What is gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a long-term (chronic) condition where the stomach cannot empty in the normal way. It causes food to pass through the stomach slower than usual. Gastroparesis is thought to be caused by a problem with the nerves and muscles that control stomach emptying.

What causes gastroparesis?

It is not always known what causes gastroparesis. It is sometimes a complication of long-term conditions such as diabetes. Gastroparesis can also be a complication after some types of surgery.

Common symptoms of gastroparesis

Symptoms of gastroparesis start after eating and may include:

• Feeling full quickly and being unable to finish a meal
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Being sick (vomiting)
• Heartburn/acid reflux
• Bloating
• Infrequent and/or hard to pass stools (constipation)
• Frequent and/or loose stools (diarrhoea)
• Unexplained high or low blood glucose levels.

These symptoms can feel worse after eating food high in fat or food high in fibre (such as fruit and vegetables) or after drinking fizzy drinks.

Treatment of gastroparesis

Unfortunately, there is no cure, but some things may help lessen symptoms and stop gastroparesis from getting worse.  These include:

• Dietary changes
• Medicine
• Blood glucose control if you have diabetes.

Your GP, pharmacist, specialist nurse or consultant doctor can give you advice on which medicines are the best for you.

General advice

Changes that may help manage your gastroparesis.

• Eat little and often. Eating smaller, but more regular meals such as four to six small meals per day can help to reduce the distension/stretching of the stomach after eating. By eating smaller meals you may not feel as full or bloated. It can also help the stomach empty more quickly.
• Avoid foods high in fat. This can slow down stomach emptying. Fluid containing fat, for example, milk may still be tolerated and for some individuals may be useful if extra energy is required to maintain weight. Foods high in fat include: fatty cuts of meat, sausages, pies, hard cheeses, chocolate, biscuits, cakes and pastries, cream, ice cream, deep-fried fat foods.
• Consider avoiding foods high in fibre. Fibre can slow digestion of a meal and therefore may worsen symptoms of gastroparesis. You could reduce the amount of fibre intake in your diet to see if this helps to improve gastroparesis symptoms. Indigestible material can build up and bind tightly together causing what is called a ‘bezoar’ which can lead to blockage in the stomach. Foods high in fibre include: wholegrain, whole wheat, rye, bran cereal and bread, oat-based cereals, whole wheat pasta and rice, fruit and vegetables in their skins, dried fruits, pulses like beans, lentils and chickpeas.
• Chew food well before swallowing. This helps to make sure food is less solid before moving into the stomach. Avoid foods that cannot be easily chewed such as corn, popcorn, nuts and seeds.
• Take sips of fluid throughout a meal.
• Avoid fizzy drinks, alcohol and smoking.
• Avoid eating meals late at night.
• Remain in an upright position during and after the course of a meal.
• Very hot or very cold foods may worsen symptoms.

A daily multivitamin/mineral supplement can be taken if your dietary intake is inadequate. Speak to your dietitian or doctor about this.

What foods are suitable to eat?

The table below summaries food and drinks which are more suitable to eat if you have gastroparesis. Foods can be pureed to help aid digestion if needed.

Useful websites

• Gastroparesis - NHS.uk
• Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) | Diabetes UK