Dysphagia Nutrition / Swallowing Difficulties

What Is Thick Water?

Thick water is a type of drink used for dysphagia, a swallowing disorder. It helps prevent pulmonary aspiration during the act of swallowing in those with that condition. Foods can also be thickened to make swallowing safer. Everybody has had food “go down the wrong way”! HPFY has five thickened water products that prevent a person from choking on water.

What is thick water used for?

Most people have probably never heard of thick or thickened water – not until it becomes a necessity anyway. Thick or thickened water is used most often for a swallowing disorder called dysphagia. Swallowing involves using several muscles and nerves to get the food or drink from the mouth into the stomach. A person with swallowing difficulties may feel it hard or even impossible to get the food down their throat or esophagus due to some blockage in the esophageal tube or neuromuscular weakness in the tongue or mouth.

Dysphagia can be mild or severe and, in certain cases, cause pulmonary aspiration (i.e., food or drinks making its way into the lower respiratory area), leading to a cough or potentially even pneumonia. Patients who had been extubated are often advised to use food thickeners.

The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) addresses the appropriate viscosity and consistency of thick/end water. According to which the thickness of a liquid is evaluated by the amount of liquid that pours out of a 10 mL syringe in 10 seconds. 

Who can benefit from thick water?

People experiencing difficulty swallowing may benefit from the use of chunky water. But, before the administration of food thickener, it is recommended to consult a medical professional. Usually, swallowing is diagnosed by a speech-language pathologist. The specialist assesses the facial and oral structure and watches the patient eat and drink. The most common medical conditions that can cause swallowing problems are - 

• GERD and acid reflux
• Esophagus inflammation (esophagitis)
• Stroke
• Spinal cord injuries
• Thyroid nodules

People living with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, Dementia, or Alzheimer’s may develop swallowing problems.

Why use thickened water?

Thick water purpose entails offering individuals the control of the liquid in their mouth, which often gets lost due to a stroke or any other medical condition that induces temporary or permanent Dysphagia. Thick water helps slow the flow rate of liquids, lessening the chances of the food or drink making their way into the airway. Dysphagia patients are often dehydrated, and the use of thick water helps patients stay hydrated. Many people undergoing certain treatments complain about having a dry mouth. Thickened liquids make their mouth feel moist and salivated.

Where can I buy thick water?

Thick liquid tastes very similar to regular tap or bottled water; the only real difference is the consistency. Since thick water has a thicker consistency, many people feel satiated quicker. Thickened fluids also come with added flavors such as lemon and honey for a better taste. HPFY offers some great chunky water products with amazing textures.

People with swallowing difficulties can make drinking easier with thick water. Thick water allows for safer swallowing and helps improve the quality of life, and makes being nourished much easy despite their swallowing disorders.

5 Food & Beverage Thickeners

Many have asked, “how do I make thick water?” If you are searching for a food or beverage thickener, choosing one may seem complicated and confusing. At HPFY, we have these 5 great food thickeners to make life easier.

1. Simply Thick EasyMix Instant Food Thickener

The pre-measured packets allow for fast and easy preparation of beverages anywhere. This FDA-approved thickener does not continue to thicken over time and uses 60% less gel to achieve the desired thickness. The single-use packaging does not require spoons or scoops while eliminating open packaging. As a gel, it does not lump and only adds 1-3 g of carbohydrates.

2. Kent Thick-It Original Instant Food and Beverage Thickeners

Ideal for those with dysphasia and other swallowing disorders, this cornstarch-based thickener sets within 30-60 seconds and can be used in both hot and cold foods to any desired thickness without affecting the flavor. It gives the body caloric intake, nutrients, and hydration.

 

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