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.
Gastroparesis: Treatment
According to Ayurveda, Gastroparesis can be managed in a natural and effective manner, with the help of dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as the use of special herbs or herbal products.
Renowned herbal manufacturing company Rajamruth Vaidyashala offers some extremely beneficial herbal products (Sanjivani Vati, Mahashankh Vati, Digestion Support and Pitta Balance) for Gastroparesis treatment. The products are prepared under the guidance of expert Ayurveda practitioners who have vast knowledge of Ayurveda and several years of experience in Ayurvedic medications.
1. Sanjivani Vati
The use of Pitta Balance capsules is beneficial for Gastroparesis patients because the ingredients of the capsules are capable of balancing the Pitta dosha, supporting the digestive system, purifying the blood, treating acidity, promoting the function of the immune system, and controlling blood pressure.
Conclusion
The herbal products available from Rajamruth Vaidyashala for the effective management of Gastroparesis are 100% natural products, which are completely safe to use, because they carry no side effects. The preparation of these products does not involve the use of any artificial colours, preservatives, chemicals, starch, yeast, additives, binders or fillers. However, it is advised that Gastroparesis patients should use these herbal products in consultation with an Ayurveda expert.
