Thickening Liquids for Dysphagia Diet

What to know about Thickening Liquids for Dysphagia Diet

• If you are on the dysphagia diet, you may need to thicken liquids, including drinks, soups, and foods that melt at room temperature.
• Thickening liquids makes them easier to swallow. It also reduces the risk of liquid traveling to your lungs.

Thickening liquids is a common strategy used in dysphagia management to make swallowing safer and easier for individuals with swallowing difficulties.

The consistency of liquids can be modified to reduce the risk of aspiration and choking.

The level of thickness recommended will depend on the individual’s specific swallowing abilities and the guidance provided by a speech-language pathologist or healthcare professional.

The three main levels of thickened liquids for dysphagia are:

1. Nectar-thick: This consistency is similar to that of nectar or a thick syrup. It pours slowly and coats the spoon but still flows. It is commonly used for individuals with mild swallowing difficulties. Commercial thickeners or thickeners prescribed by a healthcare professional can be used to achieve this consistency.
2. Honey-thick: This consistency is similar to that of honey. It flows slowly and can form a ribbon when poured. It is often recommended for individuals with moderate swallowing difficulties. Thickeners can be added to achieve this level of thickness.
3. Pudding-thick: This consistency is similar to that of pudding or custard. It does not flow freely and maintains its shape on a spoon. It is typically used for individuals with severe swallowing difficulties. Thickeners are added to liquids to achieve this thickness.

How to thicken a liquid?

To thicken a liquid, you will need to add a commercial food thickening product or a soft food to the liquid until it reaches the desired consistency. Liquid consistencies include:

1. Thin and slightly thick. These liquids include most drinks (such as water, milk, tea, soda, juice, carbonated drinks), as well as melted ice cream, sherbet, sorbet and ice pops, and broth-based soups.
2. Mild to moderately thick. This includes nectar-like liquids such as maple syrup and creamy soup, and honey-like liquids. These liquids are runny, but thick enough that they cannot be sipped through a straw.
3. Extremely thick. Also called spoon-thick, these liquids are thick like pudding.

How to thicken a liquid with a commercial food and beverage thickener

A commercial food and beverage thickener is a powder or gel that makes a food or beverage thicker. You can buy thickeners at pharmacies, medical supply stores, some grocery stores, and online.

They can be added to both hot and cold liquids and do not change the taste of the liquid. Ask your health care provider or dietitian for a complete list of commercial thickeners.

Each thickening product is different. Some need to be blended into a liquid with a blender while others can be stirred into a liquid with a fork or spoon. To thicken a liquid using a thickening product, follow the instructions on the product label.

How to thicken a liquid with soft foods

Some foods such as soups, casseroles, and gravies can be thickened with soft foods.

Soft foods include:

• Baby cereal.
• Gravy powder.
• Mashed potato.
• Pureed baby food.
• Instant potato flakes.
• Powdered sauce mixes (such as cheese mixes).
• Flour or corn starch.

To thicken a liquid using one of these soft food items, stir or mix the soft food into the liquid until it reaches the desired thickness.

Start with a small amount and make adjustments as necessary. Note that flour and corn starch work best with warm liquids, such as broth. To thicken a liquid with flour or corn starch:

1. Make a paste out of flour and water.
2. Cook or warm the liquid and add the paste to it.
3. Stir until the mixture thickens.

What are some tips for using thickened liquids?

• Take thickeners with you when eating out or traveling.
• If a liquid gets too thick, add more of the thinner liquid until the desired consistency is reached.
• Consider purchasing premade thickened drinks.
• Consider using a thickening product to make your own frozen desserts.

What are tips for following this plan?

1. I should thicken my liquids to a consistency.
2. Follow your health care provider or dietitian’s recommendation on how to thicken your liquids.
3. Thicken liquids as told by your health care provider or nutrition specialist (dietitian).
4. See your health care provider or dietitian regularly for help with your dietary changes.

It’s important to note that the specific recommendations for thickening liquids may vary depending on the individual’s needs, so it’s best to consult with a speech-language pathologist or a healthcare professional experienced in dysphagia management.

They can provide personalized recommendations and guidance on the appropriate level of liquid thickness for safe and effective swallowing.

Additionally, it’s important to follow any specific instructions regarding the use of thickening agents, as different products may have different mixing instructions and consistency outcomes.

Summary

• Thickening liquids makes them easier to swallow. It also reduces the risk of liquid traveling to your lungs. Thicken liquids as told by your health care provider or dietitian.
• You can thicken a liquid using a commercial thickening product or by adding a soft food to the liquid until it reaches the desired consistency.