Nutritional Management for Patients with Nausea and Vomiting and Gastroparesis or Dumping Syndrome

Chronic unexplained nausea and vomiting oftentimes result in caloric and vitamin deficiencies with or without weight loss. Patients with gastroparesis and nausea and vomiting have nutritional deficits, but few have had dietary counseling. Nutritional management can help to (1) improve caloric and vitamin intake in patients with gastroparesis or dumping syndrome and (2) reduce the postprandial symptoms of nausea and abdominal fullness and discomfort. In this chapter, we review approaches to nutritional management that allows patients with gastroparesis or dumping syndrome to reduce postprandial nausea by making diet choices each day based on key principles of gastric physiology and nutrition. Innovative ways to supplement diets for patients with nausea and gastric emptying abnormalities who have weight loss, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, or who need enteral or parenteral nutrition support are reviewed.