What is the best diet plan for gastroparesis?

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), managing gastroparesis often requires dietary changes to control symptoms caused by delayed stomach emptying. For many, the best approach involves focusing on smaller, more frequent meals comprised of low-fat and low-fiber foods.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the core dietary principles for managing gastroparesis, including what foods to eat, what to avoid, and sample meal plans for different symptom severity levels.

Key Points

Small, Frequent Meals: Eat 4-6 smaller meals per day instead of 2-3 large ones to help the stomach empty more easily.
Low-Fat Diet: High-fat foods slow down gastric emptying, so opt for low-fat or fat-free versions of foods, and use liquid fats for calories if needed.
Low-Fiber Foods: Insoluble fiber is difficult to digest and can form blockages; limit whole grains, nuts, seeds, and raw fruits and vegetables.
Chew Thoroughly: Meticulously chew all food to a mashed potato-like consistency to aid digestion and reduce stomach workload.
Stay Upright Post-Meal: Avoid lying down for at least one to two hours after eating to prevent reflux and improve gastric emptying.
Liquid Alternatives: For severe symptoms, a liquid or pureed diet can be easier to tolerate as liquids empty from the stomach faster.
Stay Hydrated: Sip fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration, which can worsen nausea.
Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of alcohol, carbonated beverages, and highly acidic or spicy foods that can irritate the stomach.

Core Principles of a Gastroparesis Diet

Managing gastroparesis through diet centers on a few key principles designed to minimize symptoms like nausea, bloating, and early fullness. The main strategies involve adjusting meal frequency, food consistency, and the nutritional content of meals, specifically fat and fiber intake. It is always recommended to consult a doctor or registered dietitian for personalized advice.

Eat Small, Frequent Meals

Instead of two to three large meals, consuming four to six small meals and snacks throughout the day is often easier to tolerate. Large meals can put too much pressure on a slow-emptying stomach, worsening symptoms. Smaller portions allow for faster gastric emptying and may reduce discomfort.

Reduce Fat Intake

Fat slows down the emptying of the stomach. Reducing the amount of solid fat in your diet is a crucial step. Opt for low-fat or fat-free versions of foods wherever possible. Liquid forms of fat, like those found in nutritional shakes, are often better tolerated and can be a good source of calories if weight loss is a concern.

Limit High-Fiber Foods

Dietary fiber, especially insoluble fiber, is difficult for the stomach to digest and can delay gastric emptying. In some severe cases, fiber can clump together and form a hard mass called a bezoar, which can cause a blockage. Foods to limit include raw vegetables, fruits with skins and seeds, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Choosing well-cooked, soft vegetables and peeled fruits is a better alternative.

Chew Food Thoroughly

Chewing food to a fine, mashed consistency helps break it down before it reaches the stomach, reducing the stomach's workload. This is particularly important for solid foods that are more difficult to digest.

Stay Upright After Eating

After a meal, remain in an upright position for at least one to two hours. Lying down can exacerbate reflux and delay gastric emptying. A light walk can also help stimulate stomach emptying.

Consider Pureed or Liquid Diets

For individuals with moderate to severe symptoms, a diet of pureed foods or liquids may be necessary. Liquids pass through the stomach faster than solids. Transitioning from solids to liquids can be done gradually, for instance, by consuming solid food earlier in the day and liquid meals later.

Sample Meal Plans Based on Severity


	Mild Gastroparesis	Moderate Gastroparesis	Severe Gastroparesis
Meal Frequency	4-6 small meals/snacks per day	4-6 small meals, with some purees	Predominantly liquids, or small sips throughout day
Breakfast	Scrambled eggs, white toast with jelly	Cream of wheat, protein smoothie	Clear broth, electrolyte solution
Mid-Morning Snack	Small banana, canned peaches	Low-fat yogurt, applesauce	Sip of juice or broth
Lunch	Baked fish, mashed potatoes	Pureed chicken and vegetable soup	High-calorie nutritional supplement
Afternoon Snack	Low-fat cottage cheese	Low-fat pudding or custard	Sports drink or juice
Dinner	Lean ground turkey, cooked carrots	Mashed sweet potato, smooth nut butter	Blended protein shake
Evening Snack	Vanilla wafers, low-fat milk	Cream of rice, low-fat milk	Jell-O or popsicles

Foods to Choose and Avoid

Recommended Foods

Protein: Lean poultry (skinless), fish, eggs, tofu, fat-free refried beans, and smooth nut butters in moderation.
Starches: White bread, white rice, pasta, crackers, grits, instant oatmeal, and peeled potatoes.
Fruits: Peeled, cooked, or canned fruits without seeds (e.g., applesauce, canned peaches, melon, bananas).
Vegetables: Well-cooked, peeled vegetables without skins or seeds (e.g., carrots, squash, zucchini, mashed potatoes). Strained vegetable juices are also suitable.
Dairy: Low-fat dairy products like skim milk, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat cottage cheese. Dairy alternatives like soy milk or almond milk are also an option.
Beverages: Water, fruit juices, low-fat milkshakes, and nutritional supplements.

Foods to Avoid

High-Fat Foods: Fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, sausages, bacon, high-fat dairy, pastries, and ice cream.
High-Fiber Foods: Whole grains, bran, brown rice, nuts, seeds, legumes, and most raw fruits and vegetables. Specific items like popcorn, berries, corn, and broccoli should be avoided.
Hard-to-Digest Foods: Raw vegetables, tough meats, and fibrous skins.
Beverages: Carbonated drinks, alcohol, and high-sugar juices.
Other Irritants: Spicy or highly acidic foods can trigger symptoms.

Conclusion

A gastroparesis-friendly diet is not a one-size-fits-all solution but relies on a personalized approach tailored to the severity of symptoms. By adhering to core principles—eating small, frequent meals, and choosing low-fat, low-fiber foods—individuals can significantly improve their comfort and nutritional intake. Transitioning to pureed foods or liquids may be necessary during flare-ups. Consistent management also involves lifestyle changes, such as staying upright after eating and monitoring blood sugar levels for those with diabetes. Working closely with a healthcare provider and a registered dietitian is the most effective way to establish a sustainable diet plan. For more detailed information, resources like the NIDDK offer extensive guidance on nutrition for gastroparesis.

: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastroparesis/eating-diet-nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions

You should avoid high-fat foods (like fried and greasy items), high-fiber items (such as whole grains, nuts, and raw vegetables), and anything that is tough to chew, like fibrous meat and skins from fruits and vegetables.

Yes, but they should be well-cooked and peeled, and you should remove any seeds. Cooked vegetables like carrots, squash, and mashed potatoes are generally well-tolerated. Raw vegetables and fibrous stalks should be avoided.

Hydration is key. Good options include water, low-fat milk, juice, clear broth, and sports drinks. It is best to avoid carbonated beverages, alcohol, and high-sugar drinks.

A liquid diet may be necessary if your symptoms are severe, as liquids are easier and faster for the stomach to process. Many find it helpful during symptom flare-ups, while others can manage with soft, pureed foods.

Focus on high-calorie, high-protein liquids like nutritional supplements, low-fat milkshakes, and blended protein shakes. Liquid fats, such as vegetable oils in smoothies, are often well-tolerated and provide energy.

Yes, eating smaller meals more frequently is a cornerstone of gastroparesis management. It reduces the volume of food in the stomach at one time, which can decrease bloating, nausea, and promote faster emptying.

A bezoar is a hard mass of undigested fiber and other material that can form in the stomach and cause a blockage. A low-fiber diet, which avoids high-fiber foods like nuts, seeds, and raw vegetables, helps prevent bezoar formation.