Understanding the Level 7 Easy Chew Diet
The Level 7 Easy Chew diet is part of the IDDSI framework, developed to provide a common terminology for food textures and liquid thickness for individuals with swallowing difficulties. This specific diet is suitable for people who have strong enough chewing ability to break down soft and tender foods but may struggle with harder, tougher textures. While there are no restrictions on the size of food pieces, the texture must be soft enough to be easily mashed or broken apart with the side of a fork. Adherence to these guidelines helps prevent choking and makes eating a safer, more comfortable experience.
The Importance of Avoiding Restricted Foods
For those on a Level 7 Easy Chew diet, avoiding certain food textures is a critical safety measure. These foods can pose a choking hazard or become difficult and tiring to chew, which can be problematic for individuals with weaker chewing muscles. Moreover, certain textures can splinter into sharp pieces or become sticky, increasing the risk of food getting stuck in the throat. Following the prescribed restrictions helps individuals eat more safely and comfortably, contributing to better overall health and nutrition.
Specific Food Categories to Avoid
To manage a Level 7 Easy Chew diet effectively, it is best to categorize the foods that present a risk. These categories, identified by healthcare professionals and the IDDSI, cover a wide range of potential problem foods.
Hard and Dry Foods
Any food that is hard, tough, or dry should be avoided. These items require significant chewing effort and can be difficult to break down into a safe-to-swallow texture. Examples include:
- Nuts and seeds
- Dry cakes, biscuits, and crackers
- Tough meat cuts like steak
- Raw vegetables such as carrots and broccoli
Chewy and Sticky Foods
Foods with a chewy, sticky, or gummy consistency are problematic because they can be hard to manipulate in the mouth and may cling to the teeth or roof of the mouth. This increases the risk of them lodging in the throat. Examples include:
- Chewy candies and dried fruits
- Marshmallows and toffees
- Certain cheeses served in chunks
- Sticky rice cakes
Crunchy and Crumbly Foods
Foods that are crispy, crunchy, or crumbly can break into sharp, hard pieces that are difficult to chew and swallow safely. Crumbly items can also break apart easily into small, dry particles that are hard to manage. Examples include:
- Crispy bacon and crackling
- Cornflakes and other dry cereals
- Popcorn and corn chips
- Flaky pastry
Fibrous and Stringy Foods
Fibrous and stringy items are hard to chew and can be stringy enough to get caught in the throat. This includes the tough parts of some fruits and vegetables. Examples include:
- Pineapple, particularly the fibrous core
- Runner beans and celery
- The white pith of oranges
Foods with Mixed Consistencies
Mixed-consistency foods, which contain both solid pieces and thin liquid, can be dangerous. The thin liquid can be swallowed before the solid food is fully chewed, increasing the risk of aspiration. Examples include:
- Soup with large chunks of meat or vegetables
- Cereal that does not fully soften in milk
- Juicy fruits where the solid part separates from the liquid, like watermelon
Comparison of Suitable vs. Unsuitable Foods
To provide clarity, here is a comparison table outlining some of the key differences between foods that are appropriate and inappropriate for a Level 7 Easy Chew diet.
| Food Category | Suitable (Soft/Tender) | Unsuitable (Hard/Chewy/Fibrous) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Tender, slow-cooked meat, finely minced meat, soft fish (without bones) | Tough steak, meat with gristle or bones, crispy bacon |
| Vegetables | Softly boiled or steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, soft jacket potato interior | Raw vegetables (carrots, broccoli), stringy beans, fibrous vegetables |
| Fruits | Soft, ripe fruits (peeled, pitted), tinned fruit in juice, ripe banana | Raw apples, dried fruits, fresh pineapple, fruits with seeds or pips |
| Grains | Well-cooked soft pasta and noodles, soaked cereals, soft bread (no crusts) | Dry cereals, toast, hard-crusted bread, popcorn |
| Snacks/Sweets | Smooth custard, yogurt, plain sponge cake softened with cream | Chewy sweets, hard candies, caramel, nuts, dry biscuits |
Strategies for Safe Eating
Beyond avoiding specific foods, there are several behavioral and preparation strategies that can enhance safety and enjoyment for those on a Level 7 Easy Chew diet.
- Modify textures: For many borderline foods, proper preparation can make them safe. Cooking vegetables until very tender, removing skins and seeds, and serving with a sauce or gravy can help. For meats, slow cooking or mincing can make them tender.
- Practice proper posture: Sitting upright during meals and remaining in that position for at least 30 minutes afterward can aid digestion and swallowing.
- Eat slowly and concentrate: Encourage small bites and thorough chewing to ensure food is prepared for a safe swallow. Avoiding distractions like talking while eating can also help.
- Consult professionals: A speech and language therapist or dietitian can provide personalized advice and a comprehensive assessment to ensure the diet is safe and nutritionally adequate.
Conclusion
In summary, managing a Level 7 Easy Chew diet involves a clear understanding of which food textures to avoid to ensure safety and comfort. Hard, dry, chewy, sticky, crunchy, and fibrous foods, along with those containing seeds, bones, or mixed consistencies, should be eliminated from the diet. Focusing on soft, tender, and moist foods, and adopting safe eating practices, allows individuals to maintain nutritional intake while reducing the risk of choking or other complications. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding dietary modifications.
Helpful Resource
For more in-depth information about the IDDSI framework and specific testing methods, visit the official International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative website: IDDSI.
