Often however, no cause can be found. Usually, the physician prescribes medication to stimulate the stomach to contract. The purpose of the gastroparesis diet is to reduce symptoms and maintain adequate fluids and nutrition. There are three steps to the diet. STEP 1 DIET consists of liquids, which usually leave the stomach quickly by gravity alone.
Liquids prevent dehydration and keep the body supplied with vital salts and minerals.
For patients with gastroparesis, fatty foods and oils should be restricted, because they delay stomach emptying. However, patients at the Step 2 level are usually able to tolerate this amount. STEP 3 DIET is designed for long-term maintenance. Fat is limited to 50 gm per day, and fibrous foods are restricted, because many plant fibers cannot be digested. The STEP 1 Gastroparesis Diet is inadequate in all nutrients except sodium and potassium.