The medical disease dysphagia impairs a person’s ability to swallow food and liquids. Malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia are a few of the significant problems that can result from this illness. Dysphagia sufferers must alter their diets to receive the required nourishment without endangering their health. Using food thickeners to change the consistency of liquids and make them easier to swallow is one way to treat dysphagia and allow sufferers to live a more normal life.
What Is Food Thickener?
Food thickeners are liquids or powders added to liquids to thicken them. Liquids can be difficult to swallow when a person has dysphagia because they can easily go down the wrong way and enter the lungs instead of the stomach. The liquids can be securely swallowed by being thickened without the threat of aspiration.
Simply Thick
Moderate consistency thickener Simply Thick is one of the most popular food thickeners for people with dysphagia. Any liquid can be thickened using this thickener, which comes in a gel-like form, to get the necessary consistency. For those who want to keep enjoying their favorite drinks, this thickener is an excellent option because it doesn’t alter the taste or look of the liquid.
It only takes a few seconds to add SimplyThick to any drink, and it is simple to use. Depending on the liquid’s intended consistency, a certain amount of thickening may be required. A somewhat thick liquid, for instance, will need less thickener than a moderately thick one. Moreover, soups and mashed potatoes that have been pureed can be thickened using SimplyThick.
Benefits of Using Food Thickeners for Dysphagia
Food thickeners enable people to consume their favorite drinks and meals without worrying about choking or aspiration, thus enhancing their quality of life. People with dysphagia can still enjoy a range of liquids, such as water, coffee, tea, juice, and soda, by altering the consistency of the liquids. Thickened drinks can also aid in avoiding malnutrition and dehydration, which are frequent side effects of dysphagia.
Types of Food Thickeners
The market offers a wide variety of food thickeners. Cornstarch, potato starch, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum are among the most popular varieties. Taste, texture, and the time needed to thicken a liquid are all distinctive qualities of each type of thickener.
Living with dysphagia can present many challenges, but food thickeners can significantly improve a person’s quality of life. With the help of food thickeners, people with dysphagia can safely and comfortably swallow liquids without the risk of aspiration. Various types of food thickeners are available on the market, and the choice of thickening will depend on personal preferences and dietary requirements. By incorporating food thickeners into their diet, individuals with dysphagia can enjoy their favorite foods and drinks while reducing the risk of complications associated with dysphagia. If you have dysphagia, it is important to discuss food thickeners and other dietary changes with your healthcare provider to determine if they may benefit you.
