Thick water is a beverage specifically designed for people with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). You can purchase pre-thickened water or you can thicken drinking water at home with over-the-counter thickening agents.

Who drinks Thick-It water?

Thickened fluids and thickened drinks are often used for people with dysphagia, a disorder of swallowing function. The thicker consistency makes it less likely that individuals will aspirate while they are drinking.

What is Thick-It water made of?

Ingredients. Artesian Mineral Water, Contains 2% Or Less Of Each Of The Following: Xanthan Gum, Calcium Chloride, Malic Acid, Potassium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate (To Preserve Freshness), Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Disodium EDTA.

What are the benefits of Thick-It?

Thickening agents like Thick-It “help take a thin liquid which is hard to control in your mouth … to a slow-moving, thick substance that stays together, making it easier to control and clear during a swallow,” says Brian Wolfman, MD, a gastroenterology specialist and partner at Coastal Gastroenterology in New Jersey.

Do you need a prescription for Thick-It?

No, you do not need a prescription. Visit our Shop Now page for details on where you can purchase Thick-It® brand products. Although a prescription is not needed, we recommend you consult with a medical professional to determine the appropriate consistency to purchase.

Is thick water healthy?

Thickened liquids give you better control of the liquid in your mouth. They help slow down the flow rate of liquids, which lessens the chance of liquid going into your airway or “going down the wrong pipe.”

Can thick it cause dehydration?

Initial concerns were raised about the impact of thickeners on water binding due to the high prevalence of dehydration amongst individuals with dysphagia. Thankfully, regardless of thickening agent, thickeners do not affect water bioavailability.

Is thick water real?

Sugar- and calorie-free, xanthan-based Clear Advantage® Thickened Water offers pure hydration without added lemon flavor or artificial sweeteners. Chill it, heat it, or freeze it into ice cubes. Clear Advantage® Thickened Water won’t get thicker over time, so you can enjoy it on your own schedule.

What does thick it water taste like?

Much like my coffee, it was chunky, lacking any carbonation, and it tasted like Jell-O made from cola-flavored Bottle Caps. This was the last straw. After eight hours of thick-liquid hydration, I was ready to throw in the goopy, slimy towel.

Does thick water taste good?

Thicker water tastes much the same way as regular drinking water. What is this? However, some people may find that they enjoy thicker versions of their favorite drinks because it feels more satisfying to drink and easier on the stomach.

How do they make thick water thick?

If you purchase thick water, starch and starch-based thickeners are added to it. They are tasteless and dissolve quickly into the liquid but must be immediately drunk. Another ingredient added to liquids to thicken them is gum-based thickeners like xanthan gum.

How can I thicken water at home?

If liquids are too thin, add one of the following common thickeners to get your liquid nectar-thick.
Banana flakes.Cooked cereals (like cream of wheat or cream of rice)Cornstarch.Custard mix.Gravy.Instant potato flakes.

Are thickened liquids covered by insurance?

Getting Thickeners Through Insurance

Most insurance companies will cover thickener products, but there will be limitations. For example, they will most likely only use one or two approved medical supply companies and those companies will generally only offer one or two products to choose from.

Can Thick-It make you constipated?

Do thickeners have side effects? Thickening agents may cause side effects such as constipation, gassiness, or loose stools (soft poop or diarrhea).

Do thickened liquids prevent aspiration?

Studies of the effects of bolus modification on swallow safety show that thickening liquids slows their flow rate, allowing more time for airway closure and reduces the risk of aspiration; modified texture food are easier and safer to swallow for those with chewing problems [1,2,3,4].