Home Health How to Cater to Your Dysphagia On the Go: Tips for Travel?

How to Cater to Your Dysphagia On the Go: Tips for Travel?

by Louise W. Rice
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Having dysphagia can feel like a total life upender, but it doesn’t need to be. You can lead a full, enjoyable life where you travel, see the world, and try new things. Finding it hard to swallow food does not mean you cannot enjoy a truly rich quality of life, even on your travels.

Book accommodation with a kitchen

One of the easiest ways to accommodate your dysphagia while on the go is to book accommodation options that have their own kitchen. If you can, bring a food processor to make it really easy to get your food to the right consistency. You can then splurge on ingredients at your destination.

For many foodies, going to the local food markets at their travel destination is a huge hit. Just because you need your food soft or even liquified doesn’t mean you can’t get that essential flavor and freshness. For the best experience, prepare some snacks and drinks that you can bring with you when you’re exploring, so you can enjoy yourself for longer without worry.

Bring your own thickening agent

Having a thickening agent ready to go can help you stay hydrated and make it easy to accommodate your needs even on the go. It can also make it easy to get your food prepped and made moist. The issue for many is that most of those thickening agents leave a terrible taste in the mouth or just make foods and drinks taste off.

If you found this to be the case, then you should try out and bring SimplyThick gel or powder thickener on your trip. This thickener is tasteless and comes in either drink-portion packets or as a gel to add that necessary moisture to your meals. This way, it doesn’t matter what you’re having; you’ll be able to accommodate your needs even when you’re out quickly and about.

Remember to eat and drink regularly

Small meals and drink breaks are essential. They’re good for everyone, but when you live with dysphagia, it’s very important to stay hydrated and not overexert your throat. Smaller meals more often take care of both concerns. You can even use it as a way to eat out. Go to a nice restaurant for a light soup as part of your mid-afternoon meal with a refreshing drink, and you can get that dining experience many with dysphagia don’t feel that they can have.

Keep cool and stay out of the sun

Many trips involve a lot of time spent outdoors, particularly if it’s sunny and warm. Those conditions always require people to stay well hydrated, but when it’s hard to drink (even items that are thicker), you do run the risk of becoming dehydrated.

Spare your throat and your health by sticking to the shade and trying to stay cool through other means, like having a fan on you or popping into air-conditioned stores or museums regularly so you can keep your body temperature just right. Do this, and you can then stick with your regular schedule for eating and drinking and safely be able to enjoy your vacation to its fullest.

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