While this condition is common in my line of work, not everyone is familiar with it.
What is gastroparesis?
It’s important to confirm there aren’t any physical or mechanical obstructions leading to slow motility.
Always work with a physician to ensure you get the correct tests for a solid diagnosis.
Causes of gastroparesis.
One of the common underlying themes in some of these conditions is nerve or nervous-system-related dysfunction.
Oxidative stress and dysfunction of the nervous system contribute to the development of gastroparesis.
How to know if you have gastroparesis.
The primary purpose of an upper endoscopy is to confirm nothing is obstructing food motility.
If nothing shows up in the procedure, you may be referred for agastric emptying scan2.
If it doesn’t empty quickly enough, you could be diagnosed with gastroparesis.
How to manage gastroparesis.
Dietary changes
Dietary modifications are at the core of any management strategy for gastroparesis.
It’s important to double-check fluids and electrolytes are balanced and blood sugar is controlled.
Hopefully, as your symptoms improve, you’re free to liberalize your eating patterns and food choices.
It can be helpful to work with a dietitian skilled in helping people with gastroparesis.
Integrative approaches.
Sure, we need to keep conventional algorithms and treatments in mindespecially when it comes to making a diagnosis.
However, there are other less conventional tools to help manage symptoms.
Stress management.
The brain is directly connected to the gastrointestinal tract via thevagus nerve, which is a bidirectional information superhighway.
In my practice, I often employ mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation as part of that treatment plan.
