Gastroparesis “Cheat Sheet”
Nutrition Management for Gastroparesis:
There is no “diet” for gastroparesis. It varies from person to person based on individual tolerance level. More clinical studies are needed. Start keeping track of when you experience symptoms to see if you can make a connection with what you are eating, your activity level, stress, medications, etc. To get you started, general recommendations that can aid with digestion include:
- Strive for 5 smaller meals per day.
- 3’s the Key! Aim to eat at least every 3 hours.
- Limit fried food consumption.
- Suggest eating grain/bread products first at meals as this may help with digestion.
- Keep to cooked fruits/vegetables with skin removed.
- Try making homemade smoothies using fruits and vegetables. Using a blender helps to break down the fiber, making digestion easier on your stomach.
- Tender and moist meats may be better tolerated. Try cooking meats in a crockpot, simmer cooked meat in hot water for a few minutes, or baste with olive oil.
- Chew foods well.
- Limit carbonated beverages.
- Unless a swallowing issue is present, keep to small sips (4oz max) of fluid during meals and keep most fluid intake to in between meals. This can help reduce pressure build up in the stomach, which may help with symptoms.
- Do not rush. Many must take pauses throughout their meal to help with digestion.
- Note which food items trigger symptoms. Continue to limit intake of these foods.
- Do not sit down immediately after meals. Some find going for a 5-to-10-minute walk immediately post meal or 1 to 2 hours later helps with digestion.
- Try standing while eating. For some, this can help increase one’s tolerance for food.
Exercise Management for Gastroparesis:
Many find not sitting down immediately after meals and going for a short walk 5 to 10 minutes after eating or 1 to 2 hours later helps with digestion. Here are other exercises that many find helpful in preventing and/or alleviating symptoms:
- Yoga: try completing 5 to 10 minutes twice daily in morning and evening.
- Tai Chi: try completing 5 to 10 minutes twice daily in morning and evening.
- Breathing Exercises: breathe in slowly for 3 to 5 seconds, hold for 3 to 5 seconds, slowly breathe out for 3 to 5 seconds. Repeat for a few minutes and complete 2 to 3 times daily.
**Stress and increased weight, especially around your abdominal area, can make symptoms worse. Work with your care coordinator to come up with a plan to help manage your weight.
Newly diagnosed patients may need to strictly follow a low fat/low fiber diet. Over time as symptoms subside, many can begin to gradually re-introduce more fiber and fat into their diet. Here are a few tips to help get a patient started:
|
Food Group |
Recommended |
Not Recommended |
|
Grains |
Limit intake of grain products to fiber with </=2 gm per serving. These will mostly be “white” products: bread, crackers, rice, cream of rice or wheat, grits, pretzels. |
Grains with >2 gm fiber per serving. These will mostly be “brown” products: brown rice, pasta, bread, quinoa, barley, popcorn. |
|
Protein |
Fully cooked eggs/egg whites, low-fat creamy nut butters (limit to 1 Tbsp serving), poultry with skin removed, lean ground beef cooked/drained, white fish, tuna, tofu. |
Fried meat, processed and cured meats (bologna, salami, bacon), plant proteins (e.g., beans, nuts, seeds), seafood. |
|
Vegetables |
Well-cooked with skins removed and without seeds, canned or frozen foods. Starchy vegetables such as potatoes and carrots are often tolerated best. |
Uncooked (raw) fruits/vegetables, “Gassy” foods like peppers, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, sprouts, peas, corn, okra, lima beans, onions |
|
Fruits |
Well-cooked with skins removed and without seeds. Canned fruits (drained and rinsed under water), apple sauce, cooked apples mashed, and mashed bananas are often tolerated best. Some can tolerate fruit juice, but keep in mind sugar content if you have diabetes. If choosing fruit juice, 100% fruit juice is recommended. |
Raw fruit, fruit with skins, acidic fruits (citrus, tomatoes), tropical fruit (especially coconut and pineapple), dried fruit, berries (all kinds). |
|
Dairy |
Choose skim or 1%: milk, yogurt, frozen yogurt, puddings, custards, sour cream, cheese, etc. |
Regular, or full fat dairy products like milk, cheese |
This content was reviewed by a Registered Dietitian 9/2/2021
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
The dietary information provided in this resource is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual nutrition needs vary based on medical history, medications, allergies, and overall health status.
Before making any changes to your diet, trying new foods, modifying portion sizes, or following any nutrition recommendations, please consult your physician, registered dietitian, or other qualified healthcare provider. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, gastrointestinal conditions, food intolerances, or other chronic health concerns, discussing dietary changes with your healthcare team is especially important.