Taking care of our gut health is of utmost importance as stomach-related complications can lead to an uncomfortable and painful life.
The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders announced August as the awareness month for gastroparesis, let us find out what this condition is about and how we can prevent ourselves from it.
According to the Mayo Clinic, gastroparesis is a condition that slows or prevents stomach motility, affecting the normal movement of muscles, and preventing proper emptying of the stomach. “Ordinarily, strong muscular contractions propel food through your digestive tract. But if you have gastroparesis, your stomach’s motility is slowed down or doesn’t work at all, preventing your stomach from emptying properly.”
When describing what gastroparesis feels like, the Cleveland Clinic states that food remains in your stomach for a lengthy period after consumption when your stomach muscles are not functioning properly. “You may feel full almost immediately and for a long time after eating. You may have a stomachache, feel nauseous or throw up.”
In agreement with the publication above, WebMD lists the symptoms of this condition as follows:
- Acid reflux
- Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Upset stomach
- Nausea and vomiting
- A feeling of fullness quickly when you eat
- Insufficient nutrition
- Bloating
- Weight loss
- Blood sugar control issues
- Belly pain
When it comes to what causes this illness, Healthline mentions that “While the exact cause of gastroparesis isn’t known, it’s thought to have something to do with disrupted nerve signals in the stomach. It’s believed that when the nerves to the stomach become affected by a variety of factors, food can move through it too slowly.” It is further stated that other factors, such as oversensitivity to nervous system signals and inability to react to meals, also contribute. “Surgeries that involve the stomach or other digestive organs can also change signals to the stomach.”
Tips to prevent and manage gastroparesis according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders include:
- Eat frequent, small meals that are low in fat and fibre. Fat, fibre, and large meals can delay stomach emptying and worsen symptoms.
- Keep hydrated and as nutritionally fit as possible.
- Avoid or reduce alcohol and smoking tobacco. These can slow gastric emptying.
- If you have diabetes, maintain good glucose control. Irregular stomach emptying can negatively affect blood sugar levels. Keeping your blood sugar under control may help with stomach emptying.
- Consult a registered dietician or nutrition support specialist for a personalized dietary plan.
Also see: Can stress cause ulcers?
