This episode is all about texture modified diets. In particular, you'll learn an overview of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) and the role you have when working with these diets. Speech Language Pathologists (SLP's) or Speech Therapists are the experts in assessing patients chewing and swallowing. They recommend the texture modification safest for the patient. As dietitians, we make sure the diet order is followed and that we collaborate with the interdisciplinary team. 

This is what you'll learn in this episode: 

• The reasons someone may need a texture modification
• The different levels for texture modification within the IDDSI
• The different levels for liquid consistency modification for people with swallowing difficulties

As a dietitian, you'll inevitably work with texture modified diets at some point so regardless of where you work, it's a good idea to have a basic understanding of these special textures. 

Here's a glance at this episode:

[04:05] An overview of the process to form a bolus

[05:00] A review of reasons someone might need a texture modified diet

[07:53] A discussion of IDDSI and what it stands for

[08:55] Why fluid is so important especially when receiving a modifed liquid consistency

[09:55] A breakdown of the levels within IDDSI

[18:08] Why following the recipe is necessary in order to make sure the thickened liquids are prepared to the right consistency

[18:39] A discussion of transitional foods and what they are

If you want to learn more about IDDSI, I recommend you visit the website for visual information regarding the levels and additional information about the various texture modifications. Here's the website: https://iddsi.org