Gastroparesis is a condition in which the muscles of the stomach fail to move food through the digestive tract. According to the American Diabetes Association, this muscle malfunction is often caused by damage to the nerves of the stomach. In many cases, this nerve damage is caused by sustained high blood sugar levels characteristic of diabetes. The slowed digestion that occurs as part of gastroparesis may, in turn, complicate diabetes. Although there is no cure for gastroparesis, making dietary changes that help control your blood sugar might help. Talk to your doctor about the recommended diet for your gastroparesis.
Fiber Considerations
Although carbohydrates in general are considered easy to digest, those that are high in fiber, such as whole-grain breads or bran cereals, may slow your digestion and exacerbate gastoparesis. Other high-fiber foods, such as broccoli and oranges, should be avoided if you have gastroparesis, the Mayo Clinic notes. Such foods may cause bezoars, which are solid masses in the stomach caused by undigested foods. Bezoars can lead to various complications such as nausea and vomiting.
Fat Restrictions
According to the American Diabetes Association, cutting back on fat will likely be more beneficial to your gastroparesis symptoms than cutting back on carbohydrates. Because fat slows digestion in general, it may worsen your symptoms. The Gastroparesis and Dysmotilities Association reports that liquid fats found in nutrition drinks may be a good way to replenish calories lost as a result of a low-fat diet.
Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar
Because carbohydrates--particularly those that are low in fiber--digest quite easily and are unlikely to slow gastric emptying, a low-carb diet is usually not recommended for gastroparesis. However, simple carbohydrates and sugars may lead to the elevation of blood sugar, which plays a role in gastoparesis. The American Diabetes Association emphasizes the importance of controlling your blood sugar through medications when you have gastroparesis. This may involve taking insulin more frequently, or taking it at different times than usual. Talk to your doctor about any modifications to your diabetes treatment.
Weight Considerations
Another reason a low-carbohydrate diet may not be advisable for gastoparesis is weight loss. According to the Gastroparesis and Dysmotility Association, people with gastroparesis may become underweight due to their bodies' inability to digest and absorb food. If you are underweight, you should avoid low-carbohydrate, low-fat or overly restrictive diets. You may wish to supplement with liquid nutrition in order to ensure that you are getting complete nutrition.
Preparation
Although carbohydrates in themselves do not necessarily aggravate gastroparesis, carbs that are fatty may nevertheless slow gastric emptying and cause symptoms. In addition, the Gastroparesis and Dysmotility Association advises that you avoid frying foods, because strong food odors can prompt nausea. Fried carbohydrates are also more likely to be high in fat, and therefore may also worsen your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the levels of carbohydrate and fat that are appropriate for your height and weight.
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