Gastroparesis Remedies: Practical Ways to Reduce Nausea and Speed Digestion

Got slow stomach emptying and a fridge full of foods that now make you feel sick? Gastroparesis is frustrating, but there are clear, practical steps you can try today to feel better. Below are diet changes, home habits, medicines your doctor might suggest, and advanced options if those don't work.

Diet and lifestyle fixes

Start with food: eat smaller meals more often. Four to six small, balanced meals are easier to move through a sluggish stomach than two big ones. Choose low-fat, low-fiber foods—fat and fiber slow digestion. That means lean proteins, cooked vegetables (not raw), and refined grains when symptoms are bad.

Liquid meals often work better. Smoothies, soups, and nutritional shakes empty faster and deliver calories without the discomfort of solid food. Chew well, eat slowly, and sit upright for 30–60 minutes after eating. A short, gentle walk after meals helps stimulate motility—no marathon, just a 10–20 minute stroll.

Keep blood sugar under control if you have diabetes. High blood sugar can worsen gastroparesis. Stay hydrated and avoid carbonated drinks and alcohol, which can increase bloating and delay emptying. Ginger—taken as tea, candied slices, or low-dose supplement—can reduce nausea for some people, but check with your doctor first.

Medical and advanced options

Talk to your doctor before trying any medication. Prokinetic drugs help the stomach move food along. Metoclopramide is commonly prescribed but can cause movement side effects if used long-term. Erythromycin can speed emptying short-term but often loses effect after weeks.

Domperidone can help but has been linked to cardiac risks; some regulators and journals have raised safety concerns. Your clinician will weigh benefits and risks and may monitor heart function if domperidone is used.

For nausea, antiemetics like ondansetron or promethazine can offer relief. If pills are a problem due to poor emptying, doctors can use liquid forms or injections. For severe cases where oral intake fails, options include jejunal feeding (tube past the stomach) or gastric electrical stimulation, which helps some patients with chronic nausea and vomiting.

Keep a simple symptom-and-food diary. Note what you eat, portion size, and how you feel afterward. That helps you and your doctor spot patterns fast. If you notice new warning signs—severe weight loss, dehydration, blood in vomit, or fainting—seek medical care right away.

Final thought: small changes often add up. Start with meals and movement, track results, and involve your healthcare team for medication or advanced therapies. You don’t have to accept daily nausea as normal—treatment options exist and can be matched to how severe your symptoms are.