
Dysphagia • Modified diet consisting of foods that are easy to chew and swallow for those who have difficulty chewing and swallowing. • There are three levels of the diet depending on the condition of the patient.
Level 1 Rationale • This level is designed for people with moderate to severe dysphagia. • Extremely poor chewing and swallowing abilities. • These patients can not protect their airway. • Close supervision while eating is required. • Completely pureed, blended, soft, and thick foods.
Level 1:Common Foods Mashed Bananas Beverage Thickener Chocolate Pudding Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Level 2 Rationale • Transition from a pureed diet (level 1) to more solid foods. • Chewing ability is required on this level. • Foods that are soft, moist, ground up, and easily chewed are required at this level.
Level 2:Common Foods Pulp Free Orange Juice-thickened Pancakes moistened with syrup Canned fruit-no pineapple Smooth oatmeal
Level 3 Rationale • This level is a transition from level 2 diet to a regular diet. • Patient can chew and swallow adequately. • Foods required on this diet are nearly regular textures, with the exception of hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. Foods still need to be moist and cut into bite-size pieces to aid swallowing.
Level 3:Common Foods Bread moistened with butter and jam Strawberries that have only small seeds Thin-sliced meat
The Three Levels of Soup Level 1: Smooth, thickened soup Level 3: Small, soft pieces of vegetables and meat Level 2: Vegetables are ½ inch, and easy to chew and swallow.