Anyone of a certain age is familiar with the term ‘vegetarian’ because this became a popular diet way back in the 1960s. Yes, vegetarianism was around a lot longer than that, but it became something trendy in the days of getting back to nature and mother earth. However, being a vegan is different in many ways from being a vegetarian, so if you are new to the concept, let’s start with that difference.

Acceptable Foods on a Vegan Menu

A vegetarian will not eat meat, fish, poultry, or seafood, and this is the same as a vegan menu. A vegan, however, will eat nothing with any animal products whatsoever. This means no dairy and no eggs either. If you are new to being a vegan, you may not understand just how trying it can be to cook without dairy or eggs. Just look at the ingredients on any label and you will see, somewhere down the list, powdered eggs, milk, or butter. In fact, these ingredients are more prevalent than you might think, and this is why so many vegans cook everything from scratch. In fact, if you’d like to see a true vegan menu, check out the vegan menu at Native Foods. You’ll see just how precise their menu offerings and ingredients are.

The Problem with Eating Out

If you have ever noticed, many of your vegan friends will not eat out with the gang whenever everyone gets together at lunch or for a quick bite to eat before going to a movie on weekends. Have you ever wondered why that is? You know they are vegans, but you can’t understand why they can’t just order something off the menu that doesn’t have meat, fish, poultry, or seafood. Why can’t they have cheese fries, for instance? Even without the cheese, french fries might also be taboo because of the oil they are fried in. Did you know that many restaurants still use lard or beef tallow for deep frying? Remember, a plant-based vegan diet contains no animal products whatsoever. 

Vegetarianism Offers Greater Leeway

Although most vegetarians will abstain from meat, fish, poultry, and seafood, there are those who eat a modified vegetarian diet. These would include those who may eat small amounts of meat, and these are referred to as pescatarians (will eat fish), flexitarians (flexible eating of some meats), or sometimes referred to as a “semi-vegetarian.” This is often so that they can get certain amounts of protein instead of relying on nuts and legumes, for example. Also, a vegan who survives only on plant-based foods is much the same as someone who only eats halal or kosher for religious reasons. No, religion isn’t a factor in veganism, but the strict confines of the diet are much the same.

There is a growing body of evidence supporting the premise that being a vegan is a heart-healthy way to eat and live. Cholesterol is one of the leading causes of heart attacks and it is the belief of vegans that avoiding meat products can enable you to live healthier and longer because of the absence of this deadly substance that clogs the arteries. Your key takeaway then is that a vegan diet is a 100% plant-based diet. That sums it up nicely.

Dysphagia is the medical term for trouble swallowing food or liquid. The condition is more common in the elderly; however, anybody at any age may develop it as a symptom of a wide range of neurological or physical conditions. Some common causes of dysphagia include dementia, throat cancer, or certain medical treatments such as radiation therapy. When a person with this condition is unable to swallow food and liquid properly, they are at a higher risk of complications and other problems, including:

Dehydration

Dehydration can be an issue for people with dysphagia who find it difficult to swallow water and other liquids. When swallowing makes it difficult to get the fluid that we need in our body, symptoms like persistent headaches; tiredness and fatigue; dry skin, hair and nails; and brain fog may occur. In more severe cases, dehydration can cause more serious issues like kidney and urinary tract infections, which is why it is important for people with dysphagia to get the fluid that they need. Adding a product like SimplyThick thickener gel to liquids is an ideal option to prevent dehydration. 

Malnutrition

When somebody is struggling to swallow their food, they might be unable to get all the nutrients that they need from their diet, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and cause other health problems. Because of this it is important for people with dysphagia to have a diet plan that allows them to get a diet that is as balanced and nutritious as possible while taking swallowing difficulties into account. For example, this could include adding nutrient powders to smoothies and soups, blending and pureeing fruits and vegetables, and drinking thick protein shakes that are easier to swallow. 

Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration is a common symptom of dysphagia. This happens when food or liquid ‘goes down the wrong way’ and is inhaled rather than swallowed. When somebody with dysphagia is aspirating particles of food a lot due to swallowing difficulties, this can lead to an infection in the lungs known as aspiration pneumonia. 

Fatigue

Tiredness and fatigue are not uncommon in people with dysphagia, since they may not be getting the energy that they need from their food. Tiredness and fatigue can also be common symptoms of other problems that are associated with dysphagia such as dehydration or a nutritional deficiency. 

Depression and Low Mood

Somebody with dysphagia may suffer with feelings of depression and low mood for various reasons. Dysphagia can sometimes be a condition that leads to isolation as the person may not feel like they are able to do the things that they normally enjoy such as socializing with friends over food and drinks or entertaining friends and family at home. Symptoms such as regurgitating food or excessive drooling can also be quite embarrassing for the patient which may lead to them spending an increased amount of time at home. Ultimately this can contribute to stronger feelings of depression, low mood, and anxiety. 

Dysphagia can occur for many reasons. Any persistent trouble with swallowing should be treated quickly to avoid further health complications.