Dysphagia

This is a really important area for those with swallowing difficulties.

The IDDSI  includes guidance for both liquids plus foods

Went to a brilliant meeting on this with Nutricia

There is also a useful game for front line staff  which can be found at

http://dysphagiagame.com/#!/


Please go to the website for more information on the descriptors.
http://iddsi.org/

About Us

We are a group of volunteers from diverse professions including nutrition & dietetics, medicine, speech pathology, occupational therapy, nursing, patient safety, engineering, food science & technology from around the world who came together to develop international standardised terminology and definitions for texture modified foods and thickened liquids for persons with dysphagia.

Our Objectives

• To develop a standardised way of naming and describing texture modified foods and thickened liquids for people with dysphagia across the lifespan
• Our process is intended to be person-focused, rather than profession focused. We seek to develop a global terminology that will ‘work’ for all cultures and that will be accompanied by practical and valid measurement techniques that will facilitate use by persons with dysphagia, caregivers, clinicians, food service professionals and industry partners.
• To seek a common language that can be used for technical, cultural, professional and non-professional uses. We believe this should be a living document, changing as needs change.

Why IDDSI?

In recent years, a number of countries have worked to develop dysphagia diet standards at regional or national levels. Unfortunately all these standards use different terminology, labels, numbers and levels which adds to the confusion for individuals and caregivers as well as health professionals and researchers. An individual with dysphagia that is on a modified texture diet may find that his/her diet may be called one thing in hospital, which may be different in the rehabilitation facility or may be different from the label used in another province or even country. The development of international standards will address this particular issue.  Click here to learn about the Framework.

Developing a common dysphagia diet language

The IDDSI committee came together in 2013 with a goal of developing international standardized terminology and descriptors for dysphagia diets that would meet the needs of individuals with dysphagia across the age span, across all care setting and across all cultures. The outcome of the committee’s work is the creation of the International Dysphagia Diet Framework. In addition, food and drink descriptors along with instructions for easy, reliable and accessible methods to test different foods and drinks were completed.  

Dysphagia (swallowing disorder) is broadly estimated to affect 8% of the general population. This is 580 million people worldwide. Persons with dysphagia might experience trouble with: swallowing food or drinks, chewing, sucking, controlling saliva, taking medication, or protecting the airway from choking. Dysphagia can occur at any time during the lifespan and may be short or long term. The most common causes of dysphagia are related to underlying medical or physical conditions. There are a number of significant consequences related to dysphagia including life-threatening chest infection (or pneumonia), malnutrition or dehydration. Having a swallowing disorder greatly impacts an individual’s quality of life.

Managing dysphagia

There are a number of strategies and treatments used to help improve the safety, efficiency and enjoyment of the individual with dysphagia.

One of the most common ways of managing dysphagia is the provision of texture modified foods (chopped, minced, pureed) and thickened liquids (thin and various thicknesses). These modified foods and drinks are provided to help reduce the risk of choking or having material entering the lungs airway and may be commonly referred to as a dysphagia diet.

Due to the enormous variation in types of foods and drinks as well as their properties, it is challenging to categorize foods and drinks to ensure universal understanding of the types of foods and drinks that would best meet the needs of an individual with dysphagia. Confusion and miscommunication regarding diet textures and drink consistencies has resulted in increased risk of illness and even death.

Our Achievements

The IDDSI Framework and supporting descriptor and testing methods documents were completed and published in November 2015.

Next Steps

In response to the global community, the IDDSI board has agreed to lead and coordinate IDDSI implementation

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

i am always interested in using supplements appropriately and often find Zinc is useful in various conditions

I found this from the PCOS

I'm excited to share the newest research on zinc for PCOS. Women with PCOS tend to be deficient in zinc (as well as other minerals such as magnesium). Find out how zinc can relive many of the awful dermatological symptoms of PCOS. 

I am honored to have been invited to contribute a chapter titled, The Functional Nutrition Approach to Treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome for the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Nutrition Guide to Optimal Health: Using Principles of Functional Medicine & Nutritional Genomics. See below for more info and to access this information-packed book for FREE! 

PICNICS

Lovely picnic ideas from Oldways 

oldways@oldwayspt.org

It’s time to roll out the picnic blanket! Savor the extra daylight hours and improve your well-being by taking your meals outside this summer. Dining and cooking al fresco is a fun way to get out of the house and explore someplace new, and picnics can feel like a grand adventure with the simplest of snacks. Eating outdoors is also a big part of the Mediterranean culture. A mild climate and high value placed on fresh, seasonal produce in the Mediterranean lends itself to preparing and eating food under the sky for much of the year. 

Picnics are also an excuse to gather with family and friends in a casual setting. Without distractions from home, it’s much easier to savor your meal, the fresh air, and the company of others. Enjoying the pleasures of food and drink with others is one of the pillars of the Mediterranean diet. Why not take it a step further and pack Mediterranean-themed food too? 

Picnic foods should be simple, easy to eat, and not-too-heavy (since picnics usually go hand in hand with extra activities like swimming, hiking, or chasing little ones). There are plenty of carefree Mediterranean dishes that meet these requirements, and that pack a flavor punch too. 

Here are a few Mediterranean-themed picnic ideas to carry you through the next few weeks of summer:

Moroccan Medley

• Couscous (preferably whole grain)
• Fish kabobs – choose a firm, white fish that won’t fall apart on the grill
• Chermoula - a blend of herbs and spices, oil, and lemon juice; use it as a marinade for the fish, and reserve some for topping
• Carrot salad
• Dates for dessert

Provençal Lunch

• Tapenade – a popular salty spread made with olives, capers, anchovies, and fresh herbs
• Soft goat cheese (chèvre in French)
• Crusty whole wheat bread
• Salad Niçoise – a colorful salad made with potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes and tuna - and any other additions!
• Grapes for dessert

Weeknight Italian 

• Zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers alla scapece – from the Spanish “escabeche,” scapece refers to vegetables roasted and marinated in vinegar and extra virgin olive oil 
• Tuna sandwiches
• Olives
• Walnuts

Grilled Greek

• Grilled chicken 
• Tzatziki – a cool and refreshing mix of cucumbers and yogurt
• Grilled zucchini and eggplant slices
• Whole wheat pita
• Watermelon, feta, and mint salad

Spanish Small Bites

• Spinach and garbanzo bean salad
• Grilled shrimp skewers
• Tortilla Española – a pan-fried egg and potato cake that travels well
• Olives
• Cheese
• Almonds

Middle Eastern Mezze

• Hummus 
• Fresh cut vegetables
• Whole wheat pita
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Olives
• Apricots for dessert

If you wish, add wine to each of these menus. Whether you pack a picnic for the beach, the neighborhood park, or your own backyard, there’s nothing like toasting to a delicious meal in the great outdoors. (Before you go: check the rules and 

NUTRITION AND HEALTH HANDBOOK

I have just updated this book and received 2 copies from Highfield

I first wrote it in 2006 and now 11 years later it is still extremely relevant for anyone with an interest in nutrition.

Now it is the 7th edition

MABEL ON MISSIONS

I have had to change my blog so hope to see you there!


http://mabelonmissions.blogspot.co.uk/

Diabetes recipes

I was involved in writing this book a year or so ago and I keep going back to the recipes to use for Summer eating

Diabetes – Foods, Meds and More

Diabetes – Foods, Meds and More

The aim of this new book is to help people with diabetes and their families to understand more about living with the condition with an emphasis on lifestyle, dietary information and recipes. However, it is not a typical recipe book, as it aims to cover real life, day to day situations.

The book has been written as a result of listening to people with diabetes and their families who contact the InDependent Diabetes Trust [IDDT]. People with diabetes or at risk of diabetes, are often told that they need to eat healthily and while this is not bad advice, it can leave people feeling confused and without the information they need, at what can be a stressful time.

Our experience is that healthy eating means different things to different people and despite views that people should not feel restricted by having diabetes, many people prefer to be given more direction about their diet, especially at the time of diagnosis, for special occasions or if they are unwell.

We differentiate between lifestyle essentials and lifestyle choices. The book not only includes everyday meals but also what to eat if you are ill, when you are taking exercise, if blood glucose levels are low, if you are travelling or if you are having a party. It also has sections for people with diabetes and coeliac disease, a lifestyle essential, and for vegetarians and vegans with diabetes, lifestyle choices.  It is a book to dip into when necessary rather than to read from cover to cover.

The book aims to cover:

• Management – the different types of diabetes and information on lifestyle issues.
• Medication – the ways Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are treated, including information on different types of meals and how these link with insulin, medication and physical activity.
• Meals – recipes and ideas for meals and snacks, including those for special occasions.

We hope that this book makes life a little easier for people with diabetes and their families and friends, who often worry about what meals to provide.

Finally, we would like to thank the people living with diabetes who have asked our charity for more information about food, drink and meals that they can eat safely. They and their needs are the inspiration for this book.

NUTRITION AND HEALTH HANDBOOK

I recently updated this book which is a really good basic book on nutrition. It also accompanies training courses on nutrition.

It is available from Highfield