Foods That Speed Up Gastric Emptying

Gastric emptying occurs when the stomach contracts to empty its partially digested contents into the small intestine to move food down the intestinal tract. Damage to the vagus nerve, which controls these wave-like contractions, causes gastroparesis, or "stomach paralysis," whereby the stomach takes too long to empty. However, there are certain foods and food types you can eat to speed up gastric emptying.

Low-Fat Foods

Fat naturally slows down digestion and as such, you should consume low-fat foods, such as low-fat dairy products and lean meats, if you have problems with gastric emptying. Fatty foods can also aggravate the symptoms of gastroparesis, which include nausea, vomiting, bloating, cramps and early satiety.

Low-Fiber Foods

Fiber in many fruits, vegetables and grains is difficult to digest and may slow stomach emptying. The indigestible parts can remain in the stomach for a long time and possibly form bezoars, which are masses that get trapped in the stomach. RD411.com recommends limiting fiber to 10 g per day. Low fiber choices include foods like enriched white bread and rice, plain pasta, raw fruits without the skin, juices without the pulp, well-cooked fruits and vegetables, tender meats and fish, eggs, creamy peanut butter and dairy products.

Liquid and Pureed Foods

Liquids speed up gastric emptying because they require less work by the stomach than solid foods and usually leave the stomach quickly due to gravity. Pureed foods become liquid as they move through the digestive tract, mixing with stomach juices and saliva and as such, are usually more easily tolerated than solids. You can puree most foods by adding liquids to ensure a proper consistency.

Food Volume

The volume of the meal may make a difference in the rate of stomach emptying. A large meal takes longer to empty. It is, therefore, advantageous to decrease the volume of meals and instead, eat more often. Consume 4 to 6 small, frequent meals throughout the course of the day to aid in gastric emptying.