Dysphagia and Malnutrition: How to Prevent Weight and Muscle Loss
Why malnutrition is so common in dysphagia, how to monitor weight at home, caloric fortification strategies, and when to escalate to the clinical team.
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Best Protein Sources for Dysphagia at Every IDDSI Level
How much protein someone with dysphagia needs, the best sources at Levels 3–6, fortification strategies, and when to request a dietitian referral
IDDSI Liquid Levels 0–4: What Each Level Is and Who Needs It
IDDSI liquid Levels 0–4 explained — what each consistency looks like, who is typically prescribed it, and what test confirms it at home.
Dysphagia Treatment: What Works, What Doesn't, and What Progress Looks Like
What dysphagia treatment involves — compensatory strategies, swallowing exercises, and an honest prognosis by condition.
What Happens at a Dysphagia Swallowing Assessment
Before, during, and after a dysphagia swallowing diagnosis — VFSS and FEES explained, results decoded, and what to do when you get home.
Oral Care for Dysphagia: What to Buy to Reduce Aspiration Risk
A list of items to consider for dysphagia oral care. From suction toothbrushes to mouthwash, dry mouth products, including a daily routine guide.
Adaptive Eating Utensils for Dysphagia: What Can Help at Mealtimes and What to Buy
Review of 9 adaptive eating utensils, from maroon spoons to weighted cutlery & red plateware for dementia and dysphagia patients.
IDDSI Diet Levels: Food vs Liquid — What Each Level Means and What to Eat
IDDSI food and liquid diet levels. This guide explains what each level means for drinks and meals, and how to manage two prescriptions at once.
Dysphagia-Friendly Porridge Recipes for Every IDDSI Level
Which porridge suits your IDDSI level — congee, okayu, polenta and more, with official IDDSI testing guidance and free downloads.
Polenta Recipe for Dysphagia (IDDSI Level 4)
Polenta is the most reliable IDDSI Level 4 porridge — stable across temperatures. Dysphagia recipe with spoon tilt test and fortification tips.
Semolina Porridge Recipe for Dysphagia (IDDSI Level 3–4)
Semolina porridge reaches IDDSI Level 3–4 depending on ratio. High-protein, milk-based dysphagia recipe with consistency adjustment guide.
Lugaw and Arroz Caldo Filipino Porridge (IDDSI Level 3–4)
Filipino lugaw reaches IDDSI Level 3 or 4 depending on broth ratio. Full recipe with adjustment guide and IDDSI testing steps.
Recipes - IDDSI Levels 0–4
Chiu Chow Congee Recipe — Hong Kong Style (IDDSI Level 3)
Chiu Chow congee reaches IDDSI Level 3 at a 10:1 ratio. Full recipe with water ratio guide, fortification options, and IDDSI testing steps.
Recipes - IDDSI Levels 0–4
Okayu Japanese Rice Porridge Recipe (IDDSI Level 3)
Japan's traditional sick-day rice porridge naturally reaches IDDSI Level 3 at a 5:1 ratio. Recipe with spoon tilt test and fortification tips.
Recipes - IDDSI Levels 0–4
Uji Millet Porridge Recipe - Dysphagia (IDDSI Level 2–3)
Uji millet porridge is naturally IDDSI Level 2 — thickener required for Level 3. Recipe with thickening guide and syringe flow test steps.
Dysphagia and ALS/MND: When Swallowing Will Change and How to Prepare
How ALS progresses to affect swallowing, managing saliva, when to discuss a PEG tube, and energy conservation strategies for mealtimes.
IDDSI Level 7 Diet: Regular and Easy to Chew Explained
IDDSI Level 7 has two sub-levels — Regular (RG7) and Easy to Chew (EC7). What each means, the fork pressure test, food lists, and when EC7 is right.
Dysphagia and Medication: How to Give Tablets and Capsules Safely
The first time I realised medication administration was a clinical problem in its own right — not just a practical inconvenience — was when I was caring for an elderly man with Parkinson's disease and dysphagia who had been crushing his levodopa tablets into his thickened water for months. Nobody
Dysphagia Resources
Dehydration, Dementia, and Dysphagia: A Complete Caregiver's Guide to Hydration
I have sat with a woman who hadn't drunk more than a few sips in three days. Not because she refused thickened drinks — we'd solved that. Not because she couldn't swallow — she could. Because she had dementia, and she had stopped knowing she was
The IDDSI Level 3 Diet: Liquidised Foods & a 7 Day Meal Plan
What to eat and drink at IDDSI Level 3 and how it differs from Level 4 . Plus a 7-day family-friendly meal plan.
IDDSI Content
IDDSI Framework PDF: Free Printable Poster, Handouts & Testing Cards
Download the official IDDSI framework poster, level handouts, and testing cards - free to print and share.
Dysphagia Resources
The IDDSI Level 6 Diet: Soft and Bite-Sized — Complete Guide & a 7 Day Meal Plan
What to eat at IDDSI Level 6 — complete food list, the 15mm rule explained, fork pressure test, and a 7-day family-friendly meal plan.
Dysphagia Resources
The IDDSI Level 5 Diet: Minced and Moist — Complete Guide Including Meal Plan
Complete food list, 4mm size explained in practice, 7-day meal plan, and family meal tips for IDDSI Level 5 minced and moist
Dysphagia Resources
The IDDSI Level 4 Diet: Everything You Can Eat, What to Avoid, and a 7-Day Meal Plan
Everything you can and can't eat on an IDDSI Level 4 puréed diet — complete food lists, the caloric density problem most guides miss, fortification strategies, and a full 7-day meal plan.