IN-SERVICE DIETARY DEPARTMENT

Conducted by: Karina Almanza, Dietetic Intern and R.D., Deborah Lomax
Topic: Importance of Dysphagia and Various Consistencies

Date: September 21, 2017

What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia describes an individual who has difficulty swallowing

Why is the Dysphagia Diet used?

The Dysphagia diet is used to
Make it easier to chew and move
through the mouth
Allow for proper swallowing which will
reduce the risk of food going down your
windpipe or trachea and potentially the
lungs.

In response to individuals who cope with dysphagia, there are several items that have
been made to accommodate these individuals including Thick & Easy, and Thick It.

These thickeners allow for a different consistency and overall texture of the food and
liquids. Based on dosage of thickener, there are different consistencies.

Clear liquids are liquid drinks or foods that are transparent or you can see through a
glass (like water). Full liquids are the opposite and are liquids that you cannot see
through a glass (like milk).
When using Thick & Easy, the following rules are applied:

Clear Liquids Nectar-Like Honey-Like Spoon Thick

(Pudding)

4 ounces 1 Tbsp. 1- Tbsp. 2 Tbsp.

6 ounces 1- Tbsp. 2 T, 1 Tsp 2 T, 2 Tsp.

8 ounces 2 Tbsp. 3 Tbsp. Cup

Full Liquids Nectar-Like Honey-Like Spoon Thick

(Pudding)

4 ounces 1 Tbsp. 1 Tbsp. 1- Tbsp.

6 ounces 1- Tbsp. 1-1/2 Tbsp. 2 Tbsp.

8 ounces 2 Tbsp. 2 Tbsp. 2- Tbsp.

How will you know what kind of thickness to use per patient?
Doctors will prescribe the diet of the patient to be nectar-like, honey-like or spoon-thick

How do you know if you could add thickener to a menu item?

Thickeners can only be added into liquids ONLY. If the food is not a liquid, thickener
CANNOT be added to it.

The following are examples of different consistencies when using items from our menu:
Nectar-Like Honey-Like Spoon Thicker
(Pudding)

Apple Juice (4 oz) 1 Tbsp. 1- Tbsp. 2 Tsp.

Coffee/ Decaf (4 oz) 1 Tbsp. 1- Tbsp. 2 Tsp.

Milk (low or non-fat) 1 Tbsp. 1 Tbsp. 1- Tbsp.

(4 oz)

Iced Tea (4 oz) 1 Tbsp. 1- Tbsp. 2 Tsp.

Hot Tea (4 oz) 1 Tbsp. 1- Tbsp. 2 Tsp.

Hot Cocoa (4 oz) 1 Tbsp. 1 Tbsp. 1- Tbsp.

 Additional items that might need thickener:
Clear Liquids Full Liquids
Cranberry juice Orange Juice
Chicken Broth Tomato Soup/ V8 drink

Items that DO NOT need thickener:

Any meat (chicken, turkey, sausage, beef, ham, fish)
Any fruit or vegetable (pear, orange slices, peaches, carrots, broccoli, peas, green beans)
Any Bread (Pita, Whole Wheat)
Anything that is not liquid (rice, beans, salad, pie, pudding, custard, muffin, malt-o-meal,
oatmeal, sandwich, jello, cream of rice, french toast, omelet, potatoes, tacos)