What Is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis (also known as delayed stomach emptying) is a condition in which the
stomach muscles do not work properly, or at all. As a result, the passing of food from the stomach to the small intestine is delayed. This can lead to various bodily and lifestyle complications. Treatment can be helpful.
Roughly 10 men and 40 women out of 100,000 people experience gastroparesis in the U.S. The symptoms of gastroparesis often mimic those of other gastrointestinal disorders, but the nature of this disorder is different from the others because it directly occurs due to muscular dysfunction.
There are a
variety of symptoms of gastroparesis. These include vomiting, nausea, abdominal bloating and pain, acid reflux, loss of appetite, and weight loss. However, some individuals with the disorder do not experience noticeable symptoms.
Gastroparesis is sometimes caused by diabetes, when it causes damage to the vagus nerve in the stomach. It can also be caused by certain autoimmune or nervous system disorders. However, for most cases, doctors are unable to identify the underlying cause of the disorder. This is called idiopathic gastroparesis.
Treating Gastroparesis
Treatments for gastroparesis vary. In those afflicted whose gastroparesis is caused by an underlying condition (such as diabetes),
treating the underlying condition is at the forefront of treatment.
Dietary changes to maintain adequate nutrition are highly important to treating and managing gastroparesis.
In fact, many people are able to successfully manage their condition with the right dietary changes. Avoiding high-fiber foods helps some. Eating smaller meals, chewing food thoroughly, and eating plant foods that are well cooked, rather than raw, are some of the common dietary recommendations for those experiencing gastroparesis.
Medication is also a way to treat gastroparesis. There are certain medications prescribed for stimulating the stomach muscles, but these can come with side effects. Medications are also prescribed to help mitigate nausea and vomiting.
Surgical treatment is sometimes necessary. This is usually for individuals who are unable to process any foods or liquids.
Natural Remedies That Might Help
Alternative treatment, and supplements are s not a mainstream way of treating gastroparesis. Yet some supplements have been reported to help individuals improve muscular function in the stomach and mitigate their symptoms.
One study suggests that ginger might be helpful in increasing
gastric emptying, the process by which the stomach releases food contents into the intestine. The dose used in this study was three capsules of 1,200 milligrams of ginger.
Another potential natural remedy is
pineapple juice, as it contains a variety of important nutrients such as vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, zinc and others. These nutrients taken together might help bolster the gastric-emptying process. Pineapple juice is ideal for those with gastroparesis because it is easy to consume, even when consuming other foods is difficult.
Apple cider vinegar can be helpful because it alkalizes the body. belmarrahealth.com/get-rid-gastroparesis-naturally/ This might help improve digestion, and can help with stomach pain, bloating, and other symptoms as well. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water a few minutes before mealtime is a good way to take it.
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