Diet for Gastroparesis: What Foods to Eat and Avoid + 7 Tips

If you have gastroparesis, your diet can have a big impact on how you feel. Some days you may feel great and be able to eat anything, but other days you may not be able to tolerate even your favorite foods. This is where diet for gastroparesis plays a key role in this condition.

What’s the best diet for gastroparesis (stomach paralysis diet)? There’s no one-size-fits-all diet for gastroparesis, but there are some general guidelines you can follow. In general, you should eat small, frequent meals that are easy to digest. You should also avoid high-fat and high-fiber foods, as well as anything that’s known to trigger your symptoms.

It can be challenging to manage your diet. What you should eat and what you should avoid is a moving target. Keeping track of all of it can be exhausting.

The right diet can help ease your symptoms and make you feel better. The wrong diet can make your symptoms worse.

Don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll give you a gastroparesis diet food list. It all covers what to eat and what to avoid. With this information, you’ll be able to make better choices to combat gastroparesis conditions effectively.

So let’s get started.

What is Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach muscles work less efficiently, causing food to move more slowly through the digestive system. Gastroparesis condition is also called Stomach Paralysis. Symptoms of gastroparesis can include nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and early satiety. The condition can be caused by diabetes, surgery, or other disorders. Treatment options include dietary changes, medications, and surgery.

The gastroparesis-related delay in stomach emptying can cause prolonged retention of food that is more likely to acid reflux, leading to GERD. On an empty stomach, the likelihood of acid reflux is reduced.

Gastroparesis is a condition that can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. While there is no cure, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms. These include dietary changes, medication, and in some cases, surgery.

Gastroparesis Causes

Gastroparesis is a condition that can have various causes. Most commonly, it is associated with diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to nerve damage and may cause gastroparesis.

In addition to uncontrolled diabetes, other conditions that can cause gastroparesis include:

Eating disorders
Hyperthyroidism
Pancreatitis
Certain medications
Surgery

Gastroparesis Symptoms

Gastroparesis can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Early satiety
Weight loss
Upset stomach

Foods to Eat and Avoid with Gastroparesis Diet

Diet for gastroparesis. What to Eat and What to Avoid — What to eat and what not to eat to combat Gastroparesis

The best way to manage your gastroparesis is to eat smaller and more frequent meals. You should avoid high-fat and high-fiber foods.

Instead, focus on eating lean protein, low-fat dairy, and high-carbohydrate foods. This combination of foods will help to keep your stomach emptying at a normal rate.

If you follow these tips, you can get the nutrition you need and help ease your gastroparesis symptoms. You also may use natural remedies in addition to the diet to control gastroparesis disorder. Here are some specific examples of what you should and shouldn’t eat if you have gastroparesis:

Foods to Eat with Gastroparesis

Here are some gastroparesis-friendly foods:

1. Soft Fruits and Vegetables

Proper preparation is crucial when incorporating fruits and vegetables into your gastroparesis diet:

Cooked or Canned Options: These are easier to digest than raw alternatives
Pureed Preparations: Consider making smoothies or purees from well-cooked fruits and vegetables
Best Choices: Applesauce, canned peaches, cooked carrots, and well-steamed spinach

2. Protein-Rich Foods

Getting adequate protein while managing gastroparesis is possible with these options of protein-rich foods:

Lean Meats: Well-cooked chicken and turkey (avoid fried preparations)
Fish: Baked or poached fish provides easily digestible protein
Plant-Based Options: Soft tofu and well-cooked legumes in small portions
Eggs: Prepared anyway, eggs are typically well-tolerated

3. Dairy and Casein Products

Many dairy and casein foods are gastroparesis-friendly when consumed in moderation:

Yogurt: Provides probiotics and easy-to-digest protein
Cottage Cheese: A good source of protein and calcium
Milk and Ice Cream: Can be well-tolerated, but watch portion sizes
Pudding: A gentle option for satisfying sweet cravings

4. Gastroparesis-Friendly Grains

Choose soft, well-cooked grains:

Rice: Well-cooked white rice is typically easier to digest than brown
Pasta: Cook until very soft
Hot Cereals: Oatmeal, cream of wheat, and quinoa (well-cooked)

5. Comfort Foods and Spreads

Certain comfort foods and spreads can be excellent additions to a gastroparesis diet:

Honey:
- A natural energy source that’s easily digestible
- It can be added to tea or used as a natural sweetener
- It contains antimicrobial properties that may support digestive health
Peanut Butter:
- Choose smooth over chunky varieties
- Provides protein and healthy fats in an easy-to-digest form
- Best consumed in small amounts (1-2 tablespoons)
- It can be added to smoothies or spread thinly on soft bread
Jelly and Preserves:
- Opt for smooth varieties without seeds
- Provides quick energy without taxing digestion
- Can make dry foods more palatable
- Pairs well with smooth peanut butter for a gentle protein-carb combination
Mashed Potatoes:
- Excellent source of easy-to-digest carbohydrates
- It can be made with low-fat milk or broth for added nutrition
- Avoid adding too much butter or heavy cream
- Consider adding pureed cauliflower for extra nutrients
- Best served warm and well-mashed to aid digestion

Comforting Meal Combinations

Mashed potatoes with well-cooked, lean protein
Toast with smooth peanut butter and jelly
Hot tea with honey for settling the stomach
Small portions of cottage cheese with honey drizzle

Here are some of the best recipes for shakes and soups for gastroparesis, specially made for these conditions.

Foods to avoid with Gastroparesis

A diet for gastroparesis involves avoiding foods that are hard to digest, and instead eating small, frequent meals. This can help reduce gastroparesis symptoms.

Raw Fruits and Vegetables: These require more digestive effort
High-Fat Foods: Hamburgers, french fries, and fatty meats
Fibrous Foods: Raw broccoli, cabbage, and beans
Stimulants: Caffeine and alcohol
Spicy Foods: Can irritate the digestive system
Greasy Foods: French fries, potato chips, deep-dish pizzas
Carbonated Beverages: Can increase bloating and discomfort

Having a gastroparesis meal plan is handy so that you can prepare your meals accordingly.

Gastroparesis diet and meal plan including for diabetics — Gastroparesis meal plan

Tips for following a diet for gastroparesis

Here are some tips to help you stick to your diet and get the most out of it:

Eat six small meals per day instead of three large ones. This will help your stomach empty more slowly and reduce the likelihood of nausea and vomiting.
Sit up for at least one hour after eating. This will help keep food from sitting in your stomach and causing problems.
Chew your food thoroughly. This will help your stomach break down food more easily.
Limit fat and fiber. Fat and fiber can make gastroparesis worse, so it’s important to limit them in your diet.
Eat pureed nuts and seeds in moderation as they are high in fatty foods.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can make gastroparesis worse, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Take a walk. Going for a stroll or exercising after eating may help to ease your symptoms.

How a gastroparesis diet can improve your quality of life

Gastroparesis is a condition that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. There is no cure for gastroparesis, but making dietary changes can help improve your symptoms and make your life more manageable.

There is not a single diet that works for everyone with gastroparesis. However, making some adjustments to your eating habits can make a significant difference in how you feel. This means being aware of which foods to eat or avoid, and in what quantities.

Always carry a gastroparesis diet handout with you until you learn what works for you.

The pros and cons of a gastroparesis diet tips

When it comes to a diet for gastroparesis, you will need to consider both the pros and the cons. Some pros of this type of diet include that it can help control symptoms. However, a con might be that the diet is restrictive and hard to follow.

Here are some more pros and cons to think about:

Pros:

Gastroparesis foods in your diet can help to control symptoms and improve quality of life.
The diet is usually low in fat and easy to digest, which can be helpful for people with gastroparesis.
Gastroparesis diets can help to prevent or treat complications of the condition, such as malnutrition and dehydration.

Cons:

The diet is often very restrictive, which can make it difficult to follow.
You may need to eat small, frequent meals, which can be inconvenient.
You may need to avoid certain foods that trigger your symptoms.

At the end of the day, working with a healthcare professional to figure out what kind of diet for gastroparesis is best for you is important. They can help you with a meal plan that meets your individual needs and lifestyle.

Diabetes and Gastroparesis

If you have diabetes, you may be familiar with gastroparesis. As mentioned earlier gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach takes longer to empty than it should. This can cause problems with blood sugar levels because the sugar from food stays in the stomach for a longer time. This may allow the absorption of more sugar into the blood.

Gastroparesis is more common in people with diabetes. This is because high blood sugar levels over time may cause damage to the nerves that control the muscles in the stomach.

If you suffer from diabetes and gastroparesis, a few things you can do to help manage your symptoms and control your blood sugar levels. Try eating small, frequent meals and avoiding high-fat foods. Avoiding drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods are also more advisable.

If you have diabetes and gastroparesis, working with your healthcare team is important to help manage your condition. With proper treatment, you can control your symptoms and keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Just an additional piece of advice is that Nyquil is not advisable for diabetics. You should not opt for Nyquil for any condition if you are a diabetic. Because of this drug interactions are not a favorable diabetic health condition.

Your primary care doctor might prescribe medication to help manage your symptoms. Medications to treat gastroparesis may include metoclopramide (Reglan) and domperidone (Motilium).

The Gastroparesis Cookbook

Struggling to find delicious meals that won’t trigger your gastroparesis symptoms? The Gastroparesis Cookbook by Karan Frazier could be your new kitchen companion. This practical guide goes beyond basic dietary advice by offering:

Step-by-step recipes specifically designed for sensitive stomachs
Meal plans that take the guesswork out of daily food preparation
Shopping lists to help you stock your kitchen with gastroparesis-friendly ingredients
Tips for modifying your favorite recipes to make them easier to digest
Time-saving cooking techniques that work with gastroparesis dietary needs

What makes this cookbook particularly valuable for gastroparesis patients is its focus on flavorful yet gentle recipes that don’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing gastroparesis for years, these recipes can help you rediscover the joy of eating while keeping your symptoms under control.

Think of it as your guide to transforming your kitchen into a gastroparesis-friendly space. The recipes have been tested and refined to ensure they’re not just safe for gastroparesis sufferers, but also enjoyable for the whole family.

Don’t let gastroparesis dictate your diet. Take control with The Gastroparesis Cookbook. Click the image below to start eating the foods you love, the way you want.

[Editor’s Note: Please note we may earn a small commission from Amazon when you purchase at no additional cost to you.]

Click the image to complete your purchase: We recommend this cookbook based on its genuine value for gastroparesis patients.

a book cover of a cookbook for Gastroparesis

More Useful Gastroparesis Cook Books

You never want to miss it!

Check on Amazon

Diabetic Gastroparesis Diet Cookbook

Diabetic Gastroparesis Diet Cookbook by Amy J. Cleaves is an essential guide for anyone navigating the challenges of gastroparesis, particularly for those managing diabetes. This expertly crafted cookbook offers a wealth of practical solutions for dealing with the unique dietary restrictions posed by gastroparesis while keeping blood sugar levels stable.

Packed with easy-to-follow, nutrient-rich recipes, the book ensures you can enjoy delicious meals without triggering symptoms. It also includes clear meal planning strategies, tips for managing portion sizes, and advice on balancing carbs and proteins effectively. The cookbook’s comprehensive approach empowers readers to regain control of their digestive health and overall well-being.

This book is a must-have resource for anyone seeking to manage diabetes and gastroparesis. It offers tailored dietary solutions to improve quality of life.

[Editor’s Note: Please note we may earn a small commission from Amazon when you purchase at no additional cost to you.]

Buy On Amazon

Takeaway

Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach takes too long to digest food. This can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Gastroparesis can be serious because it can lead to problems like malnutrition and dehydration. Treatment for gastroparesis usually focuses on managing symptoms.

Eating little, frequent meals is the greatest way to manage gastroparesis. High-fiber and high-fat foods ought to be avoided. Instead, concentrate on consuming foods rich in carbohydrates, low-fat dairy, and lean protein.

Because every case is different and the degree of gastroparesis can vary greatly, a personalized diet for gastroparesis is required. If you have diabetes, you must choose foods that will control your blood sugar levels and lower the symptoms of gastroparesis.

These tips will help you ensure that you’re getting the nourishment you require while also reducing the symptoms of gastroparesis.

Source:

Noble Home Remedies adheres to rigorous sourcing standards, drawing information from peer-reviewed studies, reputable academic research institutions, and esteemed medical journals and associations. We prioritize using high-quality, trustworthy sources to maintain the accuracy and integrity of our content. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Gastroparesis – Symptoms and causes by Mayo Clinic
What is gastroparesis?
https://www.livingwellwithgastroparesis.com/newly-diagnosed
Diet for Gastroparesis Tips by UVA Health
Is There a Gastroparesis Diet? by WebMD
Nutrition for Gastroparesis by GastroGirls
Treatment Challenges in the Management of Gastroparesis-Related GERD by National Library of Medicine

FAQ

Can gastroparesis be very painful?

Moderate to severe stomach discomfort was typical of gastroparesis. It is idiopathic and has a negative influence on the quality of life.

When stomach pain predominated as an illness symptom, it has comparable effects and pain as nausea, vomiting, or heartburn.

What triggers gastroparesis?

While the precise cause of gastroparesis is not always known, damage to a nerve that controls the stomach muscles can be the culprit (vagus nerve).

Can you eat raw vegetables with gastroparesis?

If you’re trying to choose a meal that will be simple to digest, raw vegetables might not be the ideal option. Because they are more difficult to digest than cooked vegetables. However, if you can stomach them, they can be a part of a balanced diet as they are an excellent source of nutrients.

When eating raw veggies while having gastroparesis, there are a few considerations to make. To make them easier to digest, it is important to first slice raw vegetables into little pieces.

Second, you should keep away from high-fiber foods like broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Because they can exacerbate the symptoms of gastroparesis.

Can you heal gastroparesis naturally?

Gastroparesis cannot be cured. However, there are a handful of dietary and lifestyle adjustments that can aid in reducing symptoms and enhancing the quality of life.

A diet for gastroparesis, for example, can help to minimize symptoms and make mealtimes more comfortable.

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