Foods to Avoid With Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome is a condition characterized by severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and diarrhea following the ingestion of food. Dumping syndrome most often occurs after stomach surgery. It results from the quick passage of undigested food into the small intestines. Avoiding certain foods can help prevent dumping syndrome.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Sweet Breads and Cereals
Simple carbohydrates are not tolerated well after stomach surgery and can lead to dumping syndrome. Simple carbohydrates are digested quickly in the stomach and rapidly flood the small intestines 1. Serotonin, histamine and prostaglandins are then released and thought to cause the cramping and diarrhea associated with the dumping syndrome 1. Sweet breads and cereals to avoid with dumping syndrome include sweet rolls, doughnuts, sweetened cereals and pancakes and french toast with syrup.
Instead choose foods high in fiber. High-fiber foods take longer to digest. Lying down after you eat a meal can also help reduce dumping syndrome symptoms by slowing down digestion. It also helps if you eat more slowly.
- Simple carbohydrates are not tolerated well after stomach surgery and can lead to dumping syndrome.
Sweetened Fruits and Juice
Meal Plans for Dumping Syndrome
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Fruits sweetened with sugar also have the same effect as the simple carbohydrates. Avoid canned fruits in heavy syrup and any fresh fruits with added sugar 1. Better choices include fresh whole fruit. Liquids also enter the small intestines quickly and the sugar in the juice can lead to the cramping and diarrhea associated with dumping syndrome. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center suggests that you avoid fruit juice and drink other beverages in between meals.
- Fruits sweetened with sugar also have the same effect as the simple carbohydrates.
- Liquids also enter the small intestines quickly and the sugar in the juice can lead to the cramping and diarrhea associated with dumping syndrome.
Sweetened Yogurts and Milkshakes
Foods that are very cold can also trigger symptoms. Avoid milkshakes because of its temperature and sugar content. Sugar sweetened yogurts should also be avoided with dumping syndrome, along with ice cream and chocolate milk.
- Foods that are very cold can also trigger symptoms.
- Sugar sweetened yogurts should also be avoided with dumping syndrome, along with ice cream and chocolate milk.
Sugar Sweetened Beverages
How Fast Do Carbs Digest in Your Body?
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Snacks and Desserts
Sweetened snacks and desserts should also be avoided with dumping syndrome, including cake, cookies and candy. Sweeteners, such as:
- sugar
- honey
- syrup
- jelly
- should also be avoided
Avoiding sweets is especially important if you suffer from hypoglycemia, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Related Articles
References
- "Krauses Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; L.Kathleen Mahan, Sylvia Escott-Stump; 1996
- Berg P, McCallum R. Dumping Syndrome: A Review of the Current Concepts of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Dig Dis Sci. 2016;61(1):11-18. doi:10.1007/s10620-015-3839-x
- Ma IT, Madura JA 2nd. Gastrointestinal Complications After Bariatric Surgery. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2015;11(8):526-535.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & Causes of Dumping Syndrome. Updated January 2019.
- Cleveland Clinic. Dumping Syndrome: Prevention. Updated April 24, 2018.
- University of Rochester Medical Center. Health Encyclopedia. Dumping syndrome after gastric bypass surgery. Updated 2020.
Writer Bio
Jill Corleone is a registered dietitian and health coach who has been writing and lecturing on diet and health for more than 15 years. Her work has been featured on the Huffington Post, Diabetes Self-Management and in the book "Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation," edited by John R. Bach, M.D. Corleone holds a Bachelor of Science in nutrition.