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Dumping syndrome is a condition that occurs when food moves too fast from the stomach to the small intestines. The rapid release of sugar raises the body’s blood glucose level which leads to an increase in insulin, followed by a quick drop in blood glucose. Dumping syndrome causes include surgeries such as a bariatric surgery or a partial gastrectomy. (1) The condition causes dumping syndrome symptoms to occur 10-30 minutes after a meal, or 2-3 hours after a meal. Conventional dumping syndrome treatment may involve medications to control high blood sugar levels, while natural dumping syndrome treatment focuses on diet and supplements to do the same.

dumping syndrome stomach pain

Dumping Syndrome Symptoms

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloating
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • Weakness
  • Flushing
  • Sweating
  • Wanting to lie down after meals
  • Increased heart rate

Dumping Syndrome Treatment

1. Limit Simple Carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates are rapidly absorbed in the body, which is why it’s important for people with dumping syndrome to eliminate them. Refined carbohydrates are processed, full of additives and full of sugar, which can disrupt the GI tract and make dumping syndrome symptoms worse. Avoid baked goods, refined grains, wheat products, processed fruit juices and soda. (2)

dumping syndrome sugar

2. Try Pectin

According to a study published in Gastroenterology, pectin helped to prevent hypoglycemic symptoms in patients who underwent gastric surgery. Pectin works as a dumping syndrome treatment by acting as a gelling and thickening for food, to delay food from moving too fast through the intestines. (3)

3. Consume Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the day can help ensure that your body is absorbing enough nutrients. Add green leafy vegetables to your diet, along with plenty of colorful fruits. Try mango, apples, pears, guava, pineapples and berries.

dumping syndrome fruit

4. Try Guar Gum

Guar gum has the ability to stabilize, emulsify and thicken the texture of food. Studies have shown that taking the powdered substance with meals can help increase food tolerance in patients with dumping syndrome. (4)

5. Limit Dairy

The lactose in dairy products may trigger symptoms of dumping syndrome. Limiting dairy may work as a natural dumping syndrome treatment to reduce inflammation and keep unwanted symptoms at bay.

dumping syndrome chese

6. Eat Smaller Meals

Dumping syndrome causes may include eating large amounts of food in one sitting. Eating 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day can work as a dumping syndrome treatment to help minimize symptoms. Eat slowly, chew your food and delay drinking fluids until 30 minutes after your meal. (5)

7. Eat High-Fiber Foods

High-fiber foods can help naturally reduce dumping syndrome symptoms thanks to their ability to resist immediate breakdown. Complex carbohydrates that contain fiber include sweet potatoes, carrots, legumes, barley and quinoa.

dumping syndrome sweet potato

8. Try Glucomannan

Glucomannan powder can absorb up to 50 times its weight in water. It has the ability to delay the stomach’s emptying process, directly addressing dumping syndrome causes. A study published in Gut found that small amounts of the powder may help reduce symptoms in patients with dumping syndrome. (6)

9. Try Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk is an edible soluble fiber. Research has shown that psyllium is a safe way to help improve glycemic control. Patients with dumping syndrome can mix psyllium in powder form with liquid before meals to help delay gastric emptying. (7)