By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Eating Well After Stroke: Tips for Dealing With Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) and Post-Stroke Eating Problems
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Wellness > Home Health > Eating Well After Stroke: Tips for Dealing With Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) and Post-Stroke Eating Problems
Home Health

Eating Well After Stroke: Tips for Dealing With Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) and Post-Stroke Eating Problems

eCaring
eCaring
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

Dysphagia after stroke

 

Dysphagia after stroke

 

More Read

Produce Shopping Tips For Ensuring Food Safety
What to Do About Childhood Obesity: National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
3 Major Challenges Facing Home Care Today
Stroke Awareness at the Forefront in May
Why Is Water Important? Health Benefits Of Drinking Enough Water

Eating well after stroke is key to successful recovery. After all, our bodies need proper nutrition and fuel to heal. But it’s hard to eat when you have trouble swallowing or keeping food in your mouth. A person who has suffered a stroke may have problems using utensils, preparing meals, or even feeling motivated enough to eat.

Many stroke survivors also struggle with a common challenge when eating: dysphagia. Brain damage as a result of stroke weakens or paralyzes muscles that help enable chewing and swallowing. Since a person with dysphagia does not receive food properly, they may face serious health problems including dehydration, choking, malnutrition and pneumonia.

Signs of dysphagia include:

  • Frequent coughing
  • An usually deep or husky voice
  • Clearing one’s throat often
  • Food or saliva falling from the mouth while eating

If the condition is serious, a feeding tube may be needed. But as a caregiver, there are ways you can make eating easier for a person with dysphagia:

soft food diet after stroke

  • Choose soft foods that are easy to chew. Eggs, cottage cheese, applesauce, canned fruit, soups, and mashed potatoes are a few nutritious options.
  • Cut food into smaller pieces
  • Use a blender or food processor to make foods a creamy texture
  • Use food thickeners such as flour, instant potato flacks, or matzo meal to thicken liquids, making them easier to swallow

 

Loss of Appetite Following A Stroke

After a stroke, a person’s appetite might not be as voracious as it used to be. Many survivors feel less hungry during the day. However, it critical stroke survivors not forget to eat and that he or she consume calories regularly.

If a stroke survivor’s appetite is weak, try:

  • Encouraging the person to eat more meals throughout the day. Instead of three square meals, test-run eating 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day.
  • Tempt with smell. If the physical sensation of hunger isn’t strong, try compensating by activating other senses. Prepare colorful meals with pleasant smells to enhance the activity of eating. Caregiver tip: If the person has suffered vision loss on one side, try turning the plate so the food is the person’s functioning field of vision.
  • Build in snacks. Pepper in healthy snacks between meals to keep the person’s energy level high throughout the day. Choose super brain-foods packed with protein, such a nuts or seeds for an extra boost.

Stroke survivors and trouble using eating utensils

Stroke can result is a loss of motor skills and coordination. Some survivors may find it hard to a maneuver eating utensils. Caregivers can purchase special products that can help stroke survivors use knives, forks, and spoons more easily.

Look for flatware:

  • With larger handles for easier gripping
  • With curved handles to cut food with one hand
  • With grips to make lifting food easier
  • Made of unbreakable plastic to prevent shattering if dropped
  • Made of rubber for easy cleaning

 

What other post-stroke eating problems have your encountered? How have you managed? Share and help others learn from your story!

TAGGED:stroke
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

Epidemiological Health Benefits
Personal and Epidemiological Health Benefits of Blood Pressure Management
Health
October 13, 2025
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries: What Families Need to Know
Policy & Law
October 10, 2025
Remote Monitoring touchpoints
Remote Monitoring Touchpoints Patients Will Actually Follow
Technology
October 9, 2025
dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025

You Might also Like

Home HealthSpecialtiesWellness

Causes and Consequences of Skin Irritation

June 21, 2017
29 Company Map
DiagnosticseBookeHealthHome HealthWellness

Tech and Precision Medicine: 29 Companies Who Will Lead the Charge

January 22, 2016
health caregiving
Home HealthMedical EducationTechnology

Wanted: Advanced Caregiver Training and Intuitive Devices

May 8, 2013

Yoga for Beginners: DOs and DON’Ts

March 22, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?