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
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
Make it fun, and Thank Goodness you are thinking about it now... EARLY PLANNING...
Look up online: DIABETIC THANKSGIVING MEAL PLANS.
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....