Gastroparesis – What You Need to Know

If your stomach feels like a slow‑moving treadmill, you might be dealing with gastroparesis. It’s a condition where the stomach can’t empty food normally. The result? Bloating, nausea, and feeling full after just a few bites.

Common Signs and Why It Happens

The first clue is usually persistent nausea or vomiting without any obvious cause. You may also notice early satiety – that uncomfortable feeling of being full too quickly. Other red flags are bloating, abdominal pain, and unpredictable blood sugar swings (especially if you have diabetes).

What’s behind the slowdown? In many cases nerves that control stomach muscles get damaged. Diabetes is a top culprit, but surgeries, certain medications, or even an infection can mess with those nerves too.

Practical Ways to Manage the Condition

The easiest step is changing what and how you eat. Small, frequent meals spread throughout the day work better than three big plates. Choose low‑fat, low‑fiber foods because fat and fiber slow stomach emptying even more.

Liquids can be a lifesaver. Try smoothies or soups that give calories without overloading your stomach. If you need extra calories, add protein powder or healthy oils to those drinks.

Staying upright after meals helps gravity do its job. A 30‑minute walk or simply sitting up can cut down on nausea. Some people find that chewing each bite thoroughly – at least 20 times – makes digestion smoother.

Medications are another tool. Doctors may prescribe prokinetic drugs like metoclopramide to boost stomach movement, but they come with side effects, so follow the dosage strictly.

Keep an eye on blood sugar if you have diabetes. Because food stays longer in your gut, glucose levels can spike later than expected. Checking your numbers more often can prevent surprises.

If symptoms stay severe, talk to a gastroenterologist about advanced options like feeding tubes or gastric electrical stimulation. Those are usually last‑resort choices when diet and meds aren’t enough.

Lastly, track what you eat and how you feel. A simple notebook or phone app can reveal patterns – maybe spicy foods trigger nausea or a certain time of day feels worse. This info is gold for your doctor to fine‑tune treatment.

Living with gastroparesis means listening to your body and making small, steady tweaks. You don’t have to accept constant discomfort; the right diet, posture, and medical support can make a big difference.