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Natural treatment for gastroparesis – peppermint and ginger

Gastroparesis is also known as delayed gastric emptying and it happens when the stomach takes too long to empty food. Experts are not sure what is the real cause for gastroparesis. Damage to the vagus nerve which controls the stomach muscles can cause gastroparesis. This kind of damage can be caused by several factors such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, several nervous system diseases, hypothyroidism, radiation therapy, abdominal surgery and uncontrolled diabetes. Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia can also increase your risk of developing gastroparesis. The most common symptoms of this condition are unintended weight loss, malnutrition, feeling full even after eating a very small amount of food, fluctuation in blood sugar levels, swollen abdomen, low appetite, bloating, heartburn, vomiting, nausea and upper abdominal pain. These symptoms can vary from mild to severe and they can vary from person to person. It is very important to get medical help for gastroparesis because it can cause fluctuations in blood sugar, malnutrition, severe dehydration and it can affect the quality of your life. You can add yogurt, low – fat cheese, egg whites, scallops and tuna in your diet.

Home remedies for gastroparesis

Deep breathing: This is an effective way which can help you to deal with a weak digestive system. Also it can help stimulate vagus nerve and it can increase the blood flow to the digestive tract to ensure proper digestion and regular bowel movements. Also it can help you to fight the symptoms of this condition such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and bloating. A deep breathing is also good for your soul and heart. You should sit in a comfortable position and you should place your hands on your abdomen. You should take a deep breath in through your nose and you should allow your stomach and abdomen to expand. You should hold your breath for three to five seconds. You should breathe out through your mouth allowing your exhalation to last longer than your inhalation. You should repeat this breathing exercise for five to ten minutes. You should enjoy a short session of deep breathing a few times per day.

Acupressure and acupuncture: These alternative medicine techniques in which acupoints are pressed with thin needles or fingers are inserted in lines on the body called meridians and they can give you a relief from the gastroparesis symptoms such as bloating, vomiting and nausea. These techniques can help improve neurological functions and also they can boost your immune system. Also they promote circulation of oxygen – rich blood throughout the body which can help your digestive system to function properly. There was one study in which was concluded that in addition to the routine treatment for controlling blood sugar, acupuncture can provide therapeutic effects on diabetic gastroparesis. Pressing acupuncture points ST36 (located on the front of the leg, below the kneecap) and PC6 (located on the wrist) for a few minutes can help you to give you a relief from the stomach problems. If you want to treat the gastroparesis symptoms with acupuncture, then you need to talk with an expert before you start doing it. [1,2]

Vitamin D: It is very important to maintain a good Vitamin D levels in your body for all people who suffer from gastroparesis. The sunshine vitamin plays a key role in the health of the enteric nervous system. If you do not have enough amount of Vitamin D in your body, then your neurological, digestive and immune system health suffers. There was one study in which is shown the link between increase in Vitamin D levels and improvements in gastric motility in patients who suffer from this condition [3]. You should enjoy morning sunlight without using sunscreen for ten to fifteen every day. You should eat foods that are rich in Vitamin D such as soy products, fortified cereals and fortified milk. Also you can take a high – quality Vitamin D supplement every day after you have talked to your doctor.

Gastroparesis

Natural cures for gastroparesis

Peppermint: This natural cure can give you a relief from vomiting and nausea which are the two most common symptoms of gastroparesis. Also it aids digestion and it helps in treating bloating and intestinal cramps. There was one study in which is shown that this oil enhances gastric emptying [4]. If you have nausea and you want to stop the nausea, you should put a few drops of peppermint oil on a handkerchief and you should sniff it from time to time. You should drink peppermint tea once or twice per day if you want to improve the digestion. You should make this tea by steeping one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in one cup of hot water for ten minutes. You should strain it and drink it. Also you can take enteric – coated peppermint oil capsules but you should talk with your doctor about the right dosage.

Apple cider vinegar: This is also a very effective home remedy for gastroparesis. It has an alkalizing effect in your body which can help you to get a relief from the heartburn, bloating, abdominal pain and also it can improve the digestion. There was one study in which was analyzed the effect of apple cider vinegar on delayed gastric emptying in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus [5]. In this study was said that this natural cure has important role for the natural treatment of the gastroparesis. You should mix one teaspoon of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar in one glass of warm water. You should drink it fifteen to twenty minutes before every meal.

Aloe Vera: This is one of the best natural cures which you can use if you suffer from gastroparesis. It can help with digestion and it regulates bowel movements. Aloe Vera has laxative nature which supports the proper functioning of your digestive system and also it helps you to get a relief from the stomach pain and bloating. You should drink one cup of Aloe Vera juice every morning after waking up for proper bowel movement. If you want to make this Aloe Vera juice, you should blend two tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel and one cup of water or orange juice in a blender. Also you can drink some Aloe Vera juice before you eat your meals. You should not consume Aloe Vera juice which has more than two tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel in a day.

Probiotic foods: Probiotics are live microorganisms which provide you many digestive benefits when they are consumed in adequate amounts [6]. These microorganisms can help your body to break down foods and they absorb its nutrients. You should eat probiotics foods such as sour pickles, buttermilk, tempeh, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir and Greek yogurt. You should try probiotic supplements after you have talked with your doctor.

Ginger: This is also one of the best home remedies which you can you for gastroparesis. This natural cure stimulates digestive juices and the flow of enzymes needed to properly digest food. This will accelerate emptying of the stomach naturally [7]. This can help you to rid of the nausea. You should mix one to two teaspoons of ginger juice in one cup of warm water. You should drink it twenty to thirty minutes before you eat your meals. Also you can drink a few cups of ginger tea every day. To make this ginger tea you should boil one to 1½ cup of water and five to six ginger slices in the water. You should allow it to simmer for five minutes. Also you can add a small amount of lemon juice and honey in it to improve the taste. Also there is another option in which you can consume ginger and that is to take ginger supplements. But you need to talk with your doctor before you add ginger supplements in your diet.

Coconut oil: Coconut oil has medium – chain fatty acids which are extremely important for your digestive system. These fatty acids do not require pancreatic enzymes and bile salts for their digestion. This oil helps fight inflammation and build the immune system which is critical for your digestive and overall health [8]. You should add one teaspoon of extra – virgin coconut oil to ¼ of water. You should warm this natural cure in the microwave or on the stove because this will help the oil to melt thoroughly in the water. You should drink this natural cure before every meal. Also you can make another home remedy from this oil. You should add one teaspoon of extra – virgin coconut oil to one cup of hot tea or you can add it in your smoothies.

References:

[1] Kim KH, Lee MS, Choi TY, Kim TH. Acupuncture for symptomatic gastroparesis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR). 2018;12:CD009676.

[2] Liu Y-H, Dong G-T, Ye Y, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture for early recovery of bowel function in cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017.

[3] Kedar A, Nikitina Y, Henry OR, et al. Gastric dysmotility and low serum vitamin D levels in patients with gastroparesis. Hormone and Metabolic Research. 2013;45(1):47-53.

[4] Inamori M, Akiyama T, Akimoto K, et al. Early effects of peppermint oil on gastric emptying: a crossover study using a continuous real-time 13C breath test (BreathID system). Journal of Gastroenterology. 2007;42(7):539-42.

[5] Hlebowicz J, Darwiche G, Bjorgell O, Almer L-O. Effect of apple cider vinegar on delayed gastric emptying in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a pilot study. BMC Gastroenterology. 2007;7:46.

[6] Quigley EMM. Prebiotics and probiotics in digestive health. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2019;17(2):333-44.

[7] Wu K-L, Rayner CK, Chuah S-K, et al. Effects of ginger on gastric emptying and motility in healthy humans. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2008;20(5):436-40.

[8] Shah ND, Limketkai BN. The use of medium-chain triglycerides in gastrointestinal disorders. Nutrition Issues in Gastroenterology. 2017;160:20-28.

Vijila
Vijila
Dr. Emil Sarsath (aka) Vijila, a licensed naturopathic doctor (BSMS) who always ensures his patients receive compassionate, and individualized care. He has extensive experience in primary care, digestive health, mental health, nervous system disorder and more.Area of Expertise – Naturopathic Medicine, Whole Foods-based Nutrition, Siddha, Panchakarma.She is always available through [email protected]

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