Eating easily digested, soft foods may assist in averting symptoms of delayed gastric emptying. However, certain foods mainly those packed with fibre and fat can take longer to digest. Gastroparesis is a medical condition, where the stomach empties into the small intestine more slowly than it should. It can be triggered by an illness or long-term disease like diabetes or lupus. Vomiting, bloating, nausea and heartburn are some of the symptoms associated with it. Gastroparesis can also develop after bariatric surgery or any other medical procedure that impedes digestion.
With gastroparesis, the amounts of fats and dietary fibre that a person have can largely impact the severity of its symptoms. Dietary modifications are the fundamental treatment process suggested for people with gastroparesis.
Also Read: Gastroparesis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Foods To Include
If you suffer from gastroparesis, focus on getting the adequate nutrition you need while having small, frequent meals that are low in fat and easily digestible. The primary source of nutrition in the gastroparesis diet regimen includes high-protein foods like eggs and creamy nut butter and easy-to-digest vegetables like cooked zucchini. Bland, soft and easy-to-chew and swallow meals make them easier to digest.
List of recommended foods that may help regulate gastroparesis:
- Eggs, chicken, fish and lean meats
- Creamy peanut butter or smooth nuts
- Bananas, apple sauce, pears, grapefruit, and honeydew
- White bread, low-fibre cereals like instant oats, white rice
- Fruit juice and fruit purees
- Vegetable juice (spinach, kale, carrots) or sweet or white potatoes peeled
- Skim milk, soy, rice or almond milk
Foods To Avoid
- High-Fat Food: Restrict solid foods high in fat like fried, greasy, stuff and sausage.
- High-fibre food: Certain fruits and vegetables that are high in fibre can be difficult to chew and can cause bezoar formation, this happens when fibre clumps together and end up blocking the intestine
- Raw and dried fruits and raw vegetables
- Whole-grain cereal
- Nuts and seeds
- Legumes, lentils, soybeans, or beans
- High-fat dairy and dairy products
- Alcohol and smoking habits may slow stomach emptying
- Carbonated drinks
- Drinking plenty of fluids at once can make you feel full, so try to have small sips
Dietary Guidelines
The key goal is to lessen symptoms while ensuring you get adequate nutrition. Following these instructions will help patients to manage gastroparesis well.
Eat 4-6 times a day, by spacing your meals with limited portions. This helps the stomach empty food faster and eases bloating and other issues.
Start your meal with wholesome food instead of filling it up with high calories like desserts or snacks.
Liquids or semi-solids leave the stomach faster than solids. Ideally toss food in a blender or food processor with water, juice, milk or broth. be Meat can also be blended. Go for low-fibre and low-fat food, as they can slow gastric emptying.
The stomach can tolerate fats in liquid form, so this helps to meet calorie needs.
Chew food thoroughly, as solid food is harder for the intestine to process. The foods should be in the form of soft and mashed texture.
Good hydration is essential to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. So, drink enough water and other fluids every day.
Start your day with solids and have more liquid meals later in the day. However, if your symptoms are severe, then your doctor may suggest a full-liquid diet.
Avoid lying down or slouching while eating. Try to sit upright for at least 3 hours after eating, this can ease pressure on the stomach.
Stay active and take a walk after the meals, as this will help to better symptoms.
Maintain a food journal, write down what you eat and how you feel after. This can help you figure out, which foods triggered symptoms.
Gastroparesis and Diabetes
Poor blood sugar control can slow gastric emptying time. This is because high blood glucose levels can impede nerves, including those in your intestinal tract. Consult your physician about ways to control your blood sugar spikes.
Conclusion:
Gastroparesis is typically a chronic condition, but it can be temporary in a few cases. It can be a symptom of other conditions or can be idiopathic (unknown cause). Eating small, frequent meals at regular intervals and restricting fibre and fat intake can help immensely stimulate digestion. It is essential to ensure that the system is getting adequate vitamins and minerals needed for healthy functioning as you recuperate from this condition. Always consult your dietitian to get a tailored meal regimen based on your nutritional needs while managing gastroparesis.
