Dysphagic and Prescribed Diet and the Right Diet to Meet Nutrition

Dysphagic diet
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Dysphagic diet
A dysphagic diet is one that entails various textures of liquids and foods that assist and make it easier for patients to swallow (Steele et al., 2014). This diet occurs in different levels depending on the thickness of foods and drinks on a scale implemented by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) (Fairview.org, 2020). Foods can be rated on different levels on a scale of 3-7 while drinks are rated 0-4 (Fairview.org, 2020).
Objectives
1 State the various indications for a specified diet
Dysphagic diets are associated with aspiration whereby drinks or food could enter the lungs by accident (Steele et al., 2014). Most of the indicators are associated with the swallowing of foods. For instance, soft foods can easily be swallowed compared to hard foods. The swallowing process is affected by some medical conditions that can be identified by a Speech-Language-Pathologist (SLP) (Steele et al., 2014). The SLP will identify the risk of aspiration and recommend the best drinks and foods.
Some of the indicators could include those associated with medical conditions such as stroke, mouth sores, severe dental problems, muscular dystrophies, and Parkinson disease or any nervous system condition (Steele et al., 2014). Cancer could also lead to a dysphagic diet. Patients with blockages in the esophagus and history of radiation caused by throat cancer could also be recommended a dysphagic diet (Fairview.org, 2020). The indicators for a dysphagic diet will aid in identifying the type and amount of nutrients and calories required for a specified medical condition. Estimated drinks are also identified through the IDDSI’s scale (Fairview.org, 2020).
2 Explain the scientific rationale for a prescribed diet
Notably, prescribed diets are recommended by physicians as part of the treatment plan. They assist in reducing or increasing specific nutritional needs to prevent risks associated with some medical conditions. Specifically, therapeutic diets are used to improve health and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In the case of a dysphagic diet, the prescribed diet prevents foods from getting into the lungs causing secondary diseases such as pneumonia and other aspiration conditions. For example, one could be suffering from stroke-causing eating difficulties. A dysphagic diet will ease the feeding process; hence, preventing other breathing conditions such as pneumonia. The approach on a dysphagic diet has been used in setting dysphagic diet standards by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative. For example, texture modification for various foods and drinks has taken a scientific approach since conditions associated with dysphagic diets vary in different forms. As a result, it is advisable to visit a Speech-Language-Pathologist who will assist in recommending the best dysphagic diet depending on the medical condition.
3 Describe food/fluid restrictions appropriate for diet or food/fluids encouraged to meet nutritional needs?
A dysphagic diet can be categorized in different levels of foods and drinks depending on the conditi...