Individuals with dysphagia often find they must modify their diets. To do so, they frequently turn to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). This initiative uses modified textures and liquids to help men and women with swallowing disorders meet their nutritional needs.
What is the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative?
The IDDSI is designed to provide individuals with a common language to describe the texture of foods and the thickness of liquids. Doing so will ensure people know what they can safely eat and drink when reviewing products offered by SimplyThick on Facebook and from other manufacturers. Patients can communicate with medical professionals and their families while ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Thickened Liquids
SimplyThick offers products that will help make liquids thicker and easier to swallow. Many people with dysphagia cannot swallow water, coffee, and milk without experiencing problems. When they thicken these beverages, they can consume them safely. The thickener reduces the flow of the liquid bolus. The IDDSI offers five levels of thickness for liquids. Level 0 refers to thin liquids such as water. Level 1 means slightly thick or natural nectar thick. Tomato and apricot juice are two beverages that fall under this category. They can be consumed with a straw.
Level 2 liquids are mildly thick and challenging to drink through a straw. However, they flow quickly off a spoon. Creamy soup is an example of a mildly thick liquid. Moderately thick liquids are level 3 and have the consistency of honey. While one can pour these liquids, they don’t move much when shaken. They can be consumed from a cup but not eaten with a fork. A person can swallow these liquids directly because they have a smooth texture. Canned gravies and sauces fall under this category.
Level 4 liquids are incredibly thick. Medical professionals refer to these liquids as blended or pureed and usually consumed with a spoon. However, they may also be eaten with a fork. They cannot have any lumps and must be moist. The individual is not required to chew these foods to consume them. A person cannot drink them from a cup or suck them through a straw. Furthermore, the liquid cannot be sticky. Good examples of level 4 liquids include milkshakes, frozen yogurt, and smooth mashed potatoes.
Modified Food Textures
The IDDSI also offers several levels of modified food textures. Level 3 is liquidised foods; level 4 is pureed foods; level 5 is minced and moist foods. Level 6 refers to soft, bite-sized foods, while level 7 refers to those foods that are easy to chew.
When to Use These Levels?
Men and women struggling with swallowing disorders should use these levels when speaking to their medical team to ensure everyone understands what they are referring to. They are also helpful when talking to meal providers, as referring to the level ensures the provider understands the required texture. Consistent terms eliminate confusion.
Every person needs to follow a healthy diet. Men and women with swallowing disorders may struggle in this area. Using the IDDSI helps eliminate confusion and ensures they get the textures they need to thrive. Every person should use this terminology. If a healthcare facility isn’t, consider introducing them to the idea, as doing so will improve the level of care while ensuring the patient receives what they need to thrive.
