Drinking with
Dysphagia

How do thickened liquids help with safer swallowing?

Thickened liquids may help with safer swallowing by slowing down the movement of liquids in the mouth and throat which gives your body more time to prepare to swallow. In people with dysphagia, the muscles that are responsible for making sure food or liquids goes down the right way may become weak, which may cause foods or liquids to go down the wrong way, into the airway, rather than into the esophagus and stomach.

Thickeners, or thickening agents, are added to liquids to make them thicker. Based on an assessment of your swallowing ability, your healthcare professional will tell you what liquid consistency or thickness is right for you. Always follow the advice and instructions from your healthcare professional and follow the instructions on the package of the thickener product.

How to change the consistency of liquids

Below is a link to a mixing chart that has been developed using a powdered drink and food thickener (ThickenUp® Clear). If you are using a different thickener, please follow the instructions on the product label package. Talk to your healthcare professional about what food and fluid consistency is right for you. Mixing Chart

Some examples of modified liquid consistencies your healthcare professional may recommend:

Slightly Thick
Slightly thick liquids are thicker than water and can flow through a straw. Slightly thick liquids can be taken using a straw or from a standard cup. For examples of slightly thick liquids and to learn more about how to test your liquids to make sure it is the right consistency visit: Slightly Thick

Mildly Thick
Mildly thick liquids pour quickly from a spoon but slower than thin and slightly thick liquids. Mildly thick liquids require some effort to drink this thickness using a standard straw. Mildly thick liquids can be taken using a straw or from a standard cup. For examples of mildly thick liquids and to learn more about how to test your liquids to make sure it is the right consistency visit: Mildly Thick

Moderately Thick
Moderately thick liquids can be drunk from a cup or taken with a spoon and need some effort to drink them through a wide diameter straw. They have a smooth texture with no lumps, fibres or seeds. These liquids are best taken from a cup or using a spoon. For examples of moderately thick liquids and to learn more about how to test your liquids to make sure it is the right consistency visit: Moderately Thick

Extremely Thick
Extremely thick liquids are usually eaten with a spoon and cannot be drunk from a cup or sucked through a straw. Extremely thick liquids do not require chewing and have a smooth texture with no lumps. These liquids hold shape on a spoon, fall off a spoon in a single spoonful when tilted and are not sticky. For examples of extremely thick liquids and to learn more about how to test your liquids to make sure it is the right consistency visit: Extremely Thick

Modified drink consistencies:
For more information on changing your liquid consistencies, visit the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) website, at www.iddsi.org. IDDSI is a globally recognized organization who’s mission is to facilitate the safe consumption and enjoyment of food and liquids by people living with dysphagia. They provide easy-to-read information about IDDSI standardized food and liquid consistency levels and their testing methods, as well as examples of foods and liquids for each level, and food textures to avoid.

Please consult with your healthcare professional to find out what modified fluid consistency is right for you.

Things to consider when preparing thickened liquids:

Temperature
The feeling of textures in the mouth changes with temperature. Thickened liquids tend to be more appetizing at colder temperatures. If using ice to cool liquids, be sure to strain the drink before adding thickener, to remove any ice crystals.

Fat content
The fat content of a liquid affects how quickly it thickens. Higher fat content liquids (e.g., milk, cream soup) may take longer to thicken, so allow more time before you consume them.

Acidity
The acidity of a drink may affect how it feels in the mouth; patients with dysphagia may show a preference for sour tastes. Acidity can have an effect on the thickening process, so allow more time before you consume them.

Fizziness
To prepare carbonated liquids, it is suggested to stir them to disperse some of the carbonation before thickening.