{"id":9054,"date":"2019-07-30T06:30:17","date_gmt":"2019-07-30T06:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=9054"},"modified":"2021-11-09T13:54:06","modified_gmt":"2021-11-09T13:54:06","slug":"17-foods-to-avoid-if-you-have-difficulty-swallowing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/17-foods-to-avoid-if-you-have-difficulty-swallowing\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Foods to Avoid if You Have Difficulty Swallowing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Some people have a difficult time swallowing because they have a condition called dysphagia. Others have a difficult time swallowing because they don\u2019t chew their food. They will just put a big piece of food in their mouth, which will cause them to be unable to swallow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another reason you have difficulty swallowing is because of the foods that you eat. Certain foods are unable to get down your throat and cause them to come back up. When this happens, you\u2019ll need to choose foods that are better for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are eight foods you should avoid if you have difficulty swallowing. This will soothe the throat instead of making it irritated. You\u2019ll have to avoid foods that you would normally eat. It will be difficult at first to change to different foods, but it will help you in the long run. You will be much healthier too because the foods you will be eating will be more nutritious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Avoid alcohol when you have difficulty swallowing because it is acidity. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It will irritate your throat because of it being acid. The more you drink it, the harder it will be to swallow. The only thing that you should drink is water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you drink water, take sips or use a straw. It is helpful to drink water when you are eating so that the food is able to go down better. If you choose alcohol as your choice of beverage when you eat, the food will likely come back up and you\u2019ll feel sick. This will just prolong your inability to eat, which will cause you to lose weight. It will be difficult to give up alcohol, but you will thank yourself in the end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alcohol <\/a>isn\u2019t good for you anyways. Having a difficult time swallowing, could be a sign that you need to quit in the first place.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Avoid eating hot foods when you have a difficult time swallowing. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hot foods can irritate your throat and make it more difficult to swallow. When you eat, choose cold entrees, such as tuna <\/a>and chicken salad. Cold foods soothe the throat, while at the same time allowing you to get food into your stomach without vomiting. Even if you happen to want a hot meal, let it set aside for a while before eating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may have been told to not eat cold food, but in your situation, cold food is better for you. You may not even be able to eat hot meals anymore because of your inability to swallow. If you do eat it, you\u2019ll need to cut it into smaller pieces. For instance, if you eat oatmeal for breakfast, let it set on the counter until it is almost cold. It may not be the same as having hot oatmeal, but your throat will feel much better.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Avoid acidic foods, such as oranges, lemons, and tomatoes when you have a difficult time swallowing. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These fruits <\/a>are good for you, but they will irritate your throat. Even drinking the fruit in juice form should be avoided. When you want something sweet, choose applesauce or yogurt. They are softer in texture and not sweet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you buy applesauce, purchase the one without cinnamon. The cinnamon added to the applesauce is too spicy and will irritate your throat, causing you to be unable to eat it. You have to give up a lot of foods that you enjoy when you have difficulty swallowing, including coffee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coffee is acidic and should not be consumed. You can get coffee in hot and cold form, but it still shouldn\u2019t be consumed even though, you can get it cold. It is still acidic and causes you problems. Also, sodas should be eliminated from your diet completely.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Avoid spicy foods, such as salsa and hot peppers because they will irritate your throat. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The more you eat spicy<\/a> foods, can cause you to not be able to get food down. When you cook your food, don\u2019t add any spices to it, including pepper. You\u2019ll have to get used to eating it bland. For instance, tuna salad to-go packets are already seasoned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll have to look at the package to see what seasonings are added. It is a good idea to stick with the original tuna in the can and just eat it like that. That way you don\u2019t have to worry about irritating your throat. When you go out to eat, don\u2019t be tempted to eat spicy foods. You may think that eating it one time won\u2019t hurt, but as soon as it gets into your mouth, it won\u2019t go down. You\u2019ll have to choose a different food option. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Avoid crunchy foods, such as potato and tortilla chips. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since they are crunchy, they can get stuck in the throat <\/a>and make it difficult to swallow. Even if you chew them until they are small pieces, they are still not good food choices. You\u2019ll have to avoid crunchy foods and opt for softer textured foods, such as pudding and ice cream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most crunchy foods are loaded with seasonings as well, which should be avoided as well. In order to enjoy your food, you don\u2019t need anything crunchy. There are lots of snack choices that are soft and taste good. You can eat cold cereals, but let them get soft in the milk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain vegetables are crunchy, such as carrots. They may be good for you, but not for someone who has difficulty swallowing. You can eat vegetables, such as white and sweet potatoes. They have to be mashed in order to consume them.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Avoid coarse foods that do not soften in the mouth, such as nuts. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even sunflower seeds should be avoided. They are small, but they are still considered crunchy foods. All the foods that you eat should have a soft texture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may feel like a baby, but it is just something you have to deal with. It is a condition that causes you to not be able to eat those same foods. If you have to suck on the food item, it is too coarse for you to eat it. When you put food in your mouth, it should go down your throat in a few seconds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It shouldn\u2019t have to stay in your mouth for two or three minutes, especially when you have difficulty swallowing. Rice and oatmeal <\/a>are considered coarse foods, but if you drown them in sauces, such as gravy, water, and milk for oatmeal, you should be fine.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Carbonated beverages should be avoided when you have difficulty swallowing. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

They are considered an acidic beverage and will irritate your throat. Even some juices can be acidic. The best thing to drink is water. Don\u2019t add any lemon to the water since the lemon is acidic. Other beverage options are Ensure, fruit smoothies, and milkshakes. You will just have to get used to not having that caffeine feeling in your mouth. It will take some time, but you will notice you feel and look better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you stop drinking carbonated beverages, you will lose weight. Carbonated beverages are loaded with empty calories and cause weight gain<\/a>. Since you have a difficult time swallowing, it will cause you to vomit, especially if you drink them with your food. They are bubbly substances and just cause you to be unable to keep your food down. With healthier beverage options, you can enjoy your food better.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Avoid cured, processed meats, such as sausage and salami because they are salty. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Salty meats will not only irritate the throat but cause you to be unable to swallow them. Cured, processed meats are coarse and can\u2019t be swallowed. When you need protein<\/a>, consume chicken, tuna, and egg options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chicken, tuna, and egg salads are soft in texture and healthier for you. You don\u2019t need to eat bread with the salad, just the salad itself. If you do need to eat bread, take the crust off and soften it. Don\u2019t toast the bread because you won\u2019t be able to swallow it. It can become difficult during the holidays because you won\u2019t be able to eat ham and turkey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you try to eat it, place some gravy over it to make it softer. It will become annoying to eat the same foods all of the time, but that is the only way you will be able to consume food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Jerky<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We already discussed how cured meats like salami <\/a>are a no-go for people with difficulty swallowing. Another cured, dried meat that s a favorite American snack is jerky. Jerky is also food you should avoid; it’s tough to chew and even more challenging to swallow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manufacturers make jerky using cuts of meat seasoned and hung to dry in a special curing cabinet. The meat dries in the right humidity, ensuring the meat doesn’t get tough and too hard to chew. Jerky is a delicious snack. It’s high in protein and fat and low in carbs, making it the perfect food for keto diets.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the tough, chewy nature of jerky makes it challenging to chew up into small, soft pieces that you can swallow. People with dysphagia have a hard time swallowing the chunks of meat, and they run the risk of choking on the jerky. If no one is around when you start choking, you could end up in a life-threatening position.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Kids Cereal or Granola with Large Chunks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cereal <\/a>is the top breakfast choice for children around the world. Cereals come in an abundance of flavors, types, and brands. Visit the cereal aisle of your local grocery store, and you’ll have a huge selection of cereals. It’s one of the biggest aisles in the store. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it’s a tradition to raise American children on cereal, it’s not a healthy breakfast. Most kid’s cereals feature grain in the ingredients. These fast-acting carbohydrates and sugar in cereal result in a mid-morning energy crash in children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cereal is also a no-go item for anyone with dysphagia. Some cereals, like granola, have large chunks that present a choking hazard. While many people think of granola as a healthy breakfast, it’s not much of a better option than sugary kids cereal; it’s all fast-acting carbohydrates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid children’s cereal in your diet, it’s full of sugar anyway, and the choking hazard isn’t worth the risk. Stick to softer foods like cream of rice or wheat for breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Cookies and Pastries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People dealing with dysphagia find it challenging to swallow food, especially in large chunks. There are different dysphagia stages, and people with a mild case find that they have difficulty swallowing some foods, while others are fine. People with advanced dysphagia find it challenging to swallow anything but liquids, and even that might be a challenge to some. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, you’ll have to make cookies and other pastries off your menu as well. These food items can cause blockages when you swallow, leading to choking. Cookies and pastries <\/a>are harder to swallow because they’re dry items. The dryness of the cookie or pastry will catch on your throat, making it difficult to swallow the food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do feel like trying a cookie, make sure you have a glass of water or milk with it to ensure you can swallow afterward. Never eat cookies without someone else in the room to check on you if you choke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Whole Fruit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People with dysphagia should avoid eating whole fruit. Eating orange <\/a>or tangerine segments can result in you choking on the fibrous material on the orange slice. Eating apples and other whole fruits can result in choking because you can’t chew the fruit finely enough to swallow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, eating fruit is an essential source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber in your diet. We need them for optimal digestive and metabolic health. Fortunately, it’s possible to get our vitamins and minerals through supplements, but what about fiber? Fruit plays a role in our diet, providing us with much-needed fiber to keep our digestive tract healthy. Eliminating it from your diet could lead to digestive issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, get all the fiber you need from your fruit by making smoothies. Blend the fruit into a smoothie, and drink it down. You’ll be getting all the vitamins, minerals, and fiber you need without having to chew the fruit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Eggs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Eggs <\/a>are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. Medical professionals told us to stay away from eating eggs for years as they are high in fat and cholesterol. However, recent advances in medical science and nutrition show that eggs are, in fact, good for your health. The fats in eggs are healthy, and they’re a rich source of biotin and folate. Eggs contain around 7-grams of protein and plenty of energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, one of the controversial issues with eggs is the cholesterol content. In recent years, nutritional experts showed that the cholesterol in eggs has no impact on your blood serum cholesterol levels. In other words, the cholesterol and fat found in eggs don’t have any effect on your bloodwork or heart health. You could eat six eggs a day for years and not experience any heart problems, provided you live a healthy lifestyle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, eggs are not suitable for the dysphagia diet. While they’re soft, they can still be hard to swallow. Avoid all types of eggs in your diet, including fried, scrambled, and boiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. Chewy Candies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chewy candies are one of the worst foods for the dysphagia diet. Sure, we all love sweet candy from time to time, but it’s a really bad choice for people that have difficulty swallowing. The hard candy can lodge in your throat and be challenging to clear, even with drinking water. As a result, you could end up with a life-threatening choking hazard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you feel like something sweet, consider getting a chocolate milkshake or something else like ice cream<\/a> that is easier to swallow. Hard candies are a terrible choice for your diet, and they’re also terrible for your health. Avoid all types of hard candies, including gums and pastilles. If you have to have something in your mouth, consider sucking on a lozenge.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you don’t bite and crush the lozenge in your teeth, you shouldn’t have a problem. However, it’s important to note that a hard candy can present a choking hazard if you accidentally swallow it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

15. Understanding the Dysphagia Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People with dysphagia often find it’s a temporary problem that resolves itself over time. People who develop dysphagia from strokes take a few months and some physical therapy<\/a> to recover the swallowing mechanism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the patient’s condition improves, they can start moving onto a less-restrictive diet that involves harder foods. As mentioned, dysphagia comes in stages. The affected individual must adapt their diet to each stage to ensure they get the right nutrition without presenting themselves with a choking hazard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When using a dysphagia diet, take note of the following. <\/p>\n\n\n\n