Gastroparesis

 
 

This article was written by Kaitlin Colucci, Founder of the KC Nutrition Clinic. Gastroparesis is a chronic condition where the stomach cannot empty in the normal way. Food passes through the stomach slower than usual. It's thought to be the result of a problem with the nerves and muscles that control how the stomach empties. If these nerves are damaged, the muscles of your stomach may not work properly and the movement of food can slow down.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gastroparesis may include:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Acid reflux

  • Feeling full very quickly

  • Weight loss

  • Bloating

  • Erratic blood sugar levels

  • Poor appetite

  • Heartburn

These symptoms may be mild or severe depending on the person.

What are the causes?

In many cases of gastroparesis, there's no obvious cause. This is known as idiopathic gastroparesis. Some other common causes of gastroparesis include:

  • Poorly controlled Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes*

  • A complication of some types of surgery – such as weight loss surgery or removal of part of the stomach.

The vagus nerve controls the movement of food through the digestive tract. If the vagus nerve is damaged, the muscles of the stomach and intestines do not work normally, and the movement of food is slowed or stopped.

*Diabetes can damage the vagus nerve if blood glucose levels remain high over a long period of time.

Treatment

Dietary treatment

High fat and high fibre foods may exacerbate symptoms of gastroparesis.

  • High fibre foods pass through the digestive tract undigested until they reach the large intestine.

  • High fat foods can take longer for the stomach to empty. If you are underweight, fat contained in drinks e.g supplement drinks, or full fat milk, may be better tolerated.

Changing your eating habits may help control gastroparesis. This may consist of:

  • Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

  • Eating liquid or semi-solid foods.

  • Chewing food well.

  • In severe cases, food may be required to be administered via a feeding tube until symptoms improve.

Medication

The following medicines may be prescribed by your doctor to help improve your symptoms:

  • Domperidone – which is taken before eating to contract your stomach muscles and help move food along.

  • Erythromycin – an antibiotic that also helps contract the stomach and may help move food along.

  • Anti-emetics – medicines that help to reduce nausea and vomiting.

However, the evidence that these medicines relieve the symptoms of gastroparesis is relatively limited and they can cause side effects. Your doctor should discuss the potential risks and benefits with you.

Other options

If dietary changes and medicine do not help your symptoms, there are some other new treatments that may be recommended:

  • Electrical stimulation - a device is fitted under the skin of the abdomen which sends electrical impulses to help stimulate the muscles involved in controlling the passage of food through the stomach.

  • Botulinum toxin (botox) injections - used in more severe cases of gastroparesis, botox is injected into the valve between the stomach and small intestine. This relaxes the valve and keeps it open for a longer period of time so food can pass through.

  • Surgery - in very severe cases of gastroparesis, some people may benefit from surgery which may reduce symptoms by allowing food to move through the stomach more easily.

If you have been diagnosed with gastroparesis, dietitians can help to assess your symptoms, discuss the different dietary options, and support you if you are losing weight. If you are suffering & need help reviewing your diet, book in to speak to a dietitian at the KC Nutrition Clinic with either Kaitlin or Annabel.

Kaitlin Colucci