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Elderly Mom is Nauseated – What Foods are Good?

A dish of baked chicken.

Chef Eddy
My elderly father has been complaining for some time now that everything he eats makes him feel nausea and sometimes he even vomits! He is starting to lose weight and I am getting concerned. Your previous suggestion of putting Ensure into a McDonald’s milk shake was pure magic so I hoped you could help again! What should I make my aging father so he doesn’t feel nauseous?
Tina

Hi Tina,
Nausea and vomiting can affect how much you eat and what you eat, especially in the elderly. Although your aging dad might say that eating is the last thing on his mind, rest assured there are foods that can ease his discomfort and provide energy and strength.
• Dry foods (such as crackers, toast, dry cereals, or bread sticks) can provide nutrients and help settle your elderly loved one’s stomach. Try not to add any butter or jam to the dry food as that might upset them
• Non-fat yogurt, fruit juice, sherbet, and sports drinks may also be effective in diminishing symptoms and are easy for the elderly to chew
• Potatoes, either baked, boiled, or mashed, rice, cream soups made with low-fat milk, fruit-flavored gelatin, pretzels, and low-fat puddings are easy to digest

Foods to Avoid With Elderly Nausea or Vomiting

• Spicy or hit foods! Also, your aging father should avoid smelly or greasy foods, which can further agitate his stomach.

A final note, if your elderly father has vomited, please try and wait six hours before he should try to eat solid foods again.

If his condition persists, you should definitely seek prompt medical attention from a medical professional.

I hope she feels better,
Chef Gerby