Gastroparesis Diet

About Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a disorder in which the stomach empties into the small intestines at a slow or delayed rate. There are many causes of Gastroparesis which include Diabetes mellitus, medication-induced, idiopathic, post-viral syndrome, or post-surgical.

 

Symptoms of gastroparesis include nausea, vomiting, bloating, belching, abdominal pain, weight loss, regurgitation, and early satiety (feeling full quickly when eating). Symptoms range from mild to severe.

 

Lifestyle and dietary modifications are recommended to reduce Gastroparesis symptoms

 

Gastroparesis Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Avoid alcohol and smoking.
  • There are many medications that can slow emptying time. Ask your healthcare provider if there are any medications you are currently taking that may need to be stopped or changed.
  • If you have diabetes, it is important to keep your blood glucose under control.

 

Gastroparesis Diet Recommendations

  • Eat 4-6 small meals per day. Large meals cause symptoms to be worse.
  • Choose foods that are low-fiber and low-fat. High-fiber and high-fat foods take longer for your stomach to empty. High-fat liquids however maybe tolerated. Examples include nutritional supplements such as Boost or Ensure.
  • Chew all foods well and drink fluids throughout meals.
  • Minimize use of straws and drinking carbonated beverages which may cause more bloating or belching.
  • Sit upright while eating and do not lay down for at least 30 minutes after meals. Walking after meals may help to accelerate stomach emptying time.
  • If unable to tolerate solid foods, then try a liquid diet or pureed foods.
  • Consider asking for referral to a Registered Dietitian

 

Gatroparesis Diet Guidelines for Different Food Groups

 

FRUITS

Fruits to Eat

  • Fruits without seeds or skin
  • Bananas
  • Cantaloupe
  • Melons
  • Applesauce
  • Canned fruit without skin (pears, peaches)
  • Cooked fruit (apples and pears)

Fruits to Avoid

  • Fruits with seeds or skin
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Grapes
  • Apples
  • Raspberries
  • Pineapple
  • Oranges
  • Dried fruit (including raisins)

VEGETABLES

Vegetables to Eat

  • Cooked vegetables
  • Carrots
  • Pureed or strained vegatables
  • Tomato juice and tomato sauce
  • Mushrooms

Fruits to Avoid

  • Raw vegatables
  • Spinach
  • Cabbage
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Beans
  • Lettuce
  • Corn

Grains, starches, cereals

Grains to Eat

  • White or low-fat breads/bagels/buns
  • English muffins (made with white flour)
  • Pita bread (made with white flour
  • White rice
  • Pasta (made with white flour)
  • Low-fat crackers (made from white flour)
  • Tortillas (corn or flour)
  • Cheerios
  • Rice Krispies
  • Sweet potatoes (no skin)
  • Potatos (no skin)

Grains to Avoid

  • Whole grain breads
  • Multigrain breads
  • Whole wheat breads
  • Multigrain crackers/muffins
  • Whole weat crackers/muffins
  • Brown rice
  • Shredded wheat
  • Granola
  • Bran
  • Whole grain cereals
  • Potato skins

Protein, Meats, Fish

Proteins to Eat

  • Lean fish (baked or grilled)
  • Shellfish
  • Lean chicken (baked or grilled)
  • Lean veal (baked or grilled)
  • Lean pork (baked or grilled)
  • Eggs (not fried) 
  • Refried beans
  • Fat-free or reduced-fat peanut butter

Proteins to Avoid

  • Fried meats
  • Skin-on meats
  • Processed/deli meats like
    • Pepperoni
    • Hot dogs
    • Bologna
    • Cured bacon
    • Beef jerky
    • Salami

Dairy

Dairy to Eat

  • Fat-free or low-fat/reduced-fat dairy products like
    • Milk
    • Yogurt
    • Pudding
    • Cottage cheese
    • Cheeses
    • Sour cream

Dairy to Avoid

  • 2% or whole dairy products like
    • Milk
    • Cheese
    • Cottage cheese
    • Sour cream
  • Half and half
  • Whipping cream

Other Foods to Eat

  • Low-fat or fat-free condiments
  • Gravies
  • Gelatin
  • Jellies
  • Broth

PATIENT FORMS

Patient Education

OFFICE HOURS

Diet Information

Gastroparesis Diet

GERD Diet

Gluten-Free Diet

Lactose-Free Diet

Low FODMAP Diet