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What Causes Difficulty Swallowing After A Stroke?

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Posted on Thu, 18 Dec 2014
Question: yes. my husband had a serious stroke 8 years ago and is now showing signs of swallowing problems.
My question is, is there a product I can purchase that will replace the GMO'd corn starch in "Thick It" to make his liquid thick enough to keep him from choking?
He has enough problems without feeding him GMOs every 4 hours.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You can use a variety of home thickeners or brands.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to HCM
I appreciate your concern and dedication in the care of your husband.
I have mentioned a variety of thickeners you could use to make food tasty and easily swallowable for him.
Food thickeners frequently are based on either polysaccharides (starches, vegetable gums, and pectin), or proteins. Starches used usually are arrowroot, cornstarch, katakuri starch, potato starch, sago and tapioca. Arrowroot is a better choice than cornstarch.
Cereal grains (oatmeal, couscous, farina, etc.) are used to thicken soups. Yogurt can be used for thickening soups. Soups can also be thickened by adding grated starchy vegetables before cooking, though these will add their own flavor. Tomato puree also adds thickness as well as flavor.
Brands such as Thick & Easy®, Thick-It®, ThickenUp®, Simply Thick® and Thik & Clear® can be used to thicken hot or cold, thin or thick liquids and pureed foods to your desired nectar-like, honey-like or pudding-like consistencies.
Hope he will enjoy the variety of food you caringly and lovingly feed him.
Dr Noble Zachariah

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (17 hours later)
Are any of the Brands such as Thick & Easy etc. Organic? I can make his food thick but his water or juice I need help with. Thick It is corn based and I'm sure GMOed.
What about the rest?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Information on thickners and on feeding those with dysphagia

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

We live in two different time zones and it is 7 am here.
Hence the delay in replying your query. Thank you for waiting.
I am sure you would want to know many things to take good care of your husband.
I am giving you the link to one of the informative and helpful sites.
https://www.dysphagia-diet.com/c-464-food-thickeners.aspx
I shall be happy to answer any query you might have.
The following site gives the information regarding Thick-It products
http://thickit.com/products/thickeners/

Welcome to get back to me with queries.

Have a great day

Dr Noble Zachariah, Kuwait
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Noble Zachariah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 2319 Questions

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What Causes Difficulty Swallowing After A Stroke?

Brief Answer: You can use a variety of home thickeners or brands. Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to HCM I appreciate your concern and dedication in the care of your husband. I have mentioned a variety of thickeners you could use to make food tasty and easily swallowable for him. Food thickeners frequently are based on either polysaccharides (starches, vegetable gums, and pectin), or proteins. Starches used usually are arrowroot, cornstarch, katakuri starch, potato starch, sago and tapioca. Arrowroot is a better choice than cornstarch. Cereal grains (oatmeal, couscous, farina, etc.) are used to thicken soups. Yogurt can be used for thickening soups. Soups can also be thickened by adding grated starchy vegetables before cooking, though these will add their own flavor. Tomato puree also adds thickness as well as flavor. Brands such as Thick & Easy®, Thick-It®, ThickenUp®, Simply Thick® and Thik & Clear® can be used to thicken hot or cold, thin or thick liquids and pureed foods to your desired nectar-like, honey-like or pudding-like consistencies. Hope he will enjoy the variety of food you caringly and lovingly feed him. Dr Noble Zachariah