With a rising increase in the number of people suffering from dysphagia, patients can now access a nutritional snack, thanks to a company that went out of its way to give people hope in life.
Dysphagia is a swallowing disorder most prevalent in brain injuries and recovering stroke patients and dementia, among other illnesses.
This condition can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, decreased functional ability, and physical appearance. Since it lowers body immunity, it can induce infections, pneumonia and increase death rates.
For people with dysphagia, one of their biggest challenges is getting proper nutrition in their diets. It has been estimated that 1 out of 25 adults suffer from this condition, making it hard for them to get nutrients outside pureed meals and baby food.
Thankfully, Hormel and a few other food companies have created a series of pureed meal kits for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all with great tastes.
But now, a startup company, Nutraphagia, has introduced a new tasty option for persons with swallowing disorders, a satisfying snack that literally melts in your mouth.
Called EAT Bars, these snacks contain meringue surrounded by flavored Greek yogurt coating. They were developed by a US-based speech therapist, Tia Bagan.
The EAT Bars website reads:
"The melt-in-your-mouth EAT Bar was designed for taste, ease, and enjoyment. Whether dealing with a picky eater, addressing the daily caloric needs of someone who has difficulty swallowing; or, just wanting a delicious snack that is delightfully original, we've got you covered."
"With 200-calories per serving, these coated meringue snacks are easy-to-chew, dissolve quickly and come in four irresistible flavors that are GMO-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and Kosher."
"Our on-the-go snack is a stress-free way to get the nutrition you will love. Portable enough, they're the perfect finger food that lets everyone experience the joy of eating independently."
The bars are a taste-driven way for patients with swallowing disorder to enjoy a satiating snack.
Throughout her 15 years of experience, Tia has been providing care, rehabilitation, and long-term care to dysphagia patients in hospitals and nursing homes.
She developed the snack after recognizing the dangers and troubles the tube feeding and mobility disorder patients experience due to the disease.
The EAT Bars were launched in January 2019, and the project has been Tia's passion for the last 3 years. Her patients needed something that "tasted good," "calorie-dense," and melted quickly."
Her first Amazon launch sold out rapidly.
The nutritional value of each Eat Bar is 200 calories, 7g total fat, 60mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 30g carbohydrates, 29g sugars, 3g protein, Vitamin D, and other trace elements.
The ingredients used are kosher and all-natural. The snacks are currently available in Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, Strawberry, Lemon.
The EAT Bars allow for a healthier nutrition intake, which results in an improved health outcome in patients suffering from dysphagia.
According to feedback from people who've tasted the snack, the product has benefited them physically and emotionally.
You can buy these snacks on EAT Bars website, and a pack of 12 bars sells for $21.49.
