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 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)
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.
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.
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.
