Do any foods delay gastric emptying?

From the Guidelines

Foods high in fat and fiber can significantly delay gastric emptying, and thus, patients with conditions like gastroparesis should limit their intake of such foods. When considering the impact of different food types on gastric emptying, it's essential to look at the most recent and highest quality evidence available. According to the american gastroenterological association medical position statement on the diagnosis and treatment of gastroparesis 1, dietary recommendations for managing gastroparesis include eating frequent smaller-size meals and replacing solid food with liquids, such as soups, and foods should be low in fat and fiber content. Some key points to consider about foods that delay gastric emptying include:

• High-fat foods can slow stomach emptying by triggering the release of hormones like cholecystokinin that delay gastric motility
• Fiber-rich foods, particularly soluble fiber found in oats, beans, and certain fruits, can slow emptying by forming a gel-like substance in the stomach
• Protein-dense foods take longer to digest than carbohydrates, thereby extending gastric emptying time
• Acidic foods may slow emptying in some individuals, though responses vary
• Foods containing certain spices like ginger can either delay or accelerate emptying depending on the preparation and individual. Understanding these effects can be useful for managing conditions like gastroparesis, where slowing gastric emptying would be detrimental, as highlighted in the study 1.

From the Research

Foods that Delay Gastric Emptying

There is limited information available in the provided studies regarding foods that delay gastric emptying.

• The studies primarily focus on the treatment of gastroparesis, a disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying, using various pharmacological agents such as metoclopramide, domperidone, and erythromycin 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• None of the studies specifically investigate the effect of food on gastric emptying.
• Therefore, based on the available evidence, it is not possible to provide a list of foods that delay gastric emptying.

Pharmacological Treatment of Gastroparesis

The provided studies discuss the use of various pharmacological agents in the treatment of gastroparesis, including:

• Prokinetic agents such as metoclopramide and domperidone 2, 3, 5
• Motilin receptor agonists such as erythromycin 3, 4, 6
• Antiemetic agents such as promethazine and ondansetron 2
• Antidiabetic agents, as gastroparesis is prevalent in diabetic patients 2, 5