What is early gastric emptying (dumping syndrome), and how can it be prevented or reduced?
Dumping syndrome is of two varieties: early dumping and late dumping. Early dumping occurs about 15-30 minutes after ingesting a meal and is evidenced by diarrhea, fullness, and abdominal cramps and vomiting. Late dumping presents two to three hours after eating and results in weakness, sweating, nausea, hunger and anxiety. Late dumping is thought to be the result of reactive hypoglycemia. Foods and liquids with high sugar content may exacerbate symptoms of both early and late dumping syndrome. To prevent dumping syndrome, use these strategies: • Eat 6 small meals per day. • Eat slowly and chew all foods thoroughly. • Sit upright while eating. • Limit fluid consumption while eating meals. • Eat meals containing protein and high fiber content.
