Gastroparesis, (pronounced gas-tro-par-EES-is), also called delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. This condition is very common and can be the cause of a number of abdominal complaints. It is usually not a serious problem and there are effective treatments available.
Normally, muscles in the wall of the stomach work to grind the food into smaller pieces and then push the churned and liquefied food into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. However, in gastroparesis, these stomach muscles work poorly or not at all, preventing your stomach from emptying properly. This can hold up digestion, cause increased reflux, nausea and vomiting, and interfere with blood sugar levels and nutrition.
The most common known cause of gastroparesis is diabetes. People with diabetes have high blood sugar, which causes chemical changes in nerves and damages the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to those nerves. Over time, these changes can damage the vagus nerve – the nerve that controls the muscles of the stomach.
In addition, there are a number of other causes for gastroparesis:
In up to 40% of cases, people have what is called idiopathic gastroparesis, meaning the cause is not known and cannot be found even after medical tests.
The most common symptoms of gastroparesis are a feeling of fullness after only a few bites of food (early satiety), bloating, excessive belching, and nausea. There may be vomiting of undigested food (even several hours after eating), heartburn, pain in the upper abdomen, lack of appetite, and weight loss due to poor calorie intake and poor absorption of nutrients. Eating solid food, especially high-fiber foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, fatty foods, or drinks high in fat or carbonation may add to these symptoms.
Doctors use several tests to help diagnose gastroparesis. Some of these rule out conditions that
cause similar symptoms; others check for specific signs of gastroparesis.
Weight loss and malnutrition – Problems can occur when slow emptying of the stomach affects your body’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients. Also, if food stays in the stomach too long, it can cause bacterial overgrowth from the fermentation of the food and disrupt the body’s normal balance of good and bad bacteria.
Bezoars – Undigested food in the stomach can harden into a bezoar (pronounced BEEzawr), a solid mass that’s similar to a hairball in a cat. Bezoars may cause nausea and vomiting and may become dangerous if they prevent food from passing into the small intestine.
Blood sugar fluctuations – Diabetic gastroparesis can be a vicious cycle. Gastroparesis doesn’t cause diabetes, but inconsistent food absorption can play havoc with blood sugar levels, which makes diabetes worse. In turn, poor control of blood sugar levels makes gastroparesis worse.
First, controlling diabetes or any other underlying condition that may be causing gastroparesis, such as an underactive thyroid, is the first step in treating the condition. Beyond this, treatment usually involves dietary changes and medications. In most cases, treatment does not “cure” gastroparesis – it helps you manage the condition so you can be healthy and as comfortable as possible.
Changing how and what foods are eaten is helpful. The most common recommended dietary changes include:
A registered dietitian can be very helpful in providing advice in severe cases.
The two most common types of drugs prescribed to treat gastroparesis are anti-emetics and prokinetics. Anti-emetics – When nausea is a predominant symptom, an anti-nausea drug such as prochlorperazine (Compazine) or ondansetron (Zofran) may be used to control nausea and vomiting. Prokinetics – These types of drugs are used to stimulate stomach contractions.
Gastroparesis is a common condition that may affect anyone but is most often seen as a complication of insulin-dependent diabetes. Many cases have no identifiable cause. Gastroparesis causes bloating, nausea, vomiting, a feeling of being full and contributes to poor blood sugar control. In severe cases, it can affect nutrition. Treatment is available, but as yet there is no cure. Treatment consists of treating any underlying problem, diet, and medications. By working with a physician, most patients are able to reach a satisfactory treatment program.
The purpose of the gastroparesis diet is to reduce symptoms and maintain adequate nutrition and fluid intake. Step 1 is used when symptoms are more severe and you may advance to Steps 2 and 3 as symptoms improve.
Step 1: Liquids
Liquids usually leave the stomach quickly by gravity alone. Gatorade, soft drinks, and broths prevent dehydration and keep the body supplied with vital salts and minerals. Try to sip 1-2 ounces at a time with the goal of drinking at least 4 ounces an hour. You may also try plain saltine crackers. Avoid all citrus and highly sweetened drinks.
Note: Step 1 is nutritionally inadequate and should not be followed for more than three days without additional nutritional support.
Step 2: Soups & Breads
Try various soups with noodles, rice, or crackers. This step provides additional calories by adding small amounts of dietary fats. While fatty foods and oils can delay stomach emptying, you may be able to tolerate small amounts of fats such as peanut butter and cheese (less than 40 grams each day). Food should be divided into at least six small meals per day. Avoid milk-based soups and drinks.
Step 3: Solid Foods
The goal of this step is to find a diet containing foods that you enjoy and can maintain long-term without significant nausea and vomiting. Add starches such as noodles, pasta, rice, and potatoes back into your diet. Chicken breast is usually well-tolerated. Fat is limited to 50 grams each day and raw, fibrous fruits and vegetables should also be restricted. Food should be divided into at least six small meals per day. Avoid red meat. A liquid multivitamin supplement is recommended in all steps of the diet.
