Brenda Khan
If you have gastroparesis, dietary changes may help ease your symptoms. While there is no official gastroparesis diet, your doctor may refer you to a registered dietitian to help you plan meals that are easy to digest and provide the right amount of nutrients, calories, and liquids. Liquids leave the stomach faster than solids, so you may be advised to start with solid foods in the morning and transition to more liquid meals later in the day. Blending your meals can also help. Additionally, it is recommended to eat small meals more frequently, stay hydrated, and limit high-fat and high-fiber foods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of meals | 4-6 small meals a day |
| Meal timing | Space meals out |
| Meal size | 1 to 1½ cups of food |
| Meal type | Liquids, soft and well-cooked foods |
| Food type | Lean protein, refined carbohydrates, low-fat meat, egg, and dairy products |
| Food to avoid | High-fibre foods, red meat, carbonated beverages, alcohol, and high-calorie foods |
| Food to prioritize | Nutrient-dense and easily digestible items |
| Food examples | Poultry, peanut butter, white bread, low-fiber cereal, white rice, low-fat crackers, vegetable juice, fruit juice, skin-free canned fruits |
| Additional tips | Blend meals with water, juice, milk, or broth; chew food well; stay hydrated |
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What You'll Learn
Eat small meals often
Eating small meals frequently is a recommended dietary change for people with gastroparesis. This is because eating smaller meals 4 to 6 times a day can help your stomach digest food more effectively and alleviate bloating. It may also allow the stomach to empty more quickly. Eating small meals frequently is also important to ensure you are getting the nutrition you need while managing your symptoms.
The first phase of a gastroparesis diet is a strict liquid-only diet, consisting of nutrient-rich fluids that provide calories while putting minimal strain on the digestive system. You can start adding soft and easy-to-digest foods when tolerating clear liquids well. These foods are generally low in fat and can be dissolved easily in the mouth without much chewing. Good options include skim-milk products like yoghurt, cheese, pudding, and custard, fat-free broth with noodles, Cream of Wheat, vegetable juice, fruit juice, skin-free canned fruits, creamy peanut butter, and poultry like ground turkey and chicken.
In the second phase, you can work your way up to soups with crackers and noodles, as well as cheese and creamy peanut butter. You can also try eating more solid foods in the morning and having more liquid meals later in the day.
The third phase is a long-term diet for gastroparesis, incorporating additional fat and fibrous foods. Fibrous foods should be cooked well so they are tender and easy to digest. Some foods to try in this phase include white bread, low-fiber cereal, Cream of Wheat, white rice, low-fat and low-fiber crackers, rice cakes, and seedless breads, rolls, and crackers.
It is important to note that everyone is different, and the phasing of the diet should be prescribed and monitored by a physician. Consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to help develop a dietary plan that works for you.
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Liquids over solids
Liquids are generally easier to digest than solids, which is why liquid diets are often recommended for people with gastroparesis. This condition slows down the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, leading to symptoms like nausea, bloating, and feeling full after just a few bites. Liquids can help manage these symptoms and provide adequate nutrition without putting too much strain on the digestive system.
The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders recommends a liquid diet for gastroparesis patients to promote gastric emptying and nutrient absorption. Liquids leave the stomach faster than solids, which is crucial for people with gastroparesis. A study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine found that 32% of patients with normal solid emptying had delayed liquid emptying, highlighting the importance of including liquids in the diet.
A liquid diet for gastroparesis should be nutrient-rich to ensure adequate calorie intake and prevent nutritional deficiencies. Broths, bouillon soups, blended vegetable juice, fruit juice, and sports drinks are good options. However, it is important to be mindful of large amounts of fluids, as they can make you feel full. Taking small sips while eating is recommended.
As symptoms improve, soft and easily digestible foods can be introduced gradually. These include skim-milk products like yogurt, cheese, pudding, and custard; fat-free broth with noodles; Cream of Wheat®; skin-free canned fruits; and creamy peanut butter. Poultry, such as ground turkey and chicken, is also a good option. These foods are generally low in fat and soft, requiring minimal chewing.
For those with gastroparesis, it is essential to work with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to develop a personalised dietary plan. Dietary changes are usually the first method of treatment, and each patient's needs may vary.
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Limit high-fat foods
Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach empties into the small intestine more slowly than usual. This can put you at risk of weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. A gastroparesis diet usually involves eating easily digestible foods and limiting high-fat foods.
High-fat foods typically take more time to digest, which can delay gastric emptying. Foods high in fat include non-lean meats, such as sausages and hot dogs, and anything fried or greasy. Full-fat dairy products, such as butter, sauces, and creamy condiments, should also be avoided. Instead, opt for low-fat or fat-free alternatives.
When choosing protein sources, opt for lean proteins that are low in fat. Good choices include egg whites, reduced-fat creamy peanut butter, skinless poultry, lean fish, and lean meats. If you eat beans, choose low-fat options such as refried beans, cooked lentils, or split peas. Avoid highly processed proteins, fatty proteins, seeds, nuts, and most whole beans.
In the initial phases of a gastroparesis diet, it is important to stick to a liquid diet. Liquids leave your stomach faster than solids. You can start with nutrient-rich broths or bouillon soups, as well as blended vegetable juice. As you progress, you can introduce soft and easy-to-digest foods, such as skim-milk products, fat-free broth with noodles, and creamy peanut butter.
It is important to note that everyone is different, and you should consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine the best dietary plan for your specific needs. They can help you navigate the various phases of a gastroparesis diet and ensure you are getting adequate nutrition.
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Add herbs
People with gastroparesis should focus on eating small, frequent meals that are low in fat and easy to digest. Eating smaller meals 4-6 times a day can help the stomach to digest food more effectively. Liquids may be better tolerated than solids, and soft, well-cooked foods can help promote gastric emptying and nutrient absorption.
Herbs can be beneficial for people with gastroparesis. Before adding herbs to your diet, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Peppermint and caraway oil may reduce spasms in the GI tract, helping with pain and distention. Peppermint oil is also one of the ingredients in the herbal formula Iberogast, which may support stomach muscle function. Fennel may relax intestinal muscles and reduce gas. Ginger may relieve nausea and speed up gastric emptying. Kiwifruit contains a compound called actinidin, which may improve gastric emptying, GI motility, constipation, and enhance digestion of protein. Amla fruit may help promote gastric emptying, strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, and relieve constipation. Artichoke leaf extract may also promote gastric emptying.
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Consult a dietitian
Consulting a dietitian is an important step in managing gastroparesis. Gastroparesis can make it difficult to get the nutrition you need, and a registered dietitian can help you plan meals that are both nutritious and easy to digest. They can also advise you on how to get enough calories and liquids.
A dietitian can recommend a gastroparesis diet that typically involves eating easily digestible foods, such as lean protein, refined carbohydrates, and soft, cooked fruits and vegetables. They may suggest specific foods such as poultry, peanut butter, and bananas, while advising you to avoid hard-to-digest items like nuts, seeds, and high-fibre vegetables. Small, frequent meals are often recommended to help manage symptoms.
A dietitian can guide you through the different phases of a gastroparesis diet. For example, the initial phase may involve a liquid-only diet to reduce strain on the digestive system. The next phase may introduce soft, easy-to-chew starches and proteins, with the final phase incorporating more fat and fibre. Throughout these phases, a dietitian can help you monitor your tolerance and adjust your diet accordingly.
Additionally, a dietitian can provide advice on rehydration strategies, as dehydration can worsen nausea symptoms. They can recommend oral rehydration solutions or liquid nutritional supplements to ensure adequate fluid and calorie intake.
It is important to remember that each patient's experience with gastroparesis is unique, and a dietitian can individualise your diet plan based on your specific needs and symptoms. They can work closely with your healthcare team to ensure you receive the best possible care.
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Frequently asked questions
Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the normal movement of muscles in the stomach, preventing it from emptying properly.
There is no official diet for gastroparesis, but it is recommended to eat small meals frequently throughout the day. Liquids are easier to digest than solids, so it is better to consume nutrient-rich liquids such as broths and soups. It is also beneficial to eat well-cooked solid foods that have been processed into very small pieces or a paste in a blender.
High-fat foods such as non-lean meats, fried foods, and greasy foods should be avoided as they prevent the stomach from emptying. High-fibre foods should also be limited.
It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. Adding herbs and supplements such as peppermint, caraway oil, fennel, ginger, and kiwi may help reduce pain and improve digestion.
