Summarize the current recommendations for nutrition therapy for gastroparesis. Choose at least 3 of the recommended dietary modifications and explain why each may assist with control of symptoms or improve nutritional status

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• Recommend nutrition support if solid food consumption is inadequate - if oral consumption is too low, adequate nutriture (energy and protein) should be provided via nutrition support
• Consume 5-6 small meals per day - smaller meals may alleviate the feelings of discomfort/pain from large meals and allow for quicker gastric emptying of the meal (due to the lower volume)
• Encourage activity after eating (not lying down) - keeping the upper body in an upright position can allow gravity to assist in the movement of the gastric contents towards the pylorus
• Select foods low in fiber and fat - fiber can thicken the gastric contents and slow their passage into the small intestine; fat will stimulate cholecystokinin and hence inhibit gastric emptying
• Provide nutrition education to minimize symptoms of malabsorption/maldigestion - educating the client to consume foods consisting of high energy, protein, and micronutrient content can prevent nutritional inadequacies