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Gastroparesis Diet Guidelines

Nov 29, 2018 | Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Comments (15)

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

Meet other people talking about gastroparesis on Mayo Clinic Connect. Here are some discussions you might like to view–join the conversation, share experiences, ask questions, and discover your support network...

 

 

4 Reactions

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shawnams | @shawnams | Aug 26, 2021

Can fruit smoothies be eaten if blended really well? And sometimes add a kale leaf or a bit of spinach. How about fat free refried beans? Taco sauce?

REPLY
1 reply
kenc | @kenc | Aug 26, 2021

I have no problem w/ the smoothies and even leafy vegs, but I drink a lot of liquid. Suggest try the smoothies first without the garnishment.

REPLY
brendaharvey | @brendaharvey | Jul 12, 2022

I was unable to get in contact with the person given as a contact for information on G POEM endoscopy procedure for Gastroparesis. I could not even get to a connection to leave a message concerning the G POEM clinical trials. I am 3 years into this and really need help!

REPLY
grace3 | @grace3 | Jan 22, 2023

I have been battling digestive motility issues for 6 years. Without fiber, I end up with horrible constipation. Laxatives help to some degree but because I also have an abnormal anal rectal motility disorder, I end up having to wear protective underwear. Everyone is different and my gastric motility study came back with >52%. Individuals have a wide range of motility dysfunction. If mine were 85% vs 10% our abilities to digest food would swing just as widely. I have achalasia and dysphagia as well.
Drinking anything while eating fills the stomach and results in instant regurgitation. I have found waiting two hours before consuming liquid works much better. Gastroparesis affects our ability to socialize, and enjoy holidays, and requires unceasing daily vigilance. Giving up salads, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and other heart-healthy foods is disabling and possibly injurious to our overall health and well-being. On the positive side, baby food in the squeeze packets are good when going out.

REPLY
1 reply
cherip | @cherip | Feb 14, 2023
In reply to @shawnams "Can fruit smoothies be eaten if blended really well? And sometimes add a kale leaf or..." + (show)
@shawnams

Can fruit smoothies be eaten if blended really well? And sometimes add a kale leaf or a bit of spinach. How about fat free refried beans? Taco sauce?

Jump to this post

No beans.

REPLY
brendaharvey | @brendaharvey | Feb 15, 2023
In reply to @grace3 "I have been battling digestive motility issues for 6 years. Without fiber, I end up with..." + (show)
@grace3

I have been battling digestive motility issues for 6 years. Without fiber, I end up with horrible constipation. Laxatives help to some degree but because I also have an abnormal anal rectal motility disorder, I end up having to wear protective underwear. Everyone is different and my gastric motility study came back with >52%. Individuals have a wide range of motility dysfunction. If mine were 85% vs 10% our abilities to digest food would swing just as widely. I have achalasia and dysphagia as well.
Drinking anything while eating fills the stomach and results in instant regurgitation. I have found waiting two hours before consuming liquid works much better. Gastroparesis affects our ability to socialize, and enjoy holidays, and requires unceasing daily vigilance. Giving up salads, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and other heart-healthy foods is disabling and possibly injurious to our overall health and well-being. On the positive side, baby food in the squeeze packets are good when going out.

Jump to this post

I had the Pyloroplasty on Nov 1. Seems to have cured my Gastroparesis.

REPLY
kaylan1 | @kaylan1 | May 23, 2023

Good Morning,

I am curious as an RD myself, where is the starting point for assessment.
What are protein and caloric goals?
All the research i am seeing states to aim for 30-50g of fat per day, however protein and carb needs are not mentioned as much. May you please provide guidance. Thank you

Kaylan

REPLY
anagomez | @anagomez | Jul 18, 2023

Can I eat watermelon and do I have to cook bananas to?thank you

REPLY
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