Gastroparesis Awareness Month: Understanding a Silent Digestive Disorder
Gastroparesis Awareness Month: Understanding a Silent Digestive Disorder
Gastroparesis is a chronic stomach disorder that affects how food moves from your stomach to your small intestine. While digestion might seem simple, the muscles in your stomach wall, controlled by the vagus nerve, play a crucial role in moving food along. When these muscles don’t contract properly, your stomach empties slowly—or sometimes not at all—leading to uncomfortable and potentially serious digestive issues.
How Gastroparesis Affects Daily Life
For someone living with gastroparesis, everyday meals can become challenging. Eating a normal portion might cause bloating, nausea, or a sense of fullness that lasts for hours. This can make meal planning stressful, lead to unintended weight loss, and impact overall energy and well-being. Over time, poor digestion can result in malnutrition and deficiencies, affecting your long-term health.
Gastroparesis can be caused by several factors, including:
Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage the vagus nerve.
Neurological conditions: Diseases like Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis may affect stomach motility.
Medications: Some drugs, such as certain antidepressants or narcotics, can slow gastric emptying.
Surgery: Gastric or abdominal surgeries sometimes contribute.
Idiopathic causes: In some cases, the cause is unknown.
Signs & Symptoms to Watch For
Gastroparesis symptoms can vary but often include:
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal bloating or pain
Feeling full after eating just a small amount of food
Heartburn or GERD
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss and potential malnutrition
If you experience these symptoms regularly, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional. Early recognition and management can make a huge difference in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
What to Do if You Suspect Gastroparesis
If you think you may have gastroparesis:
Track your symptoms: Note when nausea, bloating, or fullness occurs.
Consult your healthcare provider: Diagnosis may involve tests to measure how quickly your stomach empties and to rule out blockages.
Manage underlying conditions: For example, controlling blood sugar is key if you have diabetes.
Adjust your diet: Eating smaller, more frequent meals and focusing on easily digestible foods can help reduce symptoms.
How Colon Hydrotherapy Can Help
While traditional medical care is essential, colon hydrotherapy can serve as a supportive, complementary therapy for digestive health. By gently cleansing the colon, this therapy can:
Reduce bloating and abdominal discomfort
Promote more regular bowel movements
Support overall gut motility and digestive comfort
Combined with naturopathic strategies—like dietary adjustments, gentle herbal support, and lifestyle changes—colon hydrotherapy can help people with mild gastrointestinal disorders regain comfort, balance, and digestive confidence.
Gastroparesis doesn’t have to control your life. Recognizing the symptoms early and taking proactive steps—through medical care, lifestyle adjustments, and supportive therapies like colon hydrotherapy—can help you manage discomfort and maintain your overall health.
If you’re experiencing digestive challenges, we’re here to help. At Rooted in Natural Health, we specialize in mild gastrointestinal disorders and provide individualized care, including colon hydrotherapy and naturopathic support, to restore balance to your gut health.