Gastroparesis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month, and we're here to support you with clear, compassionate information about this challenging digestive condition. Understanding what's happening in your body can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone in this journey.

When everything works as it should, strong muscular contractions gently move food through your digestive system. But sometimes, your stomach's natural rhythm slows down or stops working properly, making it difficult for food to empty as it normally would. This condition is called gastroparesis, which literally means partial paralysis of the stomach.

If you're experiencing unexplained digestive symptoms or have recently received a gastroparesis diagnosis, we want to help you understand what this means and how you can take meaningful steps toward feeling better. Together, we'll explore how common this condition is, what causes it, the symptoms to watch for, and most importantly, the treatment options that can help you regain control of your health.

You might be wondering if you're facing something rare or if others share your experience. Research suggests that gastroparesis (also called delayed gastric emptying) affects approximately ten men and 40 women out of every 100,000 people.

However, many healthcare experts believe these numbers only tell part of the story. Because gastroparesis symptoms can mirror other digestive conditions like GERD and irritable bowel syndrome, many people may be living with undiagnosed gastroparesis. This means you're part of a larger community than the official statistics might suggest, and your symptoms are valid and deserving of proper attention and care.

Every person's experience with gastroparesis is unique, and symptoms can vary significantly from one individual to another. Understanding what to look for can help you advocate for yourself and work more effectively with your healthcare team. Common signs include:

• Nausea that may come and go throughout the day
• Abdominal bloating and discomfort
• Loss of appetite or feeling uninterested in food
• Feeling unusually full after eating just a small amount
• Vomiting, especially of undigested food
• Acid reflux that may seem worse than usual
• Heartburn that doesn't respond well to typical remedies
• Unintended weight loss and potential nutritional concerns
• Blood sugar levels that seem harder to manage
• Stomach muscle spasms

It's important to know that some people with gastroparesis experience very mild symptoms or may not notice symptoms at all. This doesn't make your condition any less real or important—it simply shows how differently our bodies can respond to the same underlying issue.

While we don't always have a clear answer about what triggers gastroparesis, understanding the most common causes can help you and your healthcare provider work together more effectively.

In many cases, gastroparesis develops when the vagus nerve—a crucial part of your parasympathetic nervous system that helps your body "rest and digest"—becomes damaged. This important nerve coordinates complex digestive processes, including signaling your stomach muscles to contract and move food along. When the vagus nerve can't send these signals effectively, food may remain in your stomach longer than it should.

The two most frequent reasons for vagus nerve damage are persistent high blood sugar levels from diabetes and surgical procedures involving the stomach or small intestine. If you're managing diabetes, know that maintaining stable blood sugar levels can be an important part of supporting your digestive health.

Here's something that might bring you comfort: in nearly 36 percent of gastroparesis cases, doctors can't identify a specific cause. This is called idiopathic gastroparesis. While not having a clear "why" can feel frustrating, it's actually quite common and doesn't change the fact that your symptoms are real and treatable.

Some people develop gastroparesis following a viral illness, though we're still learning exactly how this connection works. Your body's healing journey is unique, and understanding these possibilities can help you feel more informed about your own experience.

If you're experiencing symptoms that might suggest gastroparesis, reaching out to a healthcare provider is an important step in your wellness journey. They have several gentle, effective tests to help rule out other conditions and confirm whether gastroparesis might be affecting you.

The most commonly used diagnostic approaches include:

• Gastric emptying study : This test helps measure how long it takes food to move through your stomach. You'll eat a meal that contains a tiny, safe amount of radioactive material, and then technicians will take images of your stomach at one minute, one hour, two hours, and four hours. It's a non-invasive way to see exactly how your stomach is functioning.
• Barium contrast radiography : After fasting for 12 hours, you'll drink a liquid called barium that helps your stomach show up clearly on X-rays. If food is still present in your stomach after 12 hours of fasting, this can indicate gastroparesis.
• SmartPill : This involves swallowing a small capsule containing an electronic device that safely travels through your digestive system, sending information about how quickly food moves through your body to a receiver you'll wear.
• Upper endoscopy : During this procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera is gently inserted through your mouth to visually examine your upper digestive tract.

While gastroparesis is a chronic condition that typically requires ongoing management rather than a one-time cure, the encouraging news is that many people find significant relief through various treatment approaches. Working with your healthcare team, you can develop a personalized plan that helps you feel more comfortable and in control.

Several medications have proven helpful for people managing gastroparesis:

• Medications that stimulate stomach muscles : These include metoclopramide (Reglan) and erythromycin, which can help encourage your stomach to move food along more effectively.
• Medications that manage nausea and vomiting : Options like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and ondansetron (Zofran) can provide significant relief from these challenging symptoms.

One of the most empowering aspects of managing gastroparesis is discovering how much control you can have through thoughtful daily choices. Small, consistent changes in your eating habits can make a meaningful difference in how you feel each day.

Consider these gentle, proven approaches:

• Eating four to six smaller meals throughout the day instead of two or three large ones can be much easier on your digestive system
• Limiting alcohol and carbonated beverages, which can slow digestion
• Choosing pureed or liquid foods when solid foods feel challenging, as these often move through the stomach more easily
• Avoiding late-night eating to give your stomach time to rest
• Being mindful of high-fat foods, which naturally slow digestion
• Temporarily reducing high-fiber foods like broccoli, whole grains, and legumes when symptoms are active
• Preparing vegetables and fruits by cooking them well to reduce their fiber content
• Taking time to rest upright after meals rather than lying down immediately
• Supporting your overall health by avoiding smoking
• Working with your healthcare provider about narcotic medications, which can slow digestion
• Focusing on managing any underlying conditions, such as diabetes, that might be contributing to your symptoms

Remember, a qualified healthcare professional can work with you to create an eating plan that honors your individual needs, preferences, and lifestyle. You don't have to figure this out alone.

Many people in our community have found additional relief through complementary approaches that work alongside traditional medical treatment. While every person's response is different, these options are worth discussing with your healthcare provider:

• Acupuncture : This gentle treatment uses extremely thin needles placed at specific points on your body. Studies suggest that acupuncture may provide more symptom relief than placebo treatments for some people with gastroparesis.\[6\]
• Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) : Some research shows that injecting this medication into the pyloric sphincter muscle can help relax the stomach opening, potentially allowing food to move through more easily.\[7\]\[8\]
• Vagal nerve stimulation : Researchers are actively studying whether this approach can help reduce inflammation and nerve-related issues associated with gastroparesis.\[9\]

Living with gastroparesis can feel challenging, especially when you're first learning to manage symptoms and navigate treatment options. Please know that with the right combination of medical care, lifestyle adjustments, and support, many people find effective ways to manage their symptoms and maintain fulfilling, active lives.

If you're looking for comprehensive support in managing gastroparesis or any other health challenges, we'd love to welcome you to our Knew Health Community. We work alongside our Members to ensure they receive the personalized care they deserve, while offering valuable Member benefits like discounted supplements, affordable blood work, and caring health coaching. Begin your journey toward better health with a Community that truly understands and supports your wellness goals.

References:

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Definition & Facts for gastroparesis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastroparesis/definition-facts#:~:text=Gastroparesis%20is%20not%20common.,the%20United%20States2%2C%203
2. Rey, E., Choung, R. S., Schleck, C. D., Zinsmeister, A. R., Talley, N. J., & Locke, G. R. (2012). Prevalence of hidden gastroparesis in the community: The gastroparesis "iceberg". Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility , 18 (1), 34–42. https://doi.org/10.5056/jnm.2012.18.1.34
3. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, June 11). Gastroparesis. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355787
4. Liu, N., & Abell, T. (2017). Gastroparesis updates on pathogenesis and Management. Gut and Liver , 11 (5), 579–589. https://doi.org/10.5009/gnl16336
5. Limketkai, B. N., LeBrett, W., Lin, L., & Shah, N. D. (2020). Nutritional approaches for gastroparesis. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology , 5 (11), 1017–1026. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2468-1253(20)30078-9
6. Xuefen, W., Ping, L., Li, L., Xiaoli, C., & Yue, Z. (2020). A clinical randomized controlled trial of acupuncture treatment of gastroparesis using different acupoints. Pain Research and Management , 2020 , 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8751958
7. Placebo controlled trial of botulinum toxin for gastroparesis – full text view. Full Text View – ClinicalTrials.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00372970
8. Lacy, B. E., Crowell, M. D., Schettler-Duncan, A., Mathis, C., & Pasricha, P. J. (2004). The treatment of diabetic gastroparesis with botulinum toxin injection of the pylorus. Diabetes Care , 27 (10), 2341–2347. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.27.10.2341
9. Vagal nerve stimulation for gastroparesis – full text view. Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Gastroparesis – Full Text View – ClinicalTrials.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03120325

Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.