RebeccaJ Asked August 2013
Can anyone recommend the name of an OTC med to increase appetite?
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Found many names online but don't know if they work.
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I struggle with my appetite all the time and have to keep remembering that eating when you don't feel like it is just as hard as not eating when your stomach and your brain both want you to!
that no one should be able to resist......such as......a chinese buffet........a huge breakfast of sausage, potatoes and eggs fried in the sausage grease.......chili dogs......fried chicken........italian meatballs........pizza........burgers/fries........the list goes on and on.......this this food in front of anyone........and they will chow down!!
That said, make sure she's being offered foods she likes.
Take I'll look at homeopathics, which may help, are mild, and have no side effects or interactions with prescription medicines: (1) King Bio Naturals Childrens Appetite Enhancer, (2) Liddell Appetite Increase Spray. You can start by looking up the product information and reviews on Amazon, then research other sources as well to compare prices (don't forget to factor in shipping costs). If you live in a location with knowledgeable health food stores or a homeopathic pharmacy, you may be able to get them to order it for you if they don't carry it.
Don't feed large meals. Depending on what should be her normal size, shoot for over 2000 calories per day divided into 6 eating sessions, that's about 340 calories average per time, so you must schedule when to eat based on what time she gets up, what time she goes to bed, and how she prefers to nap. Look for signs and indigestion, making sure she is processing the prior meal. If you think that is a problem, you can try ginger tea, green tea or digestive enzymes.
Keeping hydration is important, but don't serve liquids at the same time as the meal unless the meal is a shake or smoothie (which IS liquid, but still don't add other liquids). Green tea or peppermint tea with honey, low sodium tomato juice or V-8 or water should be served at least 1/2 to 1 hour before and eating session.
At least three of the meal sessions should consist of nutrient dense, low liquid volume (about 6 to 8 ounces) shakes or smoothies. A prepared nutritional (Ensure, Boost, etc.) are okay, a fast food real ice cream malt or shake if she likes that or something you blend up yourself. Obviously don't use any low calorie or diet ingredients when you make your own. An easy fix is dairy or plant milk (almond, soy, coconut, etc.) with half of a banana, 2 tablespoons of nut or seed butter (almond, cashew, Stephanie, I send flower, peanut, etc.) and a half a teaspoon real vanilla extract.
For the other three sessions, make sure her servings are colorful, attractive and you to eat. Seniors and especially dementia people get fatigued having to chew too much or eat too long. So here again think non dieting, high calorie types of food. Unlike a dieter would, add plenty of butter to vegetables (high calorie as well as good flavor) and use high calorie vegetables, not low calorie greens (example peas instead of green beans). Puree (but not necessarily liquify) if necessary, depending on her needs.
Here's and adaptation example: my mom used to like Mexican food but couldn't hold a taco or cut an enchilada. So we went to Del Taco and ordered a taco salad without the lettuce (too crunchy and laborsome to chew), hold the crispy tortilla shell or chips, double the meat (very finely-ground hamburger), and DD sour cream and guacamole. She loved it, felt as if she had gone out to a restaurant and ate every last drop every single time.
I hope this helps, you have to get very creative.
those weird looking seed butters should read SESAME and SUNFLOWER
make sure her servings are colorful, attractive and EASY to eat
double the meat, DOUBLE the sour cream and guacamole
But again, thanks to all for the responses.
I did suggest to homeopathic remedies in my previous post. They are both sprays, no pills, easy to administer, no side effects.
Is medical marijuana legal in your state? Your mom would not likely be a smoker but you can get it and add it to recipes like soup. Ask the doctor about Marinol. It's a synthetic cannabis and may have your side effects then traditional medicine. It has a generic name, but I don't know if it comes at a price or it still proprietary. Call your mom's insurance formulary.
You are doing a wonderful job and being very creative in your mothers diet. Meat is very difficult to digest and that maybe why she is refusing it. Could you slip some eggs in there or some soft cheese. Stop arguing with her about eating she is 92 and her body knows what it is doing even if you don't agree. She is tired or at least her body is and this is very normal towards the end of life. We tend to try and make the elderly do things that we feel are good for them. Offer but don't insist. Serve tiny portions and present it on pretty china on a fine tray cloth if you have one. If she does not want to leave the couch set her meal on a side table so she can stay where she is comfortable. From a nursing point of view make sure she does not become constipated. A stool softener at night will soften the stool. The antidepressant may help but also will probably make her drowsy. There certainly are prescription appetite stimulants but putting too much food in this old body may not make her feel good. This may be a good time to talk to her about where she is on life's journey. It is a very difficult subject in our society and one we don't usually want to face but it really does help if we know what our loved ones are thinking about. The important things at this point are that she is kept pain free and is secure in her surroundings and it sounds as though you love her dearly and will go to great lengths for her well being