Nutrition
A key element in
the management of gastroparesis is managing your food and fluid intake. The
ability to tolerate food varies with each person - there is no set
diet plan for gastroparesis.
As part of your management plan it is likely that you will be referred to a dietician for advice, as sometimes a minor change in your diet can make a big difference.
The most important goal, regardless of the treatment you are on, is maintaining a healthy balance of sufficient nutrients.
Generally it is recommended that you try foods that are more easily processed by the body, and avoid or reduce those that are less easily digested. Either way balance is the key factor:
You may find keeping a 'food diary' useful to ascertain what works for you - however this may change on a day to day basis, but you may well find that some food stuffs definitely do not work for you!
Your dietician may recommend you use a food supplement drink or vitamin supplement.
For more severe cases of gastroparesis 'tube feeding' may be required as a means of maintaining sufficient intake further information can be found on the parenteral nutrition page.
Also see the diet tips & recipe page for more information
You should always seek professional medical advice before making any radical changes to your diet.
There are several books available relating to gastroparesis, diet and recipes, here are just a few that you might find useful:
G-PACT Cookbook
www.g-pact.org/cookbook.html
Crystal Zaborowski Saltrelli - 'Eating for Gastroparesis - Guidelines tips & recipes' and 'Living (Well!) with gastroparesis' - both available at
www.amazon.co.uk/
As part of your management plan it is likely that you will be referred to a dietician for advice, as sometimes a minor change in your diet can make a big difference.
The most important goal, regardless of the treatment you are on, is maintaining a healthy balance of sufficient nutrients.
Generally it is recommended that you try foods that are more easily processed by the body, and avoid or reduce those that are less easily digested. Either way balance is the key factor:
- Limit nuts, seeds, skins, peels & husks, dried fruit and raw vegetables as these are harder to process.
- Foods high in fibre and fat are harder to process so lower fat, lower fibre versions may work better for you.
- Some find it easier to tolerate smaller, more frequent meals. Or those that are softer (i.e. porridge) or liquidised (ie.soup).
You may find keeping a 'food diary' useful to ascertain what works for you - however this may change on a day to day basis, but you may well find that some food stuffs definitely do not work for you!
Your dietician may recommend you use a food supplement drink or vitamin supplement.
For more severe cases of gastroparesis 'tube feeding' may be required as a means of maintaining sufficient intake further information can be found on the parenteral nutrition page.
Also see the diet tips & recipe page for more information
You should always seek professional medical advice before making any radical changes to your diet.
There are several books available relating to gastroparesis, diet and recipes, here are just a few that you might find useful:
G-PACT Cookbook
www.g-pact.org/cookbook.html
Crystal Zaborowski Saltrelli - 'Eating for Gastroparesis - Guidelines tips & recipes' and 'Living (Well!) with gastroparesis' - both available at
www.amazon.co.uk/