When the stomach empties slowly and without any structural restriction, it is called gastroparesis.
Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist Dr. Rakesh Sringeri at the Department of Gastroenterology at Cauvery Hospital in Electronic City, Bengaluru offers a few approaches to care for gastroparesis.
Gastroparesis is a condition or syndrome in which the emptying time of the stomach is prolonged without any structural obstruction. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating, abdominal pain and feeling full after a small meal. There are many reasons for this and it is commonly seen in patients with diabetes. In some patients, when the cause cannot be identified, it is known as idiopathic gastroparesis. There are various tests to confirm the diagnosis of gastroparesis so that it can be managed properly.
Patients with gastroparesis have poor oral intake which can lead to calorie deficient diets and deficiencies of vitamins and minerals. Diet and lifestyle recommendations include measures to optimize gastric emptying.
Diet and lifestyle recommendations:
- Eat smaller portions more often, 4-5 times a day.
- Drink liquids during whole meals.
- Follow a diet that is low in fat and fiber as they delay gastric emptying.
- Avoid fibrous fruits like orange, banana, guava and mango.
- Avoid fibrous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, capsicum and beans.
- Avoid seeds and peels of fruits and vegetables.
- Follow a low-fat diet by avoiding cheese, cream, foods with added oil and fat
butter. - Light physical activity like jogging after meals will help in managing the symptoms effectively.
- Take one multivitamin tablet a day.
- Avoid lying down for 2 hours after eating.
- Avoid carbonated beverages as they release carbon dioxide, which increases flatulence and worsens symptoms.
- Avoid smoking tobacco and alcohol consumption as they can modify the gastric
To empty
In general, gastric emptying is normal in patients with gastroparesis, so increasing the liquid nutrients of meals will help meet nutritional needs. Solid foods can be blended into soups or purees to modify their consistency and aid gastric emptying.
It is also very important to achieve good control of blood glucose in patients with diabetes because adequate blood glucose levels will accelerate gastric emptying.
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In spite of following the above measures, if the symptoms persist, it is advised to consult a gastroenterologist or a specialized dietitian who would be familiar with how to effectively manage this condition. There are other medical and surgical treatment modalities that can be considered on an individual basis after a thorough clinical evaluation.
In short, eating smaller portions more often a day that are low in fat and fiber content will be beneficial in managing the symptoms of gastroparesis.
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