What Kind of Diet Is Recommended for Gastroparesis?

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a gastroparesis diet is a primary treatment for managing the condition. Choosing the right foods is crucial for those suffering from gastroparesis, a condition that delays the stomach's emptying process. This guide explains what kind of diet is recommended for gastroparesis to help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Quick Summary

A recommended diet for gastroparesis involves consuming frequent, small meals that are low in fat and fiber. Emphasis is placed on easily digestible, soft, or pureed foods to support gastric emptying. Hydration with clear liquids is also essential to prevent dehydration.

Key Points

Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, eat five or six smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the volume of food in your stomach at one time.
Reduce Fat Intake: High-fat foods delay stomach emptying, so opt for low-fat or fat-free alternatives to aid digestion.
Limit Fiber: A diet low in both soluble and insoluble fiber is recommended, as fiber is difficult to digest and can worsen symptoms.
Choose Soft and Liquid Foods: When symptoms are severe, liquid and pureed foods are the easiest to digest. Liquids pass through the stomach most quickly.
Stay Upright After Eating: To assist with gastric emptying, remain upright for at least one to two hours after each meal.
Chew Thoroughly: Meticulously chew all food to a smooth, soft consistency to decrease the stomach's workload.
Consider Nutritional Supplements: In cases where it's difficult to get enough nutrients, high-calorie liquid nutritional supplements may be needed.

Understanding Gastroparesis and the Importance of Diet

Gastroparesis is a chronic digestive condition where the stomach's muscles don't function properly, slowing or stopping the movement of food to the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount. While there is no cure, dietary modifications are a cornerstone of treatment to help manage these symptoms and ensure adequate nutrition. The primary goals of a gastroparesis diet are to reduce the work required by the stomach, provide sufficient calories and nutrients, and maintain hydration.

Core Principles of a Gastroparesis Diet

Eat small, frequent meals: Instead of three large meals, consume five to six small meals throughout the day. This reduces the volume of food in the stomach at any one time, making it easier to digest and pass through the system.
Reduce fat intake: High-fat foods delay stomach emptying, so limiting them is essential. Focus on low-fat or fat-free options where possible. However, liquid fats like those in nutritional shakes may be better tolerated.
Limit fiber: Both soluble and insoluble fiber can be difficult for the stomach to digest and can lead to the formation of bezoars, which are solid masses of undigested material. Avoid high-fiber foods and opt for refined versions instead. When consuming fruits and vegetables, ensure they are cooked, peeled, and seeded.
Choose soft or liquid foods: Liquids move through the stomach most easily by gravity. As symptoms worsen, transitioning from soft to pureed or liquid-only diets may be necessary to maintain nutrition and hydration.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a common risk with gastroparesis due to vomiting and poor intake. Sipping fluids throughout the day and between meals is recommended, especially water, low-sugar electrolyte drinks, and broths.

Foods to Include and Avoid for Gastroparesis


Food Category	Recommended Foods	Foods to Avoid
Protein	Lean, tender ground meat (chicken, turkey), lean fish, eggs (not fried), tofu, fat-free cottage cheese, protein powder shakes	High-fat cuts of meat, fried meats, cured meats (bacon, sausage), tough and fibrous meats
Fruits	Peeled and seeded fruits, canned fruit (peaches, pears), unsweetened applesauce, banana, melon, cooked fruits	Raw fruits, fruits with skin or seeds, dried fruits, oranges, pineapple, berries
Vegetables	Well-cooked, peeled, and seeded vegetables (carrots, beets, squash, green beans, zucchini), pureed or strained vegetables, vegetable juice	Raw vegetables, high-fiber vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, corn, peas), potato skins
Grains	Refined white bread, white rice, white pasta, low-fat crackers, cream of wheat	Whole grains, brown rice, whole wheat bread and pasta, bran cereals, granola
Dairy	Fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, pudding, custard, low-fat cheese	Whole milk, full-fat cheeses, half-and-half, heavy cream
Fats	Small amounts of liquid fats (oils) and nut butters (smooth), as tolerated	Fried and greasy foods, high-fat sauces and dressings

Advanced Dietary Strategies and Considerations

For more severe cases, or during flare-ups, a healthcare provider may recommend a phased approach starting with liquids and gradually reintroducing soft and then solid foods.

Phase 1: Liquid Diet: This may be necessary during severe flare-ups or periods of high symptom burden. This involves consuming only clear liquids like broth, bouillon, and electrolyte drinks.
Phase 2: Transition to Soft Foods: Once symptoms improve, introduce foods that are soft and easy to digest, such as eggs, white rice, and well-cooked, pureed vegetables.
Phase 3: Long-Term Maintenance: This involves the continued consumption of low-fat, low-fiber foods, while slowly and cautiously reintroducing more diverse options based on individual tolerance.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Support a Gastroparesis Diet

Dietary choices are just one part of managing gastroparesis. Lifestyle adjustments are equally important for symptom relief. Remaining upright for at least one to two hours after eating is crucial, as this uses gravity to aid gastric emptying. Taking a gentle walk after meals can also help stimulate digestion. Additionally, chewing food thoroughly to a mashed potato consistency can significantly reduce the digestive load on the stomach. Avoid alcohol and carbonated beverages, as these can exacerbate bloating and discomfort. For those with diabetes-related gastroparesis, careful management of blood sugar levels is vital to prevent symptoms from worsening.

Conclusion

A tailored diet is essential for managing the symptoms of gastroparesis by promoting more efficient gastric emptying and ensuring adequate nutritional intake. The cornerstone of a gastroparesis-friendly diet is focusing on small, frequent meals composed of low-fat, low-fiber foods. Transitioning to pureed or liquid-only diets may be necessary for severe cases, and lifestyle adjustments like staying upright after meals and chewing thoroughly can provide further relief. For a personalized plan, it is highly recommended to work with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian who specializes in digestive health, as individual tolerances can vary widely. For further expert-vetted information on managing digestive health, resources from organizations like the NIDDK can be invaluable.

Visit the NIDDK website for more detailed information on gastroparesis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Low-fat and low-fiber diets are recommended because both fat and fiber can slow down the emptying of the stomach. Reducing their intake helps food pass through the digestive system more easily and can alleviate symptoms like nausea, bloating, and early fullness.

A liquid diet is not necessary for all individuals with gastroparesis. It is typically recommended for those experiencing severe flare-ups or when solid food tolerance is very low. Most patients manage their symptoms by following a diet of soft, low-fat, low-fiber foods.

You can eat fruits and vegetables that are well-cooked, peeled, and seeded, as this makes them easier to digest. Good options include bananas, melon, cooked carrots, and peeled potatoes. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables, skins, seeds, and tough stalks.

Yes, you can have protein, but focus on lean, tender, and easily digestible sources. Examples include lean ground chicken or turkey, fish, eggs (not fried), and tofu. Fat-free and low-fat dairy, as well as protein shakes, are often well-tolerated.

Eating small, frequent meals helps manage gastroparesis symptoms by preventing the stomach from becoming over-filled. This allows for more effective gastric emptying, reducing bloating, nausea, and the feeling of fullness.

Foods to avoid include high-fat and fried foods, high-fiber foods like whole grains and nuts, raw fruits and vegetables, and carbonated beverages. Tough or stringy meats should also be limited.

Staying hydrated is crucial. Opt for still water, low-fat broths, and clear soups. Low-sugar sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions can help replenish electrolytes lost from vomiting. Avoid fizzy drinks, as they can cause bloating.