Thickened water is a beverage that is created when adding a thickening agent to increase the viscosity. The uses of thick water is formulated for those with dysphagia who struggle to control the flow of standard water. By thickening water, those with dysphagia are able to manage their fluid intake without the risk of aspiration, improving their health and hydration levels.
Understanding what thickened water is and why it should be used is crucial for carers to help manage the swallowing difficulties of their care recipient.
Top Benefits of Thick Water
Helps Individuals with Swallowing Difficulties
Thickened water is helpful to those with swallowing difficulties as it slows down the fluid's movement for someone who has dysphagia. Using thickening agents in thin liquids like water allows for control in the mouth and throat.
Reduce the Risk of Aspiration and Choking
Giving your care recipient thickened water if they are experiencing dysphagia prevents the risk of aspiration (fluid in the lungs) and choking. The slower movement of thickened drinks prevents fluid from entering airways and being inhaled into the lungs. Thickening liquids for your clients also gives them more muscle control preventing the risk of choking and helping them with their coordination.
Provides Hydration Without Discomfort
Often when people are experiencing dysphagia, they aren’t able to properly maintain their hydration intake as they struggle to swallow thin liquids like water. By thickening water, you are able to ensure that your care recipient is drinking enough water and remaining hydrated throughout the day.
Thick Water Taste and Texture: What to Expect?
Different consistency levels (nectar, honey, pudding thick):
Thickened water is available in three primary consistencies: nectar-thick, honey-thick, and pudding-thick with each offering distinct textures.
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Nectar-thick liquids are slightly thicker than water, resembling the consistency of fruit nectar or a milkshake. They pour easily but more slowly than regular liquids, providing better control during swallowing.
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Honey-thick liquids are more viscous, similar to the consistency of honey. They pour slowly and may coat the mouth, requiring more effort to swallow but still manageable for many individuals.
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Pudding-thick liquids are the thickest, holding their shape and requiring a spoon to consume. These are typically recommended for individuals with severe dysphagia, as they provide the most control and reduce the risk of aspiration.
How thick water feels compared to regular water:
Thick water feels noticeably different from regular water due to the added viscosity required for individuals with swallowing difficulties. Unlike regular water, which is thin, clear, and flows quickly, thick water is designed to move more slowly, providing greater control during swallowing. Depending on the consistency the texture can range from slightly syrupy to spoon-thick and creamy. These differences can impact not only how the liquid feels in the mouth but also how easily it is swallowed, making thick water a safer alternative for those with dysphagia.
Common feedback on taste and ways to improve thick water:
Common feedback on the taste of thickened water for dysphagia is that it can be unpleasant, with many people describing it as slightly metallic, chalky, or having a gel-like texture that differs significantly from regular water. These sensory differences are largely due to the thickening agents used, such as starch-based or gum-based thickeners.
Some people report a lingering aftertaste that thickened water feels "unnatural" or "slimy," which can discourage adequate fluid intake. To improve the taste and make it more palatable, healthcare providers often recommend chilling the water, adding approved flavour enhancers, or using pre-thickened flavoured beverages designed for dysphagia patients.
Gum-based thickeners tend to produce a clearer, more palatable result compared to starch-based ones, which can become cloudy and grainy. Taste preferences can vary, so trying different brands and formulations is often encouraged to find the most acceptable option for your care recipient.
What is Thick Water Made Of? Ingredients & Nutritional Facts
Key Components
Thick water is made by adding thickening agents to regular water to help individuals with dysphagia swallow safely. The ingredients of thick water are typically either starch-based or gum-based.
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Starch-based thickeners are often derived from modified corn or potato starch. They can become grainy over time and may affect the taste or clarity of the liquid.
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Gum-based thickeners, such as xanthan gum or guar gum, produce a smoother, more stable texture that holds up better over time and across different temperatures. Caregivers should note that gum-based options are often preferred for their consistency.
Nutritional Aspects
Most commercial thickened waters are calorie-free, sugar-free, and fat-free, making them suitable for people with diabetes or on calorie-restricted diets. However, there may be slight differences depending on the brand. Some pre-thickened products contain sodium, preservatives, or flavour enhancers, so it’s important to check the nutrition label. Always consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian to ensure the chosen product meets the dietary and hydration needs of the individual in care.
How is Thick Water Used? Ingredients & Nutritional Facts
Thick water is used across the healthcare industry to help those who may be experiencing dysphagia temporarily or long term.
Hospitals:
Thickened drinks are used in this space in post-stroke recovery, after surgeries that impact the head and neck and for those who are experiencing neurological conditions.
Nursing Homes:
In nursing homes, thickened drinks are used for residents with dementia, stroke or other conditions that impact swallowing in order to maintain hydration levels and minimise the risk of aspiration.
Home Care:
For those who experience dysphagia in the home, thickening agents are prescribed by their medical practitioner to ensure they are still able to consume necessary nutrients.
Daily Life:
Thickened drinks are used in daily life to allow people to safely consume fluids and improve their quality of life.
DIY Guide: How to Make Thick Water at Home
Homemade thick water can be beneficial if you like a particular drink or thickness that can’t be achieved from pre-made thickened drinks. To make your own, you’ll need to follow these steps; prepare the liquid of choice, add the thickener (can be a commercial or food-based thickener), stir well and adjust to your desired level of thickness.
Commercial Thickeners:
This is a product specifically designed for the application of thickening drinks and comes with instructions on how much to use for desired thickness.
Food-Based Thickeners:
There are multiple food related thickeners that can be used to create a thicker drink. Cornstarch, unflavoured gelatin, instant potato flakes, pureed fruits, banana flakes and cooked cereals can all be added at various amounts to achieve this. It’s important to note that food-based thickeners will more than likely change the flavour of whatever drink you are adding it to, which may make this more or less appealing for your care recipient.
Buying Guide: Where to Find the Best Thickening Options
Understanding what your options are for thickened foods and drinks will help you with the care you provide for your loved one or client.
Atlas McNeil Healthcare Community offers thickeners and pre-thickened drinks that will suit your care recipients every need.
If your client would like a flavourless thickening option that they can add to any drink of their choosing, products like the Supercol All-Natural Food & Liquid Thickener. Made from pure guar gum, Supercol can be added to both food and drink, making this a versatile thickening option for anyone with swallowing concerns.
Similarly, Flavour Creations’ Instant Thick Ultimate is made from a Xantham gum which can be added to any drink. This product has a formula that requires less powder is required per serving, stretching this for longer.
Pre-thickened drinks are also another way that someone managing dysphagia can effectively consume nutritional drinks, safely.
Flavour Creations have a range of thickened juices, water, cordial and even dairy that is available in different thickness levels. Purchasing thick water ensures correct thickness is met and will be more palatable for your care recipient. This range also offers great nutritional information and is easy to consume with Flavour Creations’ patented dysphagia cup.
Explore AMHC’s range of Thickeners here