Dumping syndrome occurs when food travels too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine without having time to break down into easily digested parts. Dumping syndrome often occurs after gastric surgery that removes all or part of the stomach. Symptoms can occur 15 to 30 minutes after eating or 1 to 3 hours later. Symptoms include dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, shakiness, rapid heartbeat or feeling lightheaded. At least 25 to 50 percent of people experience some symptoms within the first few weeks after gastric surgery, the Mayoclinic website reports. Changing your diet helps prevent dumping syndrome.
Proteins
When choosing meats, pick meats already partially broken down, such as ground beef rather than a slab of meat, the International Foundations for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders suggests, since large pieces of meat are harder to digest. Choose plain yogurt rather than versions that contain sugar. Try lactose-free milk if you don't tolerate milk products well, but don't drink milk or any other liquids with meals. Avoid all liquids, including soups, at least 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after eating, since liquids can increase the risk of dumping syndrome when taken with meals.
Fats
Some people experience fewer symptoms if they increase the fat in their diet, which slows stomach emptying, the IFFGD explains. Try adding high fat foods such as butter, cream cheese, mayonnaise, vegetable oils, salad dressings and gravies to your meals to reduce your symptoms.
Fiber
Increasing soluble fiber found in psyllium, guar gum and pectin helps slow the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine. Foods high in soluble fiber include apples, beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, oats, spinach, pears and plums. Stick to fresh fruits and avoid fruits canned in sweetened syrup, since simple sugars worsen dumping syndrome. Avoid harder to digest fruits such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, MayoClinic advises. Whole grains and beans also supply good amounts of fiber to your diet.
Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates and grains break down slowly in the stomach and may help prevent dumping syndrome symptoms. Avoid sweetened cereals, snacks and desserts in favor of whole grain breads, oats, rice, potatoes and pasta. Foods containing any type of simple sugar, including glucose, sucrose, fructose, dextrose, honey or corn syrup increase the risk of dumping syndrome.
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