What is dumping syndrome?
Dumping syndrome is a condition where ingested foods, especially sugar bypass the stomach very rapidly and enter the small intestine largely undigested. It happens when the small intestine expands too quickly due to the presence of hyperosmolar (having increased osmolarity) contents from the stomach. “Early” dumping begins concurrently within 15 to 30 minutes from ingestion of a meal while “Late” dumping happens one to three hours after eating. People with this syndrome often suffer from low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, because the rapid “dumping” of food triggers the pancreas to release excessive amounts of insulin into the bloodstream. This type of hypoglycemia is referred to as “alimentary hypoglycemia.”
Causes of dumping syndrome
Dumping syndrome occurs after gastric surgery (after any stomach operation or removal of the oesophagus) which makes it more difficult for the stomach to regulate the movement of food, which dumps too quickly into the small intestine. Eating certain foods makes dumping syndrome more likely. For example, refined sugars rapidly absorb water from the body, causing symptoms. Symptoms may also happen after eating dairy products and certain fats or fried foods.
Signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome
Signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome generally occur right after eating, especially after a meal rich in table sugar (sucrose) or fruit sugar (fructose). Signs and symptoms might include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Flushing
- Dizziness, lightheadedness
- Rapid heart rate
Late dumping signs and symptoms, which occur one to three hours after eating, are due to your body releasing large amounts of insulin to absorb the large amount of sugars entering the small intestine after eating a high-sugar meal. The result is low blood sugar. Signs and symptoms of late dumping can include:
- Sweating
- Hunger
- Fatigue
- Dizziness, lightheadedness
- Weakness
- Rapid heart rate
Some people have both early and late signs and symptoms. Some people develop dumping syndrome years after surgery.
Dietary management of dumping syndrome
Here are some dietary strategies that can help maintain good nutrition and minimize dumping syndrome:
- Eat smaller meals: Try eating five or six small meals a day rather than three larger ones.
- Avoid fluids with meals: Drink liquids only between meals. Avoid liquids for a half-hour before eating and a half-hour after eating.
- Make dietary changes: Eat more protein — meat, poultry, creamy peanut butter and fish — and complex carbohydrates — oatmeal and other whole-grain foods high in fiber. Limit high-sugar foods, such as candy, table sugar, syrup, sodas and juices. The natural sugar in dairy products (lactose) might worsen the symptoms. Try small amounts at first, or eliminate them if they are causing problems.
- Chew well. Chewing food thoroughly before you swallow can aid digestion.
- Sit upright after eating. Don’t lie down for 30 to 60 minutes after eating.
- Increase fiber intake. Psyllium, guar gum and pectin in food or supplements can delay the absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine.
