Guide to a Gastroparesis Diet: Foods to Consume and those to Steer Clear Of
Gastroparesis Diet: A Comprehensive Guide for Managing Symptoms
For individuals living with gastroparesis, a condition that affects the movement of food in the stomach, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial in managing symptoms. The diet for gastroparesis is structured into three phases, each designed to cater to different levels of symptom severity.
Phase 1 – Liquids Only (Severe Symptoms):
In the most severe cases, a liquid-only diet is recommended to minimize stomach workload. This includes clear liquids such as water, broth, clear fruit juices without pulp, and clear sodas. As symptoms improve, progress can be made to full liquids like milk, yogurt, protein shakes, and soups. Plain white crackers may be introduced if hunger persists.
Phase 2 – Soft Foods (Moderate Symptoms):
As symptoms improve, a diet of soft, well-cooked, easy-to-digest foods becomes appropriate. This includes white pasta, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, cooked cereals, white bread, and canned low-fiber vegetables and fruits. High-fiber foods should be avoided as they delay stomach emptying and worsen symptoms.
Phase 3 – Gradual Reintroduction of Fiber and Solids (Improved/Milder Symptoms):
In the final phase, fiber and solid foods are gradually reintroduced into the diet, with careful monitoring for symptom flare-ups. If symptoms worsen, reversion to Phase 2 foods may be necessary.
Additional recommendations include eating smaller, more frequent meals to prevent early satiety and nausea, avoiding high-fat foods, tough meats, nuts, and raw vegetables, staying hydrated, and considering light physical activity such as walking to assist digestion.
In summary, the gastroparesis diet progresses from liquids (Phase 1) during severe flare-ups, to soft/low-fiber foods (Phase 2) as symptoms improve, and finally to a cautious reintroduction of fiber and solids (Phase 3) for maintenance. All while emphasizing small frequent meals, low-fat, and low-fiber content to minimize gastric emptying delay and symptom severity.
It's important to note that everyone's experience with gastroparesis is unique, and it's essential to work with a healthcare provider and a dietitian to tailor the diet to individual needs and preferences.
[1] American College of Gastroenterology. (2013). ACG clinical guideline: Diagnosis and treatment of gastroparesis. Gastroenterology, 144(6), 1407-1420. [2] American Gastroenterological Association. (2013). AGA Institute medical position statement on the diagnosis and treatment of gastroparesis. Gastroenterology, 144(6), 1421-1424. [3] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Gastroparesis. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/gastroparesis [4] Mayo Clinic. (2019). Gastroparesis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373524
- Maintaining a balanced diet, as outlined by health-and-wellness experts, is crucial for managing symptoms of gastroparesis, a condition that affects the movement of food in the stomach.
- In the initial phase of the gastroparesis diet, individuals are recommended to consume only liquids to minimize stomach workload, such as water, broth, clear fruit juices, and clear sodas.
- Mental-health and education-and-self-development resources can provide support to individuals living with gastroparesis, helping them adjust to dietary restrictions and manage stress related to the condition.
- Skin-care products that are gentle on sensitive skin, such as those labeled hypoallergenic, may be preferred by individuals with gastroparesis due to their reduced potential for Gas-trointestinal irritation.
- Science continues to evolve our understanding of gastroparesis, with ongoing research in nutrition and fitness-and-exercise potentially leading to new treatment options for this condition.
- Women's health is particularly important when considering the impact of gastroparesis, as the condition can occur during pregnancy and affect the mother's health as well as the fetus' growth and development.
