A Guide To Gastroparesis Symptoms, Causes, And Natural Treatments

If you think you may have this condition, consult with a doctor or GI, and read on to understand the causes, signs, and possible management techniques.

It's important to make sure there aren't any physical or mechanical obstructions leading to slow motility. For example, if your stomach doesn't empty well because you have cancer in your stomach, that could block the exit of food from the stomach and might explain your gastroparesis-like symptoms. Always work with a physician to ensure you get the correct tests for a solid diagnosis.

One of the common underlying themes in some of these conditions is nerve or nervous-system-related dysfunction. In the case of diabetes, experts believe that chronically elevated blood sugars are associated with a higher risk of neuropathy. Oxidative stress and dysfunction of the nervous system contribute to the development of gastroparesis.

If nothing shows up in the procedure, you may be referred for a gastric emptying scan2. This is when you eat a meal tagged with radiolabeled isotope so the radiologist can determine what pace the food leaves the stomach. If it doesn't empty quickly enough, you could be diagnosed with gastroparesis.

If your doctor identifies a particular cause, then I advise treatment and management that focuses on the underlying cause, not just the symptoms. Here are a few ways it may be treated (but only under the supervision and recommendation of your doctor.)

Remember, this is all a matter of how much your stomach can take based on how fast it can move. If you try to fill your stomach faster than it can empty, then you're going to have a problem. So go slowly when filling the stomach in order to give it more time and less stress to empty. 3

Hopefully, as your symptoms improve, you can liberalize your eating patterns and food choices. It can be helpful to work with a dietitian skilled in helping people with gastroparesis. Some people also consider food sensitivity testing to see if it might offer some insight into how they can optimize their dietary choices.

If dietary adjustments are not enough to control symptoms, then speak to your doctor about options for prescription medication or surgeries.

As an integrative gastroenterologist, I try to look beyond the conventional approaches, like medication and surgery. Sure, we need to keep conventional algorithms and treatments in mind—especially when it comes to making a diagnosis. However, there are other less conventional tools to help manage symptoms.

Because of the brain-gut axis8, modifying some of the chemical messages from the brain may support the state of the gut. In my practice, I often employ mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation as part of that treatment plan.

While gastroparesis may sound like a daunting diagnosis, there are ways to manage or help your symptoms. Using a combination of conventional and integrative approaches, with the support of a doctor, may allow you to optimize the outcome and get your gut health back on track.