Why do I need to thicken my drinks?

You have been assessed and advised to thicken your drinks to help you swallow more safely.

Thickened fluids move more slowly when you swallow and therefore make it less likely for the drink to go down into your airway and possibly to the lungs. If fluid (or food) goes into the lungs it can lead to chest infections or pneumonia.

How thick do my drinks need to be?

Your speech and language therapist will advise you on how much you need to thicken your drinks.

Top tips for safer drinking

• all drinks should be thickened. This includes all cold and hot drinks, fizzy drinks, nutritional supplement drinks, soups, gravy and alcoholic drinks.
• try to be positive about the drink if you are preparing it for someone. It will look and feel different to a normal drink, but taste should not alter. Remember that the drink is thickened to make swallowing safer and easier.
• some people find cold thickened drinks more enjoyable, especially if they are chilled rather than room temperature. Drinks with a stronger flavour may be preferred, for example, squash or cordial rather than water.
• if you have any liquid or soluble medications, make your speech and language therapist aware and discuss with your pharmacist.

How to prepare a thickened drink using Resource Thicken Up Clear©

1. add the recommended number of flat scoops of Thicken Up Clear© to a dry empty cup or glass.
2. pour in 200mls of your chosen drink.
3. immediately start stirring briskly with a spoon until the powder is dissolved.
4. leave to stand for two minutes until the drink has thickened (some drinks may take slightly longer than others to thicken).
5. check the consistency is correct. If consistency is not right you will have to pour the drink away and start again, (unfortunately it can’t be altered by adding more powder or more liquid).