- Rest one to two hours before mealtime.
- Create a calm and relaxed eating environment.
- Sit in an accessible spot on the table, just in case choking occurs and a carer needs to be involved.
- Sit in an upright position while eating. Avoid lying down.
- Instead of eating three spaced apart meals, eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Choose foods that are easier to chew and swallow.
- Keep eating aids within reach.
- Use non-slip table mats and light utensils such as plastic knives and forks.
- Incorporate sauces and gravies to make foods easier to swallow.
- Avoid hard foods such as nuts and lollipops.
- Avoid food that separates into strings or sections during chewing, such as tomatoes and bacon.
- Opt for foods that have a higher nutritional value. For instance, opt for a protein smoothie instead of a cup of black tea.
- Avoid non-fat and low-fat products.
- Drink fortified beverages such as juices, protein shakes, and nutritional supplement drinks.
- Remain sitting upright for up to half an hour after a meal. Lying down too soon could increase the risk of reflux and choking.
Huntington’s disease – Food management strategies
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disease. This brain disorder is a result of an inherited mutation in a gene for the protein called huntingtin. It is known to significantly impact one’s functional abilities, leading to the development of movement, cognitive, and psychiatric disorders. Those with Huntington’s have a higher risk of choking and developing eating and swallowing troubles. To ease this, the following tips may be helpful:
Food management strategies for Huntington’s disease