What is achalasia?
Achalasia is a condition that makes it hard to swallow food and liquids. This happens when a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus (food tube) does not relax the way it should.
When this muscle does not open, food and drinks can stay in the esophagus instead of moving into the stomach. This can cause:
- Trouble swallowing.
- Food coming back up (regurgitation).
- Heartburn.
- Chest pain.
- Weight loss.
- Coughing.
Changing what and how you eat can help your symptoms.
Why is diet important for achalasia?
A healthy diet can help:
- Make swallowing easier.
- Reduce discomfort.
- Help you get enough nutrition.
- Prevent weight loss.
Small changes in food texture and eating habits can make a big difference.
What to eat with achalasia
Soft foods are easier to swallow and move through the esophagus. Try:
- Soups and stews
- Smoothies
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft cooked vegetables
- Tender meats (slow cooked or shredded)
If swallowing is very hard, try:
- Pureed meals
- Protein shakes
- Meal replacement drinks
These can help you get enough calories and nutrients.
Dry foods can be hard to swallow. Add:
- Sauces
- Gravies
- Broths
Eating tips to make swallowing easier
- Take small bites.
- Chew your food well.
- Eat slowly.
- Sip liquids while eating to help food go down.
- Choose warm or room-temperature drinks.
- Avoid ice-cold drinks, which may cause muscle spasms.
Important: Do not lie down right after eating. Wait about 3 hours before going to bed to prevent symptoms.
Foods to limit or avoid
Some foods are harder to swallow or may worsen symptoms. Try to limit:
- Tough meats.
- Dry bread.
- Raw, crunchy vegetables.
- Hard or sticky foods.
- Ice-cold drinks.
Everyone is different. Pay attention to foods that cause problems for you.
Eating healthy with achalasia
Eat small meals more often
Instead of large meals, try:
- 3 small meals
- 2–3 snacks each day
Include protein
Protein helps keep your body strong. Add protein to meals and snacks:
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Protein shakes
- Nut butters
Tips to get more fruits and vegetables
- Choose soft or canned fruit (in juice or water).
- Try applesauce or fruit pouches.
- Blend fruit into smoothies.
- Bake or cook fruit to soften it.
- Use cooked or steamed vegetables until soft.
- Add vegetables to soups.
- Blend vegetables into soups or sauces.
Sample snack ideas
- Smoothie with fruit, milk, and protein
- Yogurt with soft fruit
- Soup or pureed vegetables
- Applesauce with nut butter
- Protein shake
When to see a health care provider
Talk to your health care provider if you:
You may also benefit from seeing a dietitian for help with meal planning.
A soft, moist diet with small meals, smoothies, and plenty of liquids is often best. These foods are easier to swallow and help food move into the stomach.
Avoid foods that are dry, tough, or hard to chew, like dry bread, tough meats, and raw vegetables. Ice-cold drinks may also worsen symptoms.
Yes. Trouble swallowing can make it hard to eat enough, which may lead to weight loss.
Yes. Smoothies are often easier to swallow and can help you get enough calories and nutrients.
Written by
Lori Welstead MS, RD, and Lauren Van Dam, MS, RD
DIGID Disorders of the Brain Gut Interaction Workgroup ©2021
Lori Welstead MS, RD, and Lauren Van Dam, MS, RD
DIGID Disorders of the Brain Gut Interaction Workgroup ©2021
Updated May 2026
