Gastroparesis Diet – Questions, Suggestions, Tips
I was recently diagnosed with Gastroparesis. Can anyone enlighten me about diet?
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TechMom
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Hell nonnie1,
Slow stomach emptying and slow bowels are very frustrating and tend to dominate our every day decisions, as you clearly know. My one suggestion for you, as I continue to play the daily balancing game, is a gentle but brisk walk daily for about 20 minutes. Schedule it so you have already consumed a good portion of your daily food, so the gentle movement of your body can have an opportunity to mobilize the stomach and the bowels indirectly. Another technique I use, is I lay flat on my back stretched out and gently massage the belly area. I can pretty much feel where the stool gets hung up, as it masses in a firm area. The massage is very gentle and sometimes just a little jiggle will produce that gurgle I am looking for. Continual liquids is imperative. A bottle of water with a bit of lemon is nice to sip on so I can get a continual stimulation for my gastric juices, which facilitates both the stomach juices and on to the bowel motility. Obstructions are not fun and I have had my fill. When An obstruction is threatening, I keep bone broth in my cupboard so I can switch to total liquids until I get the gurgling I am looking for. The liquids keep the gastric juices going. If you totally obstruct though, this won't work and you will need intervention. Good luck with this, and keep those steady liquids going. While we don't have control over everything, we do have control over behavioral alterations in our day to day. That's the best we can do.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve been able to share. I used to be a vegan, but after Scleroderma blew out my GI tract, I’m now only eating fish, eggs and dairy. (Same restrictions – less than 10g fiber per day, nothing raw, no gluten, about 1500 calories per day) I’ve been trying to figure out how to bring vegetables back into my diet and will definitely try your suggestions. I’ve always known that exercise will help, but haven’t realized how important it is, so I now will make it mandatory! Thank you so much for your help. Please pass along anything else you think of, I am most appreciative.
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upartist
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@I have been diagnosed with slow gastric emptyiing at a moderate level.The diet is extremely restrictive.I also have had constipation issues for years.This has been worse since having a small bowel obstruction 18 months ago.I have added fluids but am not supposed to eat more than 10 grams of fiber a day and no fresh fruits or vegetables, beans and onlyfew cooked vegetables are allowed.Also no fiber supplements.
Good morning techmom. I was wondering how you were doing. I hope you are able to achieve a better quality of life by focusing on some new things to "try" while staying within the parameters of your dietary restrictions and safe movement. Have you looked at adding Tai Chi to your daily routine? It helps the individual move through patterns of weight shifting, head positions, and gentle strengthening for stability. It also facilitates "Mindfullness", which decreases stress levels in our bodies. Lower stress levels help bowel motility, then on to better absorption of those nutrients we are trying to acquire. It also helps with pain control and flexibility of the joints in a gentle way. I hope you are feeling well today!
Respectfully,
UPArtist
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TechMom
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Good morning techmom. I was wondering how you were doing. I hope you are able to achieve a better quality of life by focusing on some new things to "try" while staying within the parameters of your dietary restrictions and safe movement. Have you looked at adding Tai Chi to your daily routine? It helps the individual move through patterns of weight shifting, head positions, and gentle strengthening for stability. It also facilitates "Mindfullness", which decreases stress levels in our bodies. Lower stress levels help bowel motility, then on to better absorption of those nutrients we are trying to acquire. It also helps with pain control and flexibility of the joints in a gentle way. I hope you are feeling well today!
Respectfully,
UPArtist
Thanks for following up with me. My bloating is much, much better. I’ve added a regular walk every day and am tweaking my diet, but have run into a problem with my meds that has thrown a monkey wrench into the mix. I ran out of Xifaxin and I think it’s the cause of a complete meltdown with my bowel movements. However, once I get my prescription refilled I will continue with your tips. I did try Tai Chi, but I am unfortunately too uncoordinated! But will try to find something along those lines that I can handle. I appreciate your help.
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Bonnie
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Good morning techmom. I was wondering how you were doing. I hope you are able to achieve a better quality of life by focusing on some new things to "try" while staying within the parameters of your dietary restrictions and safe movement. Have you looked at adding Tai Chi to your daily routine? It helps the individual move through patterns of weight shifting, head positions, and gentle strengthening for stability. It also facilitates "Mindfullness", which decreases stress levels in our bodies. Lower stress levels help bowel motility, then on to better absorption of those nutrients we are trying to acquire. It also helps with pain control and flexibility of the joints in a gentle way. I hope you are feeling well today!
Respectfully,
UPArtist
Hi tech mom:
I too tried tai chi with poor success; coordination and difficulty with the movement in relationship to a healing back injury was my downfall. I do my best in swimming regularly and that is very helpful. Qigong has ben recommended and there are underwater exercises that are possible and powerful. Qigong (and I am not an expert) has multiple categories and there are some that are much less finite in movement yet are powerful work for the mind / body.
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I’m confused about the Gastroparesis diet I was given when diagnosed last fall because a bezoar was found in my stomach. The diet is very similar to the one that Mayo has posted under Gastroparesis. My first question is about vegetables. The diet says no raw vegetables (of course) but well cooked vegetables are okay.
But the next entry is to avoid fibrous vegetable such as broccoli.
Does this mean that I can’t eat broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnip greens, spinach, green beans, etc. even if I cook them to death?
I was diagnosed about 5 years ago with gastroparesis and I eat cooked vegetables and smoothies with fruit. At least I can eat cooked vegetables.
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I’m confused about the Gastroparesis diet I was given when diagnosed last fall because a bezoar was found in my stomach. The diet is very similar to the one that Mayo has posted under Gastroparesis. My first question is about vegetables. The diet says no raw vegetables (of course) but well cooked vegetables are okay.
But the next entry is to avoid fibrous vegetable such as broccoli.
Does this mean that I can’t eat broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnip greens, spinach, green beans, etc. even if I cook them to death?
So @doodle75bug you can eat cooked broccoli an Brussels sprouts and all those other veggies I mentioned?
Liked by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor
I’m confused about the Gastroparesis diet I was given when diagnosed last fall because a bezoar was found in my stomach. The diet is very similar to the one that Mayo has posted under Gastroparesis. My first question is about vegetables. The diet says no raw vegetables (of course) but well cooked vegetables are okay.
But the next entry is to avoid fibrous vegetable such as broccoli.
Does this mean that I can’t eat broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnip greens, spinach, green beans, etc. even if I cook them to death?
I can eat broccoli, green beans, spinach and cabbage. I have not tried the other kind of vegetables.
Liked by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor, pdilly
Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator
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I’m confused about the Gastroparesis diet I was given when diagnosed last fall because a bezoar was found in my stomach. The diet is very similar to the one that Mayo has posted under Gastroparesis. My first question is about vegetables. The diet says no raw vegetables (of course) but well cooked vegetables are okay.
But the next entry is to avoid fibrous vegetable such as broccoli.
Does this mean that I can’t eat broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnip greens, spinach, green beans, etc. even if I cook them to death?
Hi @pdilly and @doodle75bug,
I'm tagging @dorifg @kbelter @darlia @nanny23 @katmandoo @jlfisher56 @delicht @danybegood1 @robatk17 @citygirlannie as they've mentioned gastroparesis on Connect and may have some moreideas about diets and foods that help.
Liked by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor, pdilly
coquifoife
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I’m confused about the Gastroparesis diet I was given when diagnosed last fall because a bezoar was found in my stomach. The diet is very similar to the one that Mayo has posted under Gastroparesis. My first question is about vegetables. The diet says no raw vegetables (of course) but well cooked vegetables are okay.
But the next entry is to avoid fibrous vegetable such as broccoli.
Does this mean that I can’t eat broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnip greens, spinach, green beans, etc. even if I cook them to death?
I’ve had gastroparesis for many years and vomit almost daily. Fat and red meat seem to make it worse. Small meals help. I’m having a new procedure next month-G-POEM. Google it. Not many hospitals are doing it yet. Best of luck!
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suemer
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Before pregnancy i was diagnosed with mild gastoperises. For a few months the vomiting and discomfort wouldn’t go away. Then, it all got back to normal. But I lost a lot of weight and didn’t recover.
A year later I was pregnant. Through everything was bc of the morning sickness, but ended up with a Nj tube and tpn.
After pregnancy the vomiting continue I was in very bad shaped. After a few studies with one of these hospital in the state the only thing they found wrong with me was how fast my stomach was emptying to the small bowel.
They called them dumping syndrome. But I don’t have any symptoms of dumping syndrome. When it comes to diet I eat what I person with gastroperises eats. If I tried to follow a diet of a oedoja that has dumping syndrome I can really sick.
Meeting with my IG to discuss about coming to Mayo Clinic for a second opinion.
I’m desperate
I was diagnosed with gastroparesis by doing a stomach emptying testing. I am going on 2 years with it and luckily no vomiting. My doctor wanted me to take gabepetin but I said no because of the side effects. She then recommended Iberogast. It is for stomach motility issues and so far it works. All natural. I buy it at a nutrition store like Vitamin Shop or GNC but this store is a locally owned one. You can get it on Amazon. I just add the drops to any liquid I drink with a meal. But I also don't overeat. I don't eat anything I shouldn't because I don't want besoars. And I drink Equate Plus with 13 grams of protein and vitamins and minerals. You can buy it at Walmart. It is the same as Ensure but cheaper and was recommended by a dietician. My over the counter vitamins are mostly gel caps to make it easier for my stomach to digest. I also get coughing spells after I eat so i chew a stick of sugar-less gum and it works! I hardly ever eat beef unless it ground beef. I cut most of the saturated fat out of my diet. And I started exercising. I have also found out that if you exercise or just walk for 10 minutes after you eat, it helps your stomach to process the food.
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suemer
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Hi @pdilly and @doodle75bug,
I'm tagging @dorifg @kbelter @darlia @nanny23 @katmandoo @jlfisher56 @delicht @danybegood1 @robatk17 @citygirlannie as they've mentioned gastroparesis on Connect and may have some moreideas about diets and foods that help.
I was diagnosed with gastroparesis by doing a stomach emptying testing. I am going on 2 years with it and luckily no vomiting. My doctor wanted me to take gabepetin but I said no because of the side effects. She then recommended Iberogast. It is for stomach motility issues and so far it works. All natural. I buy it at a nutrition store like Vitamin Shop or GNC but this store is a locally owned one. You can get it on Amazon. I just add the drops to any liquid I drink with a meal. But I also don't overeat. I don't eat anything I shouldn't because I don't want besoars. And I drink Equate Plus with 13 grams of protein and vitamins and minerals. You can buy it at Walmart. It is the same as Ensure but cheaper and was recommended by a dietician. My over the counter vitamins are mostly gel caps to make it easier for my stomach to digest. I also get coughing spells after I eat so i chew a stick of sugar-less gum and it works! I hardly ever eat beef unless it ground beef. I cut most of the saturated fat out of my diet. And I started exercising. I have also found out that if you exercise or just walk for 10 minutes after you eat, it helps your stomach to process the food.
Liked by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor, pdilly
Ingegerd Enscoe, Volunteer Mentor
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Hi @pdilly and @doodle75bug,
I'm tagging @dorifg @kbelter @darlia @nanny23 @katmandoo @jlfisher56 @delicht @danybegood1 @robatk17 @citygirlannie as they've mentioned gastroparesis on Connect and may have some moreideas about diets and foods that help.
@suemer I also take Iberogast- especially with red meats. Makes a big difference. Getting mine through Amazon.
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pdilly
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I’m confused about the Gastroparesis diet I was given when diagnosed last fall because a bezoar was found in my stomach. The diet is very similar to the one that Mayo has posted under Gastroparesis. My first question is about vegetables. The diet says no raw vegetables (of course) but well cooked vegetables are okay.
But the next entry is to avoid fibrous vegetable such as broccoli.
Does this mean that I can’t eat broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnip greens, spinach, green beans, etc. even if I cook them to death?
Thanks for the replies @doodle75bug and
@@kanaazpereira and @suemer and @astaingegerdm and @coquifoife !!
I eat small amounts of food all day long like mentioned.
I don’t take any medication for this.
My diagnosis is moderate Gastroparesis ( likely from Nissan Fundoplication for a huge hernia)
I don’t have vomiting very often. I’m so sorry for those of you who do.
I would love to hear more about what y’all eat!!!!!
I have type2 diabetes controlled by diet. I went from eating nuts and berries and celery and whole-wheat bread and beans and every kind of green vegetable imaginable to eating saltine crackers, canned peaches, cottage cheese, white bread, white rice, and mashed potatoes!
So from very high fiber very low carb to very low fiber very high carb. Amazingly my T2 is still under control. Probably because I eat so little.
I’m very excited to cook the heck out of some fresh broccoli!
Let me know what else you think is ok!
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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor
@hopeful33250
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I’m confused about the Gastroparesis diet I was given when diagnosed last fall because a bezoar was found in my stomach. The diet is very similar to the one that Mayo has posted under Gastroparesis. My first question is about vegetables. The diet says no raw vegetables (of course) but well cooked vegetables are okay.
But the next entry is to avoid fibrous vegetable such as broccoli.
Does this mean that I can’t eat broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnip greens, spinach, green beans, etc. even if I cook them to death?
To all of those who would like a great way to cook your favorite veggies here is a method that I use for roasting veggies: I put my favorite veggies in the oven, sprinkle with olive oil and add some seasoning like garlic powder, onion powder, Mrs. Dash, etc. and then roast them at about 425 for 20 minutes or until they are tender. I tend to combine some of my favorite veggies like asparagus, onions, carrots, pieces of sweet potatoes, etc.
I find that roasting makes them more flavorful than steaming. If you give it a try, will you let me know what you think of this method? Also, I'd be interested in hearing about some of your favorite combinations.
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@upartist
Hi Tech Mom. I can post a few more strategies, but it is important to know that I am not a Nutritionist. I am just "into" nutrition. With that said, another strategy I use to get those nutrients ingested effectively, is building smoothies. It is a liquid route to get the raw veggies, proteins, and fresh fruits. You can do it through blended soups as well. The liquid and puréed forms of the foods pass through my stomach with less difficulty. Then they are able to be digested in the bowel more effectively. The smoothies (hot and cold) can be made to taste quite nice. I use them regularly when coming off an obstruction (especially the hot form) in order to achieve the nutrition I need when I am limited to only "cooked and soft". I use the cold form as a supplement to sneak in the nutrients in general. I also take a b-complex vitamin in powder capsules ( easier to move through the stomach). All my vitamins are chosen with the slow stomach in mind. I cannot afford to have those unpleasant things come back up into my esaphagus and mouth. Therefore I choose as many liquid versions, and buffered versions as possible. There is a lot going on in various research areas on FODMAP and bowel flora. It's good stuff and relevant to the variants of so many people's issues. The world of gastroenterology is exploding with new information. I hope this helps. We must try to live mindfully amid all the frustrations and explorations.
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