24 Swallowing problems Cancer and its treatments can sometimes have effects that cause trouble with swallowing. What to do • Eat small, frequent meals and snacks of bland foods that are soft and smooth but high in calories and protein (such as cream-based soups, pudding, ice cream, yogurt, and milkshakes). • Take small bites, and swallow each bite completely before taking another. • Use a straw for fluids and soft foods. • Try thicker fluids (such as fruit that has been pureed in the blender or fluids with added thickeners), because they’re easier to swallow than thin liquids. • Mash or puree foods (such as meats, cereals, and fresh fruits) so that they’re as soft as baby food. You might need to add liquids to dry foods before blending. • Refrigerate food (the cold helps numb pain), or serve cool or lukewarm. If cold foods cause pain, try them at room temperature. • Try crushed ice and fluids at meals. • Crush pills or tablets and mix in juice, applesauce, jelly, or pudding. (Check with your doctor or pharmacist first, because some pills can be unsafe or no longer effective if crushed or broken. Others may react badly with certain foods and some should be taken on an empty stomach.) T C s d o p p
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