For individuals diagnosed with achalasia, eating and drinking can cause discomfort, but integrating nutrition therapy can offer relief.
The AGA GI Patient Center outlines why a diet change is recommended and offers steps for patients to get started:
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Adopt a soft textured diet.
A pureed or liquid diet may be needed for more severe cases.
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Incorporate soft cooked, mashed or pureed foods.
Examples include soups, smoothies and crock-pot meals with tender meats and vegetables.
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Sip small amounts of liquids with meals to help food slide down the esophagus.
Drink room temperature or warm liquids, but avoid ice cold drinks, which can cause muscle spasms.
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Add sauces and gravies to moisten food.
More tips on how to begin a diet change and continue to eat healthy are available through our patient education center. Share this resource with your patients to help with achalasia treatment management.
This content was created in partnership with Dietitians in Gluten and Gastrointestinal Disorders (DIGID), a subgroup within the Dietitians in Medical Nutrition Therapy of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.