Dysphagia Level 2 Diet
(mechanically altered)
Sometimes patients who have trouble chewing and/or swallowing whole foods need a special diet. The National Dysphagia Diet, published in 2002, developed universal terminology for texture-modified diets. The dysphagia mechanically altered diet (level 2) is one of three levels of texture modification that is used.
Who orders a dysphagia diet?
Normally a speech and language pathologist will recommend a dysphagia mechanically altered diet after evaluating a patient who has problems chewing or swallowing food. In some cases, medical tests are used to determine the best texture for a patient.
What types of foods are allowed on this diet?
Patients on a dysphagia level 2 diet can tolerate some textures of foods, but not all. The diet includes foods that are soft textured and moist, making them easy to swallow. Soft, well-cooked foods, well-moistened ground meats, moist and well-cooked potatoes, noodles, and dumplings are examples of foods that are the proper texture for this diet. All foods of a pureed consistency are allowed on this diet.
It is important to include a variety of foods from all different food groups when providing a mechanically altered diet, including fruits, vegetables, grains, meats and meat substitutes, and dairy foods.
Are regular liquids allowed on a mechanically altered diet?
Possibly. For some patients, regular liquids are OK. However, depending on your condition, you might need to have thickened liquids, so you can swallow them safely. Talk to your speech and language pathologist to learn more.
What is a slurry?
A slurry is a soft, moist mixture often used for people with swallowing problems. An example is a slice of bread or a pancake moistened with milk. The moisture of the liquid makes it easier for someone with swallowing problems to swallow soft bread products.
Food Textures for Dysphagia Mechanically Altered Diet
(dysphagia level 2 diet)
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Food Groups |
Foods Allowed |
Foods to Avoid |
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Meats and meat substitutes |
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Breads |
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Cereals |
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Fruits |
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Vegetables |
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Potatoes and starches |
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Desserts |
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Beverages |
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References and recommended readings
American Dietetic Association. Level 2 dysphagia diet (dysphagia mechanically altered): patient handout. In: Nutrition Care Manual®. Available to subscribers at: www.nutritioncaremanual.org.
Accessed January 10, 2011.
National Dysphagia Diet Task Force. National Dysphagia Diet: Standardization for Optimal Care.
Chicago IL: The American Dietetic Association; 2002.
Review Date 3/11
G-1542
