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Trying to figure out what to feed my grandmother for Thanksgiving. Legumes, gravy, nutritional yeast, butter, oils, fat, anything too rich makes her have to go to the bathroom. She also has a hard time chewing so everything has to be pureed. I was wondering if there is anything to make her food taste better and won't make her go to the bathroom

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How long since she’s been to the doctor? If she is going to the bathroom so often, she may need a doctor visit to find out why. Be aware that all the food you mentioned will cause anyone to have to “go”. Read up on nutrition for the elderly. Don’t guess about what’s healthy and appropriate for her. Never give her any supplements without her doctor’s approval. Any food can be puréed.
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Mmendall Oct 2019
She goes to the doctors after. She is diabetic. I'm just wondering what other people feed their grandparents for Thanksgiving. My aunt who is a nurse takes care of her.
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You really have 2 issues:

1.   Need to puree food, or perhaps a DX of dysphagia, and

2.   Rich foods.  

1.   If she hasn't been seen by a speech pathologist or therapist, and had a swallow study, ask one of her medical team about that.   There are different levels, one requiring what's known as "mechanical soft" food and another pureed foods only.    It might also be that her liquids need to be thickened, with something similar to "Thik-it" which can be purchased as grocery and drug stores.

This is really important b/c if she does have dysphagia, trying to chew meats will be difficult, and aspiration leading to pneumonia can be a possibility.

2.    Cut out the fats and other rich foods.   Add more fruit and vegetables, balancing them so she gets a good blend of healthy foods.   Buy organic if you can afford it.  

The "BRAT" (Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet is helpful  for dysphagia diets and diarrhea (if that's a problem).

She might be able to take acidophilus for the same issue, but that would really depend on what else she takes and if her physician(s) agree it's safe for her.  

There are other posts on dysphagia that might help with working out a good diet:

https://www.agingcare.com/search?term=dysphagia+diets
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Mmendall Oct 2019
Thank you! I'll ask my Aunt if she has that. I know her main problem is she doesn't have teeth, but I think she does have a problem swallowing as well.
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She is diabetic and your aunt takes care of her because she is a nurse... Consult aunt and make sure aunt is invited to Thanksgiving.. Have Aunt help you with the Thanksgiving meal Plan...

Make it fun, and Thank Goodness you are thinking about it now... EARLY PLANNING...

Look up online: DIABETIC THANKSGIVING MEAL PLANS.
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Mmendall Oct 2019
We are actually having it at my Aunts house. I justed to see if other people had some good ideas that I can shoot her way. We are working on Thanksgiving together.
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You may want to get her to doctor and ask for another swallow test.. Did she have a stroke?

My LO had a stroke and now she is on blended foods, she has teeth missing and issues swallowing...

Small portions... too many things hitting the stomach can cause issues...

small portions... and do activities of some sort between meal courses or bites...slow down the eating....don't think you are a pilgrim waiting and trying to get your next meal...

family history or fun family stories.. question and answer games... etc....Make it fun, and don't rush through it... Get everyone on board....
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Mmendall Oct 2019
This is a good idea! I do think she's had a stroke as well. She just like to scarf down her food. My aunt always has to tell her to CHEW! And shes sly because she will ask other people for a piece of their food that isn't ground up!! Shes too much 🤣
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