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.

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. The sudden influx of food material into the small intestines needs to be diluted quickly, leading to a sharp drop in circulating blood volume and cardiac output, causing the dizziness and nausea, according to the authors of "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy." Serotonin, histamine and prostaglandins are then released and thought to cause the cramping and diarrhea associated with the dumping syndrome. 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.

Sweetened Fruits and Juice

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. 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.

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.

Sugar Sweetened Beverages

In addition to juice and milkshakes, you should also avoid soda-pop, fruit drinks, lemonade and sweet tea. Instead drink sugar free beverages such as water, coffee, tea and diet drinks.

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 and jelly, should also be avoided. Avoiding sweets is especially important if you suffer from hypoglycemia, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.