Certain types of foods and nutrients, such as fat and fiber, take longer to digest and further delay stomach emptying, which can make symptoms of Gastroparesis worse. A lower fat, lower or modified fiber diet with small frequent meals is generally recommended to reduce gastroparesis symptoms. However, it does vary from person to person, and you should follow what your dietitian or medical professionals recommend. Also, soft-textured, ground, pureed and liquid foods may work better than solid foods as they are easier to digest.
Due to high fiber content, fresh fruits and vegetables may be difficult to tolerate, here are some ways to still incorporate those fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Get All the Same Nutrients but Reduce Discomfort!
- PEEL all fruits and vegetables as the skin is the hardest part for your body to digest and is likely the component of the food causing you the most discomfort. Try canned fruits in natural juices or water. These are also peeled and will be softer in texture.
- COOK all your fruits and vegetables prior to eating, the heat breaks down the fiber molecules prior to you consuming them to make them easier to digest. Here are some various examples of how to do so.
- Steam peeled vegetables until fork-tender to soften the fiber. Limit portion to about ½ cup to start.
- Make mashed or pureed veggies by steaming, adding broth and then blending. This can be done with cauliflower, carrots, parsnips, squash, spinach, turnips and potato/sweet potato.
- Add cut up vegetables to soups. These will become soft and easy to digest. Carrots, chopped celery, peeled sweet potato, butternut squash, mushrooms, canned diced tomatoes or zucchini are good choices.
- BLEND your fruits and vegetables or buy premade blended juices for a quick grab and go! Some common items are “Naked” juices, blended fruit and/ or vegetable squeezable pouches, or simply blend into a smoothie of your own.
- DRINK 100% fruit and vegetable juices. Avoid juices with added sugar or High Fructose corn syrup.
- BAKE! Add fruit and vegetable purees to bake goods. Some examples being applesauce instead of oil in your banana bread or adding peeled or shredded zucchini to your muffins. Fruit bakes sprinkled with cinnamon are warm treat that incorporate your baked fruit items as well!
Contact Bhatti GI
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gastroparesis, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Bhatti GI Consultants today! Our providers can help identify the underlying cause of your condition and offer options for treatment.
