Gastroparesis is a medical condition where the stomach empties its contents into the small intestine too slowly. This delayed gastric emptying occurs because the stomach muscles and nerves, which normally coordinate to move food through the digestive tract, do not function properly. Managing gastroparesis often involves making significant adjustments to one’s diet to help alleviate symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and early fullness.
Dietary Foundations for Gastroparesis
The primary goal of dietary management for gastroparesis is to reduce symptoms and ensure adequate nutrition. Foods high in fat and fiber are generally problematic because they naturally slow down stomach emptying. Fiber, particularly insoluble fiber, can be difficult for a compromised stomach to process and may even lead to the formation of bezoars—solid masses of undigested food that can cause blockages.
Dietary strategies for gastroparesis focus on consuming foods that are low in fat and fiber. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day is also important to prevent the stomach from becoming overly full and to facilitate smoother digestion.
Foods to Incorporate
When managing gastroparesis, selecting easily digestible foods can significantly improve comfort and nutrient absorption. Lean proteins are generally well-tolerated, including options like eggs, egg whites, skinless poultry such as chicken or turkey, and lean fish like cod or flounder. Ground or pureed lean meats can also be easier to digest.
Refined carbohydrates, which are low in fiber, are often recommended. Examples include white bread, low-fiber cereals (with 2 grams of fiber or less per serving), white rice, pasta made from white flour, and crackers.
Cooked fruits and vegetables, especially those peeled and without seeds, are preferred over raw varieties. Well-cooked vegetables like carrots, beets, potatoes (without skin), and spinach are suitable, as are peeled and canned fruits such as applesauce, peaches, and pears.
Foods to Limit
Certain foods can exacerbate gastroparesis symptoms and should be limited or avoided. High-fat foods, including fried or greasy items, fatty cuts of meat, and high-fat dairy products like whole milk, cream, and rich cheeses, can significantly delay stomach emptying. These foods put an increased burden on the stomach, which is already struggling with motility.
High-fiber foods, especially those rich in insoluble fiber, are also discouraged. This includes raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes such as beans and lentils. These can be hard to break down and may contribute to discomfort or the formation of bezoars.
Carbonated beverages should also be avoided, as the gas they contain can lead to increased bloating and discomfort.
Optimizing Meals and Hydration
Beyond choosing specific foods, how one eats plays a role in managing gastroparesis. Eating small, frequent meals, such as five to six mini-meals or snacks throughout the day, can help prevent the stomach from becoming overloaded and facilitate more efficient emptying. Chewing food thoroughly to a soft, mashed consistency before swallowing is also important, as this reduces the mechanical work required by the stomach.
Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial, as gastroparesis symptoms like nausea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. Sipping liquids steadily throughout the day, rather than gulping large amounts at once, is recommended. Liquids, including water, clear broths, and low-fat nutritional supplements, typically pass through the stomach more easily than solids.
Cooking methods that soften food, such as steaming, baking, or pureeing, can also make meals more digestible.
Collaborating with Your Healthcare Team
While these dietary guidelines provide general recommendations, individual tolerance to foods can vary significantly among people with gastroparesis. Symptoms can fluctuate daily, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it is important to work closely with healthcare professionals.
Consulting with a doctor, gastroenterologist, or a registered dietitian specializing in gastroparesis is recommended. These experts can provide personalized dietary plans, monitor nutritional status, and offer guidance tailored to an individual’s specific condition and symptoms. They can also help manage any underlying conditions, such as diabetes, which can impact gastroparesis.