Gastroparesis, or a delay in the normal contraction of your stomach muscles, slows digestion and interferes with your body's absorption of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Delays in carbohydrate digestion can result in dangerous fluctuations in blood glucose levels. People with gastroparesis, especially diabetics, may need to adjust their eating patterns and monitor their carbohydrate intakes to prevent dramatic swings in their blood sugar levels.
Carbohydrates and Digestion
Carbohydrates include fiber, sugar and starches. Fiber facilitates digestion under normal conditions, while sugar and starches provide fuel for your muscles, brain and other vital organs. Out of the major macronutrients -- protein, fat and carbohydrates -- carbohydrates digest most rapidly. During digestion, your body converts digestible carbohydrates into glucose, a form of sugar. When carbohydrate-containing foods sit in your stomach for a long period of time then empty suddenly into your intestinal tract, your blood sugar can rise significantly. Poorly controlled blood sugar can make the symptoms of gastroparesis worse by damaging the nerves that control the contractions of your stomach and intestinal muscles.
Blood Sugar Control
Damage to the vagus nerve, which controls the contractions of the stomach and small intestine, due to diabetes is a common cause of gastroparesis. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, 30 to 50 percent of diabetics may experience delayed gastric emptying, although the percentage of those who show symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, may be closer to 10 percent. If you have gastroparesis, you may minimize fluctuations in blood sugar by maintaining consistency in carbohydrate consumption. An October 2007 article published in "Diabetes Spectrum" notes that diabetics with gastroparesis may improve glucose control by dividing their daily carbohydrate intakes into six roughly equivalent servings of carbohydrates. Eating six smaller meals each day may facilitate digestion and help you regulate your glucose levels. If you are taking insulin to manage diabetes, talk with your doctor about coordinating your carbohydrate intake with your insulin dosage.
High-Fiber Carbohydrates
High-fiber carbohydrates may worsen gastroparesis and lead to the formation of bezoars, hardened clumps of undigested material that can block the passage of food into the intestinal tract. Many foods that contain complex carbohydrates -- including whole-grain breads and cereals, raw broccoli, potatoes with skin, nuts and seeds, oranges, berries and applies -- are also high in fiber and may promote bezoar formation. If you have gastroparesis, you may find that low-fiber carbohydrates, such as breads, cereals and pasta made with refined flour, are easier to digest. Cooked or pureed fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals without the raw roughage. Work closely with your doctor or dietitian to plan meals that include nutrient-rich carbohydrates.
Liquid Meals
Delays in the digestion of carbohydrates and other nutrients may lead to nutritional deficiencies, decreased energy and weight loss. Chronic vomiting may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Consuming a portion of your calories in liquid, blenderized or pureed form may facilitate digestion. If gastroparesis is causing severe blood sugar fluctuations and compromising your nutrition and hydration, your doctor may recommend a liquid diet while you undergo treatment to restore stomach function. Your doctor may recommend enteral nutrition, or feeding through a tube inserted in your nose or an opening in your abdomen, if you are unable to maintain a healthy weight with oral nutrition.
References
- Johns Hopkins Medicine; Gastroenterology & Hepatology; Gastroparesis: Introduction
- "Diabetes Spectrum"; Nutritional Management of Gastroparesis in People with Diabetes; C.R. Parrish, R.D., M.S., and J.G. Pastors, R.D., M.S.; October 2007
- MayoClinic.com; Gastroparesis; November 21, 2009
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library; Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats; M.G. Wilson, M.D.; July 2008
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