Myasthenia gravis

1. Tips for eating Myasthenia graviscan weaken your lips,tongue, jaw or throat. By Kim Anderson This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.

2. Try these ideas if myasthenia makes swallowing difficult. To reduce residue in your throat: Moisten solid foods with gravy, sauce, broth, butter, mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt. Choose chicken or fish instead of tougher meats. Avoid dry crumbly food such as crackers, rice, cookies, nuts, chips or popcorn. Avoid bread products such as sandwiches, bagels and muffins. Focus on the swallow. Hold your head in a different position to try a different swallow pathway.

3. To reduce fatigue: Eat several small meals during the day. Chop or mince solid foods (like meat). Eat your largest meal earlier in the day when you have more energy. Take anticholinesterase medication (for example, Mestinon) shortly before mealtimes.

4. To reduce the risk of food accidentally going into your lungs (called “aspiration”): Thicken all fluids to the consistency recommended by your doctor or speech pathologist. Remember that ice cream and popsicles melt into a thin fluid in your mouth, and that once you chew fruits, the juice released is also a thin liquid. Be careful swallowing mixed-consistency foods, for example, cereal with milk, soups (like chicken noodle or vegetable), and fruit salad mixed in juices.

5. To reduce nasal regurgitation: Limit each swallow to half a teaspoon. Sit upright and don’t tilt your head forward when swallowing.

6. Easier Chewing Egg salad, canned salmon and fruit smoothies can deliver nutrients in a manageable consistency. Check your library or book store for “soft diet” recipe books. This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA.

7. https://www.facebook.com/Myasthenia-Gravis-information-from-sault-ste-marie-1826880070950935https://www.facebook.com/Myasthenia-Gravis-information-from-sault-ste-marie-1826880070950935 More information go to