Thickened Juice and Thickened Water: Convenient Solutions for Hydration and Nutrition

The Importance of Thickened Beverages for Dysphagia

Dysphagia, a condition characterized by difficulty swallowing, affects approximately 15 million adults in the United States alone (source). For these individuals, consuming regular liquids can pose a significant risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia. Thickened beverages, such as Thickened Juice and Thickened Water, provide a safer alternative by reducing the flow rate of liquids, making them easier to control and swallow.

Benefits of Thickened Juice

Thickened Juice offers numerous advantages for individuals with dysphagia:

• Ready-to-Serve Convenience: Thickened Juice is pre-thickened and ready to drink, eliminating the need for additional preparation. Simply refrigerate and serve as needed.
• Variety of Packaging: Available in bulk cartons or single-serving cups, Thickened Juice can be stored on the shelf and refrigerated before serving.
• Nutritional Value: Each 4-ounce serving of Thickened Juice provides 100% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin C, ensuring that individuals receive essential nutrients.
• Smooth Consistency: The juice has a smooth, honey-like or nectar-like consistency, making it easy to swallow without the starchy aftertaste often associated with thickened liquids.

Specialty of Thickened Juice

Thickened Juice is not only beneficial for its ease of use and nutritional value but also for its refreshing taste. Unlike some thickened beverages that can cause taste fatigue, Thickened Juice maintains a pleasant flavor, encouraging regular consumption. This is particularly important for individuals who may already have a reduced appetite due to their condition.

Packaging and Storage

Thickened Juice is available in convenient, shelf-stable 46-ounce aseptic cartons with resealable screw caps. This packaging ensures that the juice remains fresh for an extended period, even after opening. The bright color of the juice also aids in easy identification, making it simple to distinguish from other beverages.

Thickened Water: A Versatile Hydration Solution

In addition to Thickened Juice, Thickened Water is another valuable option for individuals with dysphagia. This ready-to-drink, clean, and convenient artesian mineral water is free from lemon flavor, sweeteners, sugar, calories, and carbohydrates. It is specifically designed to provide hydration and nutrition without compromising safety.

Uses of Thickened Water

Thickened Water can be used in various ways to meet hydration needs:

• Direct Consumption: Drink Thickened Water as is for immediate hydration.
• Ice Cubes: Freeze Thickened Water to create ice cubes that can be added to other beverages.
• Mixes: Combine Thickened Water with powdered drink mixes to create flavored beverages without altering the consistency.

Conclusion

Thickened Juice and Thickened Water are indispensable for individuals with dysphagia, offering safe, convenient, and nutritious hydration solutions. With their ready-to-serve packaging, smooth consistency, and essential nutrients, these beverages ensure that those with swallowing difficulties can maintain proper hydration and nutrition without the risk of aspiration.

For more information on dysphagia and the benefits of thickened beverages, visit the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Sources:

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information
2. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
3. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association