Gastroparesis Diet Guidelines

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach empties into the small intestine more slowly than it should. Diet and nutrition play a significant role for people who have gastroparesis; in fact, dietary changes are the first step in managing this condition. Madelynn Strong, clinical dietitian at Mayo Clinic, recommends some strategies and foods that may help speed up gastric emptying.

• Eat small, frequent meals, and chew food thoroughly
• Eat well-cooked fruits and vegetables rather than raw fruits and vegetables
• Avoid fibrous fruits and vegetables, such as oranges and broccoli, which may cause bezoars
• Choose mostly low-fat foods, but if you can tolerate them, add small servings of fatty foods to your diet
• Try soups and pureed foods if liquids are easier for you to swallow
• Avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol and smoking

Here are some tips to help you decide what foods to eat and what foods to avoid:

Starches

• White bread and rolls and "light" whole-wheat bread without nuts or seeds
• Plain or egg bagels
• English muffins
• Flour or corn tortillas
• Pancakes
• Puffed wheat and rice cereals
• Cream of wheat or rice
• White crackers
• Potatoes, white or sweet (no skin)
• Baked french fries
• Rice
• Pasta

Protein

• Lean beef, veal and pork (not fried)
• Chicken or turkey (no skin and not fried)
• Crab, lobster, shrimp, clams, scallops, oysters
• Tuna (packed in water)
• Cottage cheese
• Eggs
• Tofu
• Strained meat baby food

Fruits and vegetables

• Baby food vegetables and fruits
• Tomato sauce, paste, puree, juice
• Carrots (cooked)
• Beets (cooked)
• Mushrooms (cooked)
• Vegetable juice
• Vegetable broth
• Fruit juices and drinks
• Applesauce
• Bananas
• Peaches and pears (canned)

Dairy

• Milk, if tolerated
• Yogurt (without fruit pieces)
• Custard and pudding
• Frozen yogurt

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