FAQ: Can I Eat Foods That Aren't GP-Friendly?

Question

Is it okay to eat foods that aren't "GP-friendly," such as a piece of fresh fruit or a slice of pizza? What are the risks?

Answer

I get a lot of emails asking if it's okay to eat a certain higher-fat or higher-fiber food if it doesn't exacerbate symptoms. While I can't say for sure whether or not anyone will tolerate any particular food, there are no risks associated with eating most* non-GP-friendly foods, other than the possibility of exacerbated symptoms afterward.

Food does not cause gastroparesis, nor will it worsen it long-term.  In other words, dietary modifications are a way to manage the symptoms of gastroparesis, not a way to treat the condition itself. So, if you tolerate certain foods that are not considered GP-friendly, and many people do, there's usually no reason to eliminate them from your diet. (I actually believe there's a bigger risk in being overly restrictive with your diet.)

That said, if you notice an increase in your symptoms after adding a non-GP-friendly food to your diet, even if it's not an immediate reaction, consider reducing the amount or frequency of that food to see if your symptoms stabilize. It's all about trial and error and finding what works best for you.

For more information about the purpose and limitations of the GP-friendly diet, check out this video.

*Though bezoars (blockages in the stomach caused by undigested food) occur in only about 20% of gastroparesis patients, it’s usually best to avoid the foods associated with them, including apples, berries, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, coconuts, corn, green beans, figs, oranges, persimmons, potato peels, sauerkraut, and fiber supplements, such as Metamucil, Perdiem, Benefiber, Fibercon and Citrucel.  

Relevant Resources

For more information about the Ten Gastroparesis Diet Guidelines, check out this updated video from 2021.