If you, a close friend, family member, or other loved one have recently been diagnosed with dysphagia or else have been living with the condition for a while, it could be incredibly frustrating to attempt to convey how you feel and the problem you have to people who are blessed not to suffer from problems swallowing.

With that in mind, continue reading this guide to IDDSI and how it can help your dysphagia.

IDDSI Explained

The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative framework, far more commonly known as IDDSI, is essentially a non-profit organization that issues a standardized set of directives, help, and advice tailor-made for those living with dysphagia or similar swallowing-related issues

The IDDSI has been instrumental in the naming and categorization of dysphagia friendly foods and thickening agents, such as SimplyThick packets, and has been credited with genuinely making the lives of people living which dysphagia significantly easier and more enjoyable.

The 8 Levels Of IDDSI

There is a basic framework created, established, and promoted by the IDDSI, which enables those suffering from problems chewing and swallowing to more accurately ascertain which foodstuffs and liquids are best suited for them. This framework is essentially divided into eight levels; levels zero to four are for the measuring of liquids, and levels three to seven are used to measure foodstuffs.

Level 1

Drinks and liquids that are classified as being situated at ‘Level 1’ of the IDDSI framework are generally slightly thicker in consistency. They tend to be slighter thicker than water, and although they require more effort to drink, they can still be sucked through a straw.

Level 2

Liquids that are classified as ‘Level 2’ are mildly thick, though they will still easily flow from a spoon. Level 2 liquids require only mild effort to drink.

Level 3

Characteristics of ‘Level 3’ drinks are that they can still be drunk from a cup but are moderately thick and so cannot be molded, piped, or layered. Chewing is not required with drinks at Level 3, and it would be impossible to eat such a liquid.

Level 4

The characteristics of substances classified as being situated at ‘Level 4’ of the IDDSI framework are extremely thick and often pureed foodstuffs. If tongue control is a problem with a person who is living from dysphagia, this may be the best level at which to consume food and drink.

Level 5

Minced and moist foodstuffs make up most items classified as ‘Level 5,’ and the substances can all be scooped and shaped to suit the individual. Additionally, only minimal chewing is required foodstuffs that fall into this level of the framework.

Level 6

‘Level 6’ foodstuffs are generally bite-sized and soft and can therefore be broken down and mashed with cutlery, although they do still require a certain level of chewing.

Level 7

Foods at ‘Level 7’ are easy to chew and are basically normal, everyday foodstuffs with tender textures.

Level 8

Food classified at ‘Level 8’ is typical everyday food that people who do not have any swallowing or eating difficulties can manage.