Eating is a necessary daily activity that most of us consider delightful. Older adults, however, may face severe health problems that come with age. One of the most disturbing concerns is dysphagia, the medical term for the condition of having difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia may transform mealtime from a fun hobby to a challenging task, eventually leading to extremely significant health problems. Without treatment and intervention, you or your loved ones’ diet are affected. It could restrict the intake of essential minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that are important for the body. Fortunately, a thickener for food and drink can help individuals with dysphagia to eat and drink more easily. Wondering what exactly are food and drink thickeners? We’ll de-mystify them for you!
What Are Food and Beverage Thickeners?
A thickener is a substance that can be added to food or drink to increase its viscosity without affecting its other properties. They are starch or gel-based additives that make swallowing of edibles and fluids much easier. In addition, they slow the flow rate of thin liquids and prevent them from entering the airways. If food or fluids enters the wrong pipe and gets into your lungs, it can lead to severe problems such as aspiration pneumonia, choking, and coughing. Thickeners reduce such risks by enabling beverages and food to travel at a slower rate down the throat into the intestines.
While thickeners are most often used in culinary applications to improve the texture of sauces, soups, and stews, they can also be used for medical purposes such as thickening infant formula or increasing the viscosity of liquids taken by mouth by those with dysphagia. There are many different types of thickeners available on the market, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some thickeners are made from natural ingredients, while others are synthetic. Some thickeners are designed to be used in specific food and drink items, while others can be added to any food or drink. The type of thickener that is right for an individual will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the dysphagia, the types of food and drink that are being consumed, and any other medical conditions that may be present.
Food and Beverage Thickeners Are Recommended for These Individuals
Food and drink beverage thickeners are usually recommended for individuals with dysphagia. While anyone can suffer from dysphagia, it is more common in the elderly. That’s because when you get older, your pharynx and your esophagus may not function as well as they used to. This lack of muscular power might impair your capacity to swallow over time, resulting in dysphagia. On top of that, food and beverage thickeners can help persons with the following chronic diseases:
Patients on cancer treatment can benefit too, especially if they suffer throat or neck cancer.
Food and Beverage Thickeners Are Safe
Food and beverage thickeners are generally well tolerated and safe. There are no severe health issues concerning thickeners' safety in adults. Most thickening agents on the market are made from gel, powder, or other all-natural substances and have no negative side effects.
Some individuals, especially those with dementia, may decline to consume thickened products. This could cause dehydration if the person refuses to consume thickened fluids. Thus, it’s vital to look for a brand that your loved one enjoys. We recommended tying the following products.
A quick and simple to use instant thickening powder that provides swallowing support. Some benefits of the product:
An instant thickener for cold and hot beverages and foods that thickens quickly with no lumps. It enables nutritional management for those who have swallowing difficulties.
You Can Make Your Own Food and Drink Thickeners
Don’t want to use artificial thickeners? You can modify the consistency of meals and beverages on your own but the ingredients you require will be determined by the temperature and consistency of whatever you're cooking. These suggestions from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) can help:
To ensure the thickening ingredient binds with the liquid, use a blender and blend until the required consistency is reached.
Nutritional and Satiety Standards for Food and Beverage Thickeners
When selecting a thickening agent, make sure they comply with nutritional and satiety standards such as. Here are some things you should look out for:
Facts About Common Types of Food and Beverage Thickeners
There are many different types of food and drink thickeners available on the market today. Each type has its own unique set of properties, making it more or less suitable for different applications. Here are some facts about four common types of thickeners:
You Can Buy Pre-thickened Food and Beverages Instead of Using Thickeners
Pre-thickened food can be a convenient option for people who have difficulty swallowing. There are a variety of pre-thickened products available, including soups, juices, cereals, and desserts. Pre-thickened products can be found in most grocery stores or online. CWI Medical offers a wide selection of thickened beverages and food to address the nutrition needs of people who have difficulty swallowing.
Thickened Beverages
Whether it’s juices, tea, or water, you can shop for these products online at CWI Medical:
Thickened Food
Dysphagia can be a difficult condition to live with, but there are many options available to help make mealtimes more manageable. CWI Medical carries thickeners, thickened beverages and foods that address the nutrition needs of those with dysphagia, swallowing difficulties, or food consistency issues. If you have a question on what is the right thickened beverage or food for you, get in touch with us.
