourite meals and snacks, speak to your speech and language therapist or dietitian. There may be a way for you to have them, or to enjoy something similar.

Many types of everyday food are soft, or can be made in soft or pureed form. Ask your dietitian for advice about dishes you might be able to make at home and how to make them tasty and enjoyable. If you enjoy your food it can help you to get all the energy and nutrients you need to stay healthy. Soft foods don’t have to be boring.

There are lots of cookery books and online recipes for tasty pureed meals. Or if you’re not able to cook, there are companies that will deliver meals to you that look and taste great. Ask your speech and language therapist or dietitian if they have any recommendations.

Medication comes in different forms, including liquids, patches and inhalers. So if you’re finding it hard to swallow your tablets, speak to your doctor or pharmacist to see if your medication comes in a different form that may be easier for you to take.

Always check with your pharmacist first before crushing tablets, as this can change the way some medications work and can even be dangerous.

1.Listen to your therapist 

The most important thing for you to do is to follow the advice that your speech and language therapist gives you. Even though you may think that you’re able to swallow safely, you can’t know for sure. 

Not being able to eat the things you enjoy is difficult, especially when you’re stuck in the hospital, or if you are feeling down. However, avoiding difficult foods, however much you miss them, will help you recover.

2.Ask questions

It’s important that you understand the instructions and advice you’re given, so ask your speech and language therapist to explain things again if you need them to. 

Don’t worry if you feel that you’re always asking questions. Your stroke team would much rather you ask than do something that puts you at risk. So if you want to eat something but you’re not 100% sure it’s OK, double-check. Or if you think your swallowing has improved, ask for another assessment, so that you can be sure.

3.Learn how to swallow safely

Although your speech and language therapist will show you, our swallowing dos and don’ts can remind you how to swallow safely. 

Do

• Create time and space for you to concentrate on what you’re doing. So turn off the TV or draw the curtain around your hospital bed.
• Sit up with a straight back, arms and hands forwards. If you are in a chair, keep your feet flat on the floor.  
• Take your time.
• Take small amounts. Cut food up into small pieces, and just take small sips when you drink.
• Swallow twice after each mouthful, to make sure nothing is left in your mouth.

Don’t

• Try to eat or drink if you’re feeling tired or drowsy.
• Try to eat or drink lying down.
• Talk while you’re trying to swallow.
• Use straws or cups with spouts unless your speech and language therapist has told you it’s safe.
• Eat foods with a variety of textures, such as soup that has large chunks in it, or cornflakes with milk.

4. Look after your mouth and teeth

You should have help and support to look after your mouth, because the bacteria (germs) in your mouth can be breathed into your lungs. 

When there’s a build-up of bacteria in your mouth, it raises the risk of a lung infection (pneumonia). Regularly cleaning the tiny traces of food and drink on your teeth, gums and inside your cheeks reduces the number of bacteria and lowers the risk of pneumonia. 

Traces of food in your mouth can also lead to gum infections or tooth decay, making your mouth sore and making it harder to eat and drink. 

If you have swallowing problems, ask your stroke nurse or speech and language therapist for individual advice about how to keep your mouth and teeth clean.

5.Talk to someone about it

Swallowing problems can be especially difficult to cope with at home. A large part of our family and social lives is about eating and drinking, so it can have a big impact when you’re not able to enjoy these things anymore. Many stroke survivors feel left out when they’re not able to take part in family mealtimes like they used to. Or you may not look forward to meals out, because you’re embarrassed to eat in front of other people or feel awkward if you’re not eating with everyone else. 

These feelings can take their toll. So make sure you talk to someone about them. Support groups can be helpful, because you can talk about your problems with people who are going through the same thing. But they’re not for everyone, so talk to a friend or family member instead if that’s easier for you – whoever you feel comfortable confiding in when you’re finding it tough.

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