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Tag: Eating difficulties

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

How to help with struggling to eat?

5 min read
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, eating disorders are most common in teenagers or young adults, but can affect almost anyone at any age. This guide offers practical strategies and compassionate advice for anyone who is struggling to eat or supporting a loved one through the challenge.

Minced vs. Pureed Food: Understanding the Key Differences

4 min read
According to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI), minced and pureed foods are distinct levels of modified texture. Understanding what's the difference between minced and pureed food is crucial for catering to specific dietary needs, from infants transitioning to solids to adults with swallowing difficulties.

Can You Puree Food for a Liquid Diet?

7 min read
According to research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), a significant percentage of patients with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) require a pureed diet to safely consume nutrition. In many cases, this pureed diet can be an effective and beneficial way to incorporate a wider variety of nutrients into a liquid diet.

Can you do an effortful swallow with food? Understanding a Key Dysphagia Technique

4 min read
An effortful swallow is a maneuver designed to increase muscle contraction and pressure during swallowing to help clear the throat. This technique is often used to treat dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. This guide will explore whether you can do an effortful swallow with food and the crucial safety considerations involved for those with swallowing difficulties.

Diet Recommendations for Patients with Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing

4 min read
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects nearly 40% of patients and increases the risk of malnutrition and dehydration. The best diet is one that modifies food and liquid textures to a safe consistency, which can range from pureed foods to a mechanical soft diet. Personalizing the diet based on the severity of the condition ensures that patients receive adequate nutrition while minimizing the risk of choking and aspiration.

What is it Called When You Struggle to Eat Food?

6 min read
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the medical term for difficulty swallowing is dysphagia, a condition that can result from various health issues affecting the muscles and nerves involved in eating. This article explains the medical terminology for when you struggle to eat food, covering causes and potential treatments.

Can rice be difficult to swallow? Understanding the Causes of Dysphagia

4 min read
According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, approximately 8% of the global population experiences dysphagia, the medical term for difficulty swallowing. When considering, **can rice be difficult to swallow**, it’s a valid question that often points to underlying health conditions rather than just the food itself.

How to motivate someone to eat food? A Guide to Compassionate Nutrition

5 min read
According to research, appetite loss can be caused by a variety of factors, from medical conditions and medications to stress and psychological distress. Learning **how to motivate someone to eat food** requires a multi-faceted and empathetic approach, blending practical nutritional strategies with an understanding of the individual's specific challenges. This guide offers compassionate, evidence-based methods to help restore appetite and improve overall health.

What is the indication of a soft diet?

5 min read
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a soft diet is commonly used as a transitional diet to help patients recover from surgery or manage various medical conditions. So, **what is the indication of a soft diet**? It's typically prescribed when an individual's ability to chew, swallow, or digest foods of a regular consistency is compromised, ensuring they receive necessary nutrients without discomfort.

What to do when patients refuse to eat?: Compassionate Nutritional Strategies

5 min read
Malnutrition rates are reported to be high among certain patient groups, especially those with cognitive impairments, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring adequate nutritional intake. When patients refuse to eat, caregivers and healthcare professionals face a significant challenge, necessitating a thoughtful, empathetic, and multi-faceted approach to address the root causes and provide compassionate care.