Gastroparesis, a digestive disorder, causes delayed stomach emptying and requires dietary adjustments. Eating smaller, low-fat meals and avoiding high-fiber, stringy, and alcoholic foods can help manage the condition. Incorporating food and drinks slowly and keeping a food journal can also be beneficial.
Gastroparesis, a digestive disorder, is essentially having a paralyzed stomach, whereby the stomach delays emptying. The stomach does not contract normally and digestion is difficult. Due to this condition, there must be a diet adjustment. From eating smaller meals to skipping high-fat foods, changes can make a big difference and can help make it easier to manage the condition. Skipping certain versions of food or drink—for example, avoiding alcohol and choosing water—can allow people to enjoy enjoyable meals without feeling deprived.
When first diagnosed it is vital to start with very light food, for example sticking to light soup, crackers and water. With the gastroparesis diet, it is important to incorporate food and other drinks slowly to gauge how the stomach reacts. Talking with your doctor can help shape a diet according to each person’s specific needs.
Due to the digestion problem, it may be advantageous to eat smaller, more frequent meals as part of the gastroparesis diet. People with the disorder tend to feel fuller more quickly, so eating something small can allow a person to feel comfortable rather than overwhelmed. Smaller meals generally digest more quickly, making digestion easier and more comfortable. It is better to drink water frequently, especially while eating.
When it comes to drinks on the gastroparesis diet, as with food, the lighter the weight, the better. Alcoholic beverages can upset the stomach, so it’s best to avoid them. Depending on the individual, caffeine may or may not cause an upset stomach. It’s also better to skip the whole milk in favor of the low-fat versions.
Since fiber can be hard to digest, it’s best to avoid it altogether. High fiber foods like oranges, broccoli and oat bran should be omitted as part of the gastroparesis diet. Opt for fruit and vegetable juices, applesauce, skinless vegetables, and other low-fiber versions.
As delicious as dipping into a cheesecake, puff pastry, or rich icing cake, these are best avoided. For the gastroparesis diet, choose substitutes such as custard or pudding. There are also plenty of low-fat yogurt options that taste just like their solid, high-fat counterparts, like cherry cheesecake.
Stringy meats, like steak, should be skipped in favor of other options, like lean ground beef. Fish and poultry in moderation are also great options. Egg noodles are also better to eat than regular pasta.
A gastroparesis diet may seem hard to achieve, but after a while it can feel like more of a habit than a struggle. Keeping a food journal can also help keep track of which foods settle well and which don’t. Keeping in touch with the doctor can allow for adjustments and medications if necessary.
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