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Hydration becomes difficult when you have swallowing difficulties. Very recently, the internet has started talking about thick water. But do you know what is thick water and who can have it?
Thick water is a type of water for dysphagia, a swallowing disorder. It helps prevent pulmonary aspiration while swallowing in those with that condition. Foods can also be thickened to make swallowing safer. Everybody has had food “go down the wrong way”! Thickened water prevents a person from choking on water.
Most people have probably never heard of thick or thickened water – not until it becomes a necessity anyway. Thick water purpose is to resolve 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 their way into the lower respiratory area), leading to a cough or potentially even pneumonia. Patients who have been extubated are often advised to use food thickeners. The IDDSI addresses the appropriate viscosity and consistency of thickened 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.
Thickened water is a mix of a thickening agent and water. You can either buy pre-thickened water or make your own by adding these thickening substances. The most common agents to thicken water include -
According to research by the National Institutes of Health, xanthan gum thickeners were less viscose than starch-based thickeners.
People experiencing difficulty swallowing may benefit from the use of chunky water. But, before administering 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 -
People with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, Dementia, or Alzheimer’s may develop swallowing problems.
The taste of thickened water is quite similar to regular tap or bottled water, and the only noticeable difference is its consistency. When compared to normal water, thick water has a thicker, more viscous texture that many people describe as being similar to aloe vera gel in terms of mouthfeel. Despite its thicker consistency, thickened water can still be easily poured and swallowed, making it a safe and effective solution for people who struggle with drinking regular water. However, due to its thicker texture, it may feel more chunky in the mouth, which can take some getting used to.
The answer is yes. You can make your own thickened water at home with our all-natural thickening agents available at HPFY.
It is perfect for thickening liquids and pureed foods. Kent-Thick It Beverage Thickener is specifically designed so that you can enjoy a wider variety of hot or cold foods, beverages, and supplements with better safety. It is known for its quick, consistent, and easy thickening process that does not compromise the flavor of the food.
It is the perfect solution for anyone who needs a quick and easy way to create thickened beverages on the go. This FSA-approved food thickener comes in pre-measured packets, making it incredibly convenient to use. SimplyIt's Thick is a gel-based thickener that can be mixed with a spoon, straw, or fork - no need for shaking. It is ready to drink in just a few seconds and won't continue to thicken over time. Plus, the new formula uses 60% less gel to achieve the same level of thickness, making it even more efficient and cost-effective.
HPFY offers a wide range of thickened water products, including flavored thick water like lemon water and food thickeners to help you get adequate nutrition despite swallowing problems. Explore our catalog today and find what suits your needs the best.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
Shweta Chaubey, has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. An advocate-turned-writer, her desire to create meaningful and positive content has brought her to HPFY and what better than writing ...
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