Watermelon is a snack that many turn to when summer is around the corner. They’re juicy, sweet and refreshing…what’s not to love? For individuals with swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia, it can be a challenge to have watermelon on the menu. For real , we’re not being melon dramatic. So let’s rind and shine to the risks of eating watermelon for someone with dysphagia.
What makes watermelon unsafe for those with dysphagia?
Watermelon is considered a mixed or dual consistency food, meaning that it has both a solid and liquid component. Some mixed consistency foods are easily recognisable, such as a minestrone soup, and there are other foods that appear to be a single consistency but may separate into a solid and liquid when eaten.
When enjoying a bite of watermelon, individuals need to be able to control the solid component in their mouth, while they swallow the liquid, and next chew the solid component before swallowing. As you can imagine, for someone with dysphagia, this could prove to be a difficult task due to the advanced oral control and swallowing coordination abilities necessary.
What are the risks of eating watermelon for someone with dysphagia?
The liquid component of the watermelon may separate and prematurely enter the throat before the individual is ready to prepare to swallow it
The solid components of the watermelon may enter the throat alongside the liquid, before they have been chewed, which can lead to increased risk of choking
There is an increased aspiration risk, i.e. the liquid or solid components may enter the airway
Watermelon can contain seeds, which can be a choking risk
What are other mixed consistency foods?
Mixed consistency foods contain both a solid and liquid component. Some examples of other mixed consistency foods that are not suitable for individuals with dysphagia are:
Soups with chunks of food
Cereal with milk
Oranges or other juicy fruits
Foods with excess gravy/sauce
Fruit cups or canned fruit with syrup
Yoghurt with large fruit pieces or muesli/granola
When is watermelon a suitable choice?
The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) is a global framework to describe texture modified foods and thickened fluids that are used for individual with dysphagia.
According to the IDDSI guidelines, watermelon…
Can be suitable for individuals on a Level 7 – Regular Diet. A regular diet does not have any restrictions on the foods that can be consumed and is applicable for those without swallow difficulties.
Would not be suitable for other diet levels, unless the individual has been assessed by a Speech Pathologist as an exception to the guideline.
Would not be suitable for those who consume thickened fluids, even if they are on a Level 7 – Regular Diet. The liquid component of mixed consistencies should correspond to the individual’s fluid recommendations according to IDDSI guidelines. For example, if someone has been recommended a Level 7 – Regular Diet and Level 2 – Mildly Thick Fluids, cereal with milk would be deemed unsafe for them to consume. To modify it, the milk can be thickened to a Mildly Thick consistency, or the milk can be drained from the cereal, then served.
Everyone’s swallowing abilities are unique, and therefore it is always important to consult with a Speech Pathologist to establish whether watermelon, and other mixed consistency foods, are appropriate for each individual.
No watermelon, I'm going to lose my rind! What now?
We know how refreshing it is to have a slice of watermelon on a hot summer’s day. If someone with dysphagia is wanting to enjoy some watermelon, it is possible to vitamise the watermelon to create a juice, then strain it to remove the solid components and achieve a single consistency. Do bear in mind that the thickness of the watermelon juice created needs to correspond to the recommended fluid consistency.
We’re here to help
If you or someone you know is experiencing swallowing difficulties, or has questions related to modified diets, please get in contact with our speech pathology team. Our team can assist residents in Aged Care homes, NDIS participants, and private appointments in our clinic in Mount Waverley.
We know how confusing IDDSI can be…
We offer IDDSI training virtually and in person for comprehensive education on the IDDSI guidelines. earn the difference between the levels, foods to avoid, how to test and how to prevent common errors to keep residents safe who are experiencing dysphagia. Our virtual IDDSI sessions can be booked via our website or please get in contact with our OSCAR Care Group Team here.