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My step-dad has Alzheimer's and eats relatively well but suffers from frequent loose stools. We have tried Immodium, Kaooectate, and Metamucil all recommended by his physician. Nothing seems to work. He's losing weight and getting very thin but nothing seems to be working to taper off the diarrhea. Any ideas or suggestions? Thank you!

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Gluccomannan
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As a nurse, as a human being, I find metamucil doesn't work because it is fermented in the bowel in a different way than it's similar product, citrucel. Metamucil causes an increase in gas, and while it may form stools due to the bulk, it can cause explosive stools and an aging sphincter often cannot hold on to it. I would try citrucel. Sorry, as it is getting harder and harder to find it. It is very similar to metamucil, but is fermented in the gut differently, and doesn't often cause in increase in gas. I sure wish you luck. I am assuming all testing is already done, especially for C-difficile.
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Be careful with probiotics. My daughter suffers from IBS and they tear up her stomach.

Bananas and cheese bind. May want to try them. Has he seen his Doctor. Your Dad may not have the ability to absorb nutrients anymore. Meaning, his body is not using the food he eats. Having continual diarrhea is not good. Besides dehydration, he is losing nutrients and vitamins.
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I would add a probiotic daily, maybe 2 a day for a few weeks.

Then get fermented foods or drinks. This can help keep things healthy and you only need small amounts daily, like a tablespoon or a couple ounces for drinks.

I would do a process of elimination with his diet. This could be a food allergy that he has developed. Start with a daily log of foods and start eliminating one item at a time for a few days, start with known culprits, like dairy items, fried foods and processed foods.

Best of luck, this is a tough challenge.
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Isthisrealyreal Jan 2023
Yep, lots of different choices for fermented food and drink now.

Happy you can do kefir. I can't gag that stuff down :-(

Do you make your own? I have been considering trying to but, I hate to go to all the effort if it's like the premade stuff at stores.
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