Gastroparesis is a condition that causes slow emptying of food from the stomach; it may be the result of diabetes, surgical procedures to the stomach and esophagus, infection, cancer or radiation. This digestive disorder leads to bloating, nausea and pain as well as problems with digestion. One complication is the formation of a clump of undigested food that blocks the stomach, called a bezoar. People with gastroparesis may not obtain enough calories because of the slow emptying and lack of digestion. Diet is an important part of management of this disorder. If you have gastroparesis, you should avoid foods that slow down digestion while making sure that you obtain enough calories and nutrients.
Avoid Difficult-to-Chew Foods
The chewing of food is part of the digestive process. If foods are not chewed well or are difficult to chew, they will be more difficult to digest in the stomach if you have gastroparesis. Solid food pieces also do not empty from the stomach very well, which worsens the basic motility problem in gastroparesis. Foods like broccoli, popcorn, nuts and seeds should be limited or avoided because they tend to be difficult to chew. Other solid foods like meats may be better tolerated if they are ground up into a puree.
Limit High-Fat Foods
Fat slows down the digestion in the stomach, which is a problem if you have gastroparesis. Eating foods with less fat content will keep the foods from remaining in the stomach too long. Full-fat milk, cheese and yogurt, creamy soup, fried food, fatty meat and avocado are some of the higher-fat foods that you should avoid if you have gastroparesis. Some people may be able to tolerate milkshakes; they may be used to supplement calorie intake.
Limit High-Fiber Foods
Fiber is another substance that delays the movement of food through the stomach. Fiber strands may cause the stomach blockage called a bezoar. Bezoars may require endoscopic or surgical intervention to remove. Raw and dried fruits and canned fruits with skins should be avoided, along with raw vegetables, cooked skinned vegetables, beans and oatmeal. You should not take fiber supplements either, because they can slow down stomach motility as well.
Liquid Supplements
Since you may find that your diet is limited if you have gastroparesis, you often will have to supplement your dietary intake with liquid supplements to obtain calories and nutrients. Commercially available beverages include Ensure, Boost and Glucerna as well as instant breakfast drinks and smoothies. Once you learn more about the tolerances of your stomach, you may find that you can live a normal life with a diet that includes liquid supplements, soft foods and blended solid foods.
