Drinking with
Dysphagia

The Importance of Hydration

Staying hydrated is important to maintaining good health. If you don’t drink enough, you are at an increased risk of becoming dehydrated.

Water and other fluids are important because they help to:

• Move nutrients and waste through your body
• Keep your blood pressure within a normal range
• Protect and cushion your joints and organs
• Control your body temperature
• Lower your risk of dehydration

What is dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much fluids as it needs. You may be dehydrated even if you don’t have any of the symptoms, so it is important to drink fluids often even before you feel thirsty. Research shows that dehydration is a key challenge for individuals with dysphagia.¹

Common symptoms of dehydration may include:²

• Feeling very thirsty
• Dry mouth
• Urinating and sweating less than usual
• Dark-colored urine
• Dry skin
• Feeling tired
• Dizziness
• Headaches

If you notice any of these symptoms or any sign that could suggest dehydration, please consult your healthcare professional.

Why is hydration a challenge:

• Decrease in thirst related with aging
• Forgetting to drink
• Fear of choking
• Dry mouth as a side effect of medication(s)
• Physical disabilities that make it difficult to prepare and access fluids
• The preparation required to thicken liquids may lead to drinking less.
• Anxiety around eating and drinking could mean less fluid is consumed
• Swallowing normal liquids can be challenging

How much should you drink?

The amount of fluids that a person needs to drink every day is different from one person to another and depends on age, gender, and level of physical activity. An intake of 1600 - 2100mL a day is recommended for older healthy adults (65 years and older) to meet fluid requirements.³
Always follow the direction from your healthcare professional on what drink consistency is right for you and how much fluids per day you need.

Below are some ways to help you stay hydrated:²

• Keep a daily fluid diary
• Drink additional fluids with snacks
• Choose a variety of fluids throughout the day
• Always keep fluids nearby and make sure they are within reach at meals and snacks
• Be aware of your thirst and drink fluids often throughout the day
• Enjoy a variety of fluids such as milk, milk alternatives, coffee, tea, 100% vegetable or fruit juices, and soups to help you meet your fluid needs
• Choose decaffeinated drinks more often to keep you well hydrated. Drinks with caffeine should be limited to 3 cups per day
• Remember to drink more in hot weather
• Add high fluid-containing foods at meals and snacks, i.e., soups, pudding, plain yogurt , unsweetened applesauce , pureed cottage cheese.⁴

Click here for information on how to change the thickness of your liquids and for Tasty Thickened Drink Recipes

References:

1. Cichero J. Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society. 2019.
2. Government of Canada. Health Promotion - Facts on fluids: How to stay hydrated. 2021. Accessed August 15, 2023.
3. Volkert D, et al. Clin Nutr. 2019; 38(1):10-47.
4. Government of Canada. Canadian Nutrient File.Accessed August 15, 2023.