Eating when you find it difficult to swallow 

What is this information about?

This information is about how you can make it easier to eat so you get the nutrition you need if you find it difficult to swallow.  

It explains: 

• why you may find it difficult to swallow 
• ways in which you can eat that can make it easier for you to swallow 
• which foods are easier or harder to swallow 
• tips on eating to help you to get the nutrition you need if you do not have much of an appetite or you have lost weight without meaning to.  

Why have I been given this information?

You have been given this information because you find it difficult to swallow.  

Following the advice in this information can: 

• help you to cope with changes in how easy it is for you to swallow. 
• help you get the nutrition you need to be as healthy as possible.  

Why might I find it difficult to swallow?

If you: 

• find it difficult to swallow 
• feel that food is getting stuck in your ‘food pipe’ that connects your mouth to your stomach (your oesophagus or gullet)  

this may be because: 

• your oesophagus has narrowed 
• the muscles which push food and liquid down into your stomach are not working as they should. 

Your ability to swallow varies and everyone is different. 

What tips for eating should I follow if I find it difficult to swallow?

Some solid foods, if you chew them well, will be easier to swallow than others. For example, cheese will ‘melt’ when chewed but bread forms a sticky lump. This means you may be able to eat some solid foods but not others.  

There are further tips on how to:  

• ‘fortify’ your food (add things to it so it gives you more of the nutrients and energy (calories) that you need) 
• manage weight loss that you did not intend  

further on in this information. 

How can I choose foods which are suitable for me?

Use the tables below to help you to choose foods that you will be able to swallow.

How can I eat better to feel better?

This section gives you some ideas to help you increase the amount of protein and energy you are getting using drinks, snacks and ‘food boosters’ 

This is important if you do not have much of an appetite or you have lost weight without meaning to. Eating well is important to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to work properly.  

Try our 1, 2, 3 approach: 1 pint of Fortified Milk, 2 Snacks, 3 Food Boosters

Top Tips: 

• Eat ‘little and often’ throughout the day. Try to have 3 to 4 small meals with snacks in-between 
• Indulge in foods that you fancy. Opt for the full fat versions. 
• Have a pudding once or twice a day. For example, full fat yoghurt, ice-cream, cake or custard. 
• Consider ready meals or a meal delivery service instead of cooking from scratch. For example, 
  • Meals on wheels West Sussex Apetito Phone: 01903 718893.
  • Wiltshire Farm Foods wiltshirefarmfoods.com  Phone: 0800 077 3100.
  • Oakhouse Foods oakhousefoods.co.uk  Phone: 0333 370 6700.

These all provide soft and pureed meal options. 

Drinks

Drinking plenty is important to help you: 

• feel alert 
• reduce your chance of having a fall 
• reduce your chance of getting a urine infection (UTI). 

Aim to drink 6 to 8 cups of fluids every day. These can include water and drinks such as tea, coffee, milk, smoothies, or fruit juice. 

Try soups and shakes which give you extra nutrients (nutritional supplement drinks). These include Complan, Meritene, Energis, and Aymes. You can buy them from pharmacies and supermarkets. They come in neutral, sweet and savoury flavours and as both powders which you mix with a fluid or ready-mixed. 

1. Fortified milk: Have 1 pint every day

Fortified milk: add 4 tablespoons (40g) of dried milk powder into 1 pint of whole milk. 

Mix the powder with a small amount of milk to make a paste and then whisk in the rest of the milk. Use this as you would do normal milk. For a single serving, add two tablespoons of dried milk powder to one glass (250mls) of whole milk. 

2. Snack ideas: Include 2-3 snacks per day between meals

3. Fortify your food with “food boosters”

Who can I contact if I need further advice, support or information after I have read this information?

Use the space below to write down any notes or questions that you’d like to ask.