How to Treat Gastroparesis Naturally?
Gastroparesis: Overview
Gastroparesis is a disorder characterized by ‘slow, heavy digestion.’ The condition affects the muscles of the stomach, and hampers the stomach’s ability to digest food. In this condition, the stomach cannot empty itself of the food in a normal manner. The occurrence of Gastroparesis is linked to damage to the ‘vagus’ nerve. This nerve controls the muscles of the stomach and regulates the digestive system by propelling food through the digestive tract, by muscular contractions. The vagus nerve performs a crucial role in managing the complex digestive process. It signals the muscles in the stomach to contract, so that the food is pushed into the small intestine.
Due to the damaged vagus nerve in patients suffering from Gastroparesis, the stomach’s muscles cannot function properly, and the spontaneous movement (motility) of the muscles is affected. As such, the stomach is not able to empty itself properly, and the food remains in the stomach a bit longer, instead of getting digested after its normal movement into the small intestine, thus creating wastage.
The vagus nerve damage, which leads to Gastroparesis can be caused by certain diseases, like Diabetes, or because of a surgical procedure involving the stomach or small intestine. Gastroparesis can trigger a number of health complications including severe dehydration, hardening of undigested food that remains in the stomach, and frequent changes in blood sugar levels. The disease can, therefore, have an adverse impact on a patient’s quality of life.
Gastroparesis can affect both men and women, though it is more likely to develop in women as compared to men.
Gastroparesis: Causes
The main cause behind the occurrence of Gastroparesis is the damaged vagus nerve. In addition to this cause, the condition can develop due to some other reasons as well. These reasons may include:
- Uncontrolled Diabetes
- Viral infections
- Gastric (abdominal) surgery that injures the vagus nerve
- Certain medications, like narcotics and some antidepressants
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Rare disorders, such as Amyloidosis and Scleroderma.
Gastroparesis: Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of Gastroparesis are:
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Vomiting undigested food
- Nausea
- Feeling of fullness after eating a few bites
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss and malnutrition
Gastroparesis and Ayurveda
As per classical Ayurvedic texts, a ‘slow digestion’ condition like Gastroparesis is a result of the aggravation of one or more of the three doshas of the body — Vata dosha, Pitta dosha, and Kapha dosha. Therefore, Ayurvedic experts advise Gastroparesis patients to avoid the intake of foods, which aggravate the related dosha. In general, Gastroparesis patients should avoid oily, heavy, toxic, sweet, and cold foods. They are advised to eat foods which have clear, pungent and bitter qualities (guna). Moreover, Gastroparesis patients should eat pureed and well-cooked food, chew the food properly, and drink plenty of water.
The Goodnews!?
The good news is that Gastroparesis is preventable and reversible, but can only be possible by using holistic approach, the one advocated in Ayurveda that addresses the issues from the very root.
Since ancient times, Ayurveda has defined diseases with their symptoms, causes and healing methods with nature.
If you are having any of the above mentioned symptoms, don’t assume it is Gastroparesis yet without any proper diagnosis because there are other stomach muscle related diseases that comes with the same symptoms. Consult with a Doctor for accurate diagnosis to find out if Gastroparesis is what you are having or any other related disease.
Vine-Health Approach to Gastroparesis
As a holistic health clinic, we take accurate diagnosis very seriously in order to ascertain the root cause of a particular illness. You will be consulted with our doctor to know the type of test or scan to run base on your symptoms to detect exactly the root cause of your issue to ascertain if Gastroparesis is your issue or not to ensure appropriate treatment.
Accurate diagnosis is the key to the treatment of any disease.
We can really help you out of the issue!
Contact us for your accurate diagnosis or for any issues