Here’s a rather shocking fact: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NICD) estimates that over 15M adults in the United States experience dysphagia or difficulty swallowing.
What most of us take for granted is a daily challenge for millions of people. So, how do they hydrate and nourish their bodies? How do they drink water?
That’s where thickened water comes in. Made by adding a thickening agent to regular water for increased viscosity, thickened water makes swallowing easier, reducing the risk of aspiration for people with dysphagia. It is also especially important for people who have trouble controlling the flow of liquids, which can, in turn, increase the risk of coughing, choking, and pneumonia.
So, whether you’re personally experiencing dysphagia, caring for someone who is, or are a healthcare professional looking for deeper understanding, this guide will walk you through the fascinating science behind thickened water.
We’ll explore how it’s made, why different thicknesses matter, and how this seemingly simple modification can make a world of difference. And if you’re looking to order thickened water in bulk, check Warehouse 115 right away.
How Thickened Water is Made
Thickened water is made with specific food-grade thickening agents, usually complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) that increase its viscosity.
Two main types of thickeners are commonly used:
Starch-Based Wonders: Often derived from cornstarch or modified cornstarch, these thickeners work by swelling when mixed with water, creating a thicker consistency. Imagine tiny sponges expanding and making the liquid more substantial. However, they can sometimes be sensitive to temperature and the enzymes in our saliva (amylase), which might cause them to thin out over time in the mouth.
Gum-Based Guardians: Derived from natural gums like xanthan gum or gellan gum, these thickeners tend to create a smoother, more stable texture. They are often more resistant to the effects of saliva and temperature, providing a more consistent thickness, which is crucial for individuals with more severe swallowing difficulties.
Understanding the Thickness: Finding the Right Flow
Just like swallowing problems vary, thickened liquids come in different thicknesses to match those needs. Speech therapists are the experts who figure out the safest thickness for each person. You might hear them use terms like nectar-thick, honey-thick, and pudding-thick. These are older ways to describe thickness, and while some people still use them, a newer, clearer system called IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) is becoming more common.
Here’s a simple way to understand both:
Slightly Thick (IDDSI Level 1): This is somewhat thicker than water, similar to thin juice. It’s close to the old nectar-thick idea. You can still sip it from a cup or use a straw.
Mildly Thick (IDDSI Level 2): This flows slowly and coats a spoon slightly, similar to a thin milkshake. It’s also identical to the older nectar-thick but a bit thicker. You need to work a little harder to drink it through a straw.
Moderately Thick (IDDSI Level 3): This consistency flows slowly off a spoon and forms a small mound, similar to liquid yogurt. This is often what people mean by honey-thick. Drinking from a cup is possible, but a straw is tough.
Extremely Thick (IDDSI Level 4): This consistency doesn’t flow readily and remains on a spoon, similar to pudding. This is the same as pudding-thick. You eat it with a spoon, not drink it.
The speech therapist will conduct tests to assess how someone swallows, sometimes using specialized equipment such as moving X-rays or a small camera. This helps them find the “sweet spot” – the thickness that’s easiest and safest for that person to drink.
How Thickened Water Helps
For people facing swallowing difficulties or suffering dysphagia, the simple act of taking a drink can be fraught with anxiety. Thickened water is more than just a modified beverage. It’s a crucial element in reclaiming comfort and safety.
The Ripple Effect of Safe Hydration:
Reduces Fear and Anxiety: Empowers you to hydrate with more confidence, lessening the fear of coughing, choking, or aspiration.
Minimizes Health Risks: Significantly lowers the risk of aspiration pneumonia and its potentially life-threatening consequences.
Improves Hydration Levels: Encourages better fluid intake by making drinking safer combating dehydration and its associated challenges (fatigue, confusion, infections).
Enhances Quality of Life: Preserves dignity and the small joys of daily life, such as enjoying a simple drink with loved ones.
The Healthcare Importance:
For dedicated caregivers and healthcare professionals, understanding the importance of appropriately thickened water is paramount. It’s about:
Adhering to Safety Standards: Implementing established guidelines for consistent and safe practices.
Ensuring Availability: Offering a range of thickened liquid options to cater to diverse needs.
Prioritizing Quality: Utilizing high-quality products for optimal safety and palatability.
Investing in Education: Equipping caregivers with the knowledge and skills for effective dysphagia management.
Focusing on Well-being: Creating environments where every sip contributes to greater comfort and dignity.
How to Choose the Right Thickened Water
Selecting the right thickened water always requires guidance from a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), who will assess swallowing abilities and recommend the safest IDDSI level.
Factors influencing this choice include:
Swallowing Ability: How well a person can control liquids and protect their airway
Nature of Difficulty: The specific swallowing challenges (e.g., delayed swallowing, weak tongue)
IDDSI Level: The SLP’s recommended thickness using the standardized framework
Personal Preference: Finding a palatable option to encourage adequate intake
Hydration Needs: Ensuring sufficient fluid intake with the chosen thickness
Ease of Use: Practicality of preparation for caregivers
Ongoing Monitoring: Regular SLP reassessments to adjust as needed
Sipping Towards a Brighter Tomorrow (and Stocking Up Smart)
Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as changing the thickness of water can make such a profound difference?
Grounded in smart science and guided by the caring expertise of healthcare professionals, thickened water isn’t just a modified drink – it’s a real step towards safer hydration, fewer worries about health risks, and a better quality of life for those facing swallowing challenges.
By understanding why it works and how it helps, we can all contribute to creating a future where every sip is taken with greater confidence and every day is lived more fully.
Thinking ahead? For convenient access to a range of thickened water options, consider buying in bulk at Warehouse 115!
