Fluid Viscosity and Thirst Quenching

Abstract

My research focuses on thickened beverages. Thickened beverages are for those with dysphagia, a condition experienced most frequently post surgery. These patients cannot swallow water or similar beverages because the fluids go into their lungs causing choking. The goal of my research was to take a thick beverage and make it thirst quenching. Some describe thirst quenching as refreshing, or said another way, after you drink something you are not thirsty anymore.Most people would say that thick beverages are not thirst quenching or palatable, thus the problem I wanted to solve in my research. I designed six different thick beverages with varying ingredients and temperatures that would possibly quench thirst.My research included a taste test where 42 people participated by consumingmy six beverages and answering questions pertaining to their thirst quenching ability. The variations of the beverages in this study did not significantly improve the thirst quenching ability of the thickened beverage.