Managing Eating Problems After A Stroke: How Do I Manage Eating Problems

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How do I manage eating problems?

Work with your speech therapist or other health professional to determine what help you need. The following are some tips for eating:

Prepare foods and liquids that are appetizing and easy to swallow

• Eat foods that smell good. Foods with a strong aroma and sweet or salty foods stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth. The extra saliva will help you swallow your food.
• Try drinking juice if you have trouble swallowing water. The taste of juice helps you know that liquid is in your mouth, so you are less likely to choke. But do not drink citrus juices, such as orange juice. These juices can be irritating and may have pulp, which may increase your chance of choking.
• Work with your speech therapist to see if eating foods at certain temperatures helps you swallow.
• Avoid sticky foods. Milk and most milk products, peanut butter, syrup, and bananas can be sticky and hard to swallow.
• Avoid very dry foods. Crackers, rice, popcorn, and toast may be difficult to swallow.
• Eat soft foods or finely chopped solid foods. Juice or soups may be added to solid food.
• Thicken liquids with nonfat dry milk powder. Thin liquids may cause choking, because they are harder to feel.

Use special devices to help you eat

Many people who have had a stroke have weakness on one side. If the hand or arm that you use to feed yourself is weak, you may find it hard to use a knife and fork. If you have problems reaching for food, spilling food, cutting meat, or opening containers, ask your speech therapist, occupational therapist, nurse, or doctor about special items that can make eating easier. Examples include:

• Large-handled silverware.
• Suction cups for dishes.
• Extra-long tongs.

Tips to prevent choking while eating

• When you drink, fill your glass only three-quarters full.
• Eat small bites of food. If you lack feeling on one side of your mouth, place your food on the other side.
• Clear your mouth and throat after each bite. Food may lodge in the affected side of your mouth. Remove it with your tongue or fingers.
• Allow about 30 to 40 minutes to eat so that you will not feel rushed. Also, sit up for 45 to 60 minutes after you finish eating.

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Last updated:	July 06, 2007
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Michele Cronen