Gastroparesis
Also known as: Delayed gastric emptying, Stomach paralysis
Gastroparesis is a chronic condition in which the stomach empties its contents into the small intestine far more slowly than normal, in the absence of any physical blockage. Because the stomach muscles do not contract properly — often due to damage to the vagus nerve — food lingers, causing nausea, bloating, early fullness, and unpredictable blood sugar. Diabetes is the most common identifiable cause, though many cases are idiopathic. While there is no cure, dietary changes, medications, and in severe cases procedures can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.
At a Glance
- Common symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting (sometimes of undigested food eaten hours earlier), Feeling full after only a few bites (early satiety), Bloating and upper abdominal pain
- Main treatments
- Dietary changes: smaller, more frequent low-fat, low-fiber meals, Prokinetic medications to speed emptying (metoclopramide, erythromycin), Anti-nausea medications
- Category
- Digestive · Estimated to affect about 10 to 50 per 100,000 people; more common in women and people with diabetes
- See a doctor if
- Persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents you from keeping food or fluids down
Symptoms
Causes
- Damage to the vagus nerve, which controls stomach muscles
- Diabetes (the most common known cause)
- Surgery on the stomach or esophagus
- Certain medications that slow emptying (opioids, some antidepressants)
- Viral infections affecting the gut
- Idiopathic (no identifiable cause)
Risk Factors
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes, especially when poorly controlled
- Abdominal or esophageal surgery
- Hypothyroidism
- Connective tissue and autoimmune diseases (scleroderma, lupus)
- Nervous system disorders (Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis)
- Use of opioid pain medications
Diagnosis
- Gastric emptying scintigraphy (the gold-standard test measuring how fast a meal leaves the stomach)
- Upper endoscopy to rule out blockage or ulcers
- Wireless motility capsule ('smart pill') study
- Breath testing for gastric emptying
- Blood tests to check blood sugar, thyroid, and other causes
Treatment
- Dietary changes: smaller, more frequent low-fat, low-fiber meals
- Prokinetic medications to speed emptying (metoclopramide, erythromycin)
- Anti-nausea medications
- Better blood sugar control in people with diabetes
- Liquid or pureed nutrition during flares
- Gastric electrical stimulation or feeding tubes in severe, refractory cases
Prevention
- Maintain tight blood sugar control if you have diabetes
- Avoid or limit medications that slow stomach emptying when possible
- Eat smaller, lower-fat meals if you are prone to symptoms
- Stay well hydrated and gently active after meals
When to See a Doctor
- Persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents you from keeping food or fluids down
- Vomiting blood or signs of dehydration
- Unintended weight loss or signs of malnutrition
- Blood sugar that becomes difficult to control
- Severe abdominal pain
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
Related from the Supplement Library
Ginger
StrongHerb · Anti-nausea (motion, pregnancy, chemotherapy)
Digestive Enzymes
ModerateCompound · Improved protein, fat, and carbohydrate digestion
Magnesium Glycinate
StrongMineral · Improves sleep quality and onset
Probiotics (Lactobacillus)
StrongProbiotic · Gut microbiome balance and diversity
L-Glutamine
ModerateAmino Acid · Gut lining repair and intestinal integrity
These supplements have been studied in relation to Gastroparesis. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications.
Related Reading
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