Easy-to-Chew Recipes Needed For TMJD Patients

For TMJ Sufferers, A Softer Diet Could Also Mean a Healthier One

Aug 23, 2009 R.L. Coffield

For those suffering from TMJ Disorder, changing to a softer, easier-to-chew diet, could mean a switch to a healthier way of eating.

A softer, easy-to-chew diet is one of the first recommendations made by doctors and dentists to those suffering from the debilitating pain of TMJD (temporomandibular jaw disorder).

Soft Diets

Softer diets generally don't have as much meat in them as standard fare. Meat is not at all bad for a person, but the amount of meat that Americans eat tends to be excessive. Meat is not needed on a daily basis, for one thing. Despite the plea to "show me the meat," many types of meat, especially processed meats, are laden with chemicals, preservatives, and hormones.

When one cuts back on meat, there is a tendency to fill the plate with some form of pasta. Pasta also is not bad for one...in moderation. Instead of pasta, however, one should try to fill one's plate with vegetables. Cooked vegetables are almost always easy-to-chew. While many people prefer their vegetables raw, this is usually not possible for the TMJD sufferer. Buy vegetables in season, preferably organic, and one may see the pounds drop in addition to the jaw improve.

Beans as a Diet Staple for TMJD Sufferers

Because of the economic downturn, many people tend to cut back on fresh produce because, in all honesty, it's more expensive. However, buying vegetables in season will help with this cost; in addition, try growing some in patio containers or in a backyard garden. It's amazing how much better something seems to taste when one has raised it oneself!

If, however, fresh vegetables are just not affordable or palatable, a good substitute is beans. Beans are cheap, extremely versatile and, most importantly - easy-to-chew. Besides being filled with protein, they're also a great source of fiber and low in carbohydrates.

Home Made Soups for TMJD Pain

An alternative for many who suffer from serious bouts of TMJD, is to learn to prepare their own homemade soups. This is not nearly as daunting as it sounds, and in short order one can have soups that are largely chemical free and filled with one's favorite ingredients, including meats if so desired. Adding dumplings to the soup will help fill one. Many soups are excellent cold also, so hot weather should not be a deterrent to this way of eating.

The key in all of this is to try to approach a softer diet with a positive mindset. It's important that one think of the benefits that can be derived from this way of eating, and not focus on what one thinks he/she is missing out on.

You Can Conquer TMJ: Ideas and Recipes (Moonlight Mesa Associates) is a good resource for anyone looking for healthful, easy-to-cook, easy-to-chew, mostly one pot/pan meals.

The copyright of the article Easy-to-Chew Recipes Needed For TMJD Patients in General Medicine is owned by R.L. Coffield. Permission to republish Easy-to-Chew Recipes Needed For TMJD Patients in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Home Made Soups Provide Healthy Meals for TMJD