Gastroparesis Awareness Month – Understanding Delayed Gastric Emptying

What is Gastroparesis?

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month, which is dedicated to improving understanding and management of this condition. Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a condition where the stomach muscles are impaired, preventing proper emptying of contents into the small intestine. This results in food staying in the stomach longer than normal, leading to various digestive symptoms.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis

The main symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, early satiety (feeling very full quickly), and postprandial fullness (feeling overly full after eating). Unintended weight loss is another common symptom due to reduced food intake and nutrient absorption.

Gastroparesis is a chronic condition without a definitive cure, but its symptoms can be managed, and progression slowed with appropriate treatment. The goal is to alleviate symptoms, improve stomach emptying, and enhance the patient's quality of life. At Bastyr Health Clinics, we help people with a range of digestive health concerns, including gastroparesis, restoring their digestive health and sense of well-being.

Naturopathic doctors focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues, considering the body as an interconnected system. They utilize a range of natural therapies, including nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle adjustments, and supplementation.

Nutrition Therapy Tips for Managing Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis increases the risk of malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies. Individuals should consult with a licensed nutritionist or dietician to develop a treatment plan that maintains adequate nutrition without exacerbating symptoms. Everyone is different but a dietician may recommend:

• Eat small meals more often
• Chew your food well. Solid food is harder for your stomach to digest.
• Stay hydrated
• Be mindful of high-fat foods: foods high in fat typically take more time to digest, which can delay gastric emptying
• Walking after eating to promote digestion

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Acupuncture can also help manage gastroparesis by stimulating the vagus nerve, which controls stomach muscles. This can promote better nerve function and regulate gastric motility, allowing food to move more smoothly through the digestive system. Acupuncture sessions can also address symptoms like nausea, bloating, and abdominal pain by releasing endorphins and other neurotransmitters, inducing a sense of relaxation and well-being.

Chinese herbal medicine can also assist in managing gastroparesis. These remedies often include ingredients with digestive benefits, aiding in food breakdown and supporting gastrointestinal health.

While acupuncture, herbal medicine, and specific foods do not cure gastroparesis, they serve as valuable complementary treatments that can improve symptom management and overall quality of life. When integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan, these natural therapies can work synergistically with other medical approaches, providing a holistic and well-rounded approach to care.

At Bastyr Health Clinics, we offer the support you need to manage gastroparesis naturally, helping you make necessary dietary and lifestyle changes for better health.