Achalasia

Achalasia diet. Is there a diet which improves the quality of life of people with Achalasia?

Are you aware of a diet that can improve the quality of life of people with Achalasia? Is there a diet that is suggested to avoid when having Achalasia? See if there is a diet that can improve the quality of life of people with Achalasia, recommended and to avoid food when having Achalasia

Achalasia Diet: Improving Quality of Life

Achalasia is a rare disorder that affects the esophagus, making it difficult for food and liquids to pass into the stomach. While there is no specific diet that can cure achalasia, certain dietary modifications can help improve the quality of life for individuals with this condition.

1. Soft and Moist Foods

One of the main challenges for people with achalasia is swallowing solid foods. To make swallowing easier, it is recommended to consume soft and moist foods. These can include mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, yogurt, soups, and smoothies. Chewing food thoroughly and taking small bites can also aid in the swallowing process.

2. Avoid Trigger Foods

Some foods can trigger symptoms and make swallowing even more difficult for individuals with achalasia. These trigger foods may vary from person to person, but common culprits include spicy foods, citrus fruits, carbonated beverages, and foods high in fat. It is important to identify and avoid these trigger foods to minimize discomfort.

3. Smaller, Frequent Meals

Instead of consuming large meals, it is advisable to have smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help prevent the stomach from becoming too full, reducing the pressure on the esophagus and making swallowing easier. Eating slowly and taking breaks between bites can also be beneficial.

4. Fluid Intake

Staying hydrated is crucial for individuals with achalasia. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help lubricate the esophagus and facilitate swallowing. However, it is important to avoid drinking large amounts of fluids during meals, as this can lead to increased pressure in the esophagus.

5. Elevated Position

While eating, it is recommended to sit in an upright position and keep the head elevated. This helps gravity assist in the movement of food down the esophagus and into the stomach. Avoiding lying down immediately after meals can also prevent reflux and discomfort.

6. Seek Professional Guidance

Every individual with achalasia may have unique dietary needs and restrictions. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian who can provide personalized guidance. They can help create a diet plan that suits your specific condition, taking into account any other health concerns or dietary restrictions you may have.

Remember, while dietary modifications can improve the quality of life for individuals with achalasia, it is important to work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure a well-balanced and nutritious diet.

by Diseasemaps

From my personal journey - I've changed pretty much just about everything, including moving countries (not that has anything to do with it!). I've stopped smoking, eating far more healthy than ever before, limited my alcohol intake and started weight training and exercising. Now I'm not preaching, I'm not saying that will work for everyone but what I can attest to is that it's allll helped on my journey. My achalasia is far more manageable. Stress is a major trigger for spasms, so even though we can never totally live a stress free life, I do tend to avoid stressful situations. I also get anxious when I'm flying, which doesn't help and usually I'll get spasms when I'm sat in my seat with the seatbelt on!

9/20/17 by Teresa 3050

Those are huge questions. Western Medicine reccomends things like Enfimil or Ensure, liquid diets or babyfood. They suggest avoiding spicey and acidic foods. It is of paramount importance to "get in," past the LES, optimum nutrition and calories. In my research I discovered that if you go to the emergencey room for dysphagia (an ability to swallow and often a precusor or comorbid condition to achalasia) they give you glucose. Sugar. It helps the swallowing process. So at this point, I eat a form of organic sugar with every attempted meal. Since we struggle to get in calories, this helps with that, as well as helping the swallowing mechanisms and increasing the likelihood of "getting in" the food. Eating only organic foods increases your chance of getting the food in, optimizes the nutrition, and reduces toxic pesticide residues that weaken the immune system. I advocate preparing organic, carefully prepared balanced diets.

10/27/17 by JLMcK 5550

Everyone is different. Find what works for you.

7/14/20 by Gina Manion 2500

Liquid food with alot of water and avoid red meat and hard solid foods

8/16/22 by pckalolo@gmail.com 2500

Translated from portuguese Improve translation

I was instructed not to eat anything processed industrially. And anything citrus.

5/27/17 by David. Translated

Translated from spanish Improve translation

IF, DO NOT EAT FOODS THAT MAKE YOU PUT THICK SALIVA, EAT SMALL BITES

8/22/17 by Lorena. Translated

Translated from portuguese Improve translation

Nothing fat, protein Tuna (raw), banana, yogurt, coffee, beer and water. Deep water fishes.

9/18/17 by Deivis. Translated

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