Let’s talk gastroparesis. I’ve been pretty open about my struggles with this bad boy and today I’m sharing more. Read on to hear my story, what first got my attention, what’s helped me the most, how I’ve somewhat tamed the beast, and what I do when having a flare. No gastroparesis, no problem. This post covers all your tummy woes, big or small, and may even change the way you think about food.

I first started noticing a marked increase in stomach troubles about ten years ago. Suddenly my stomach began swelling. Overnight I would go from stick thin to unable to fit into any of my pants. I knew it wasn’t actual weight I was gaining and losing in such small spurts of time, but I couldn’t explain exactly what was happening. Since I was also having some issues with my period, my gynecologist thought it could be hormonal or related to soy intake. That’s where the experimentation began.

A year or so later, after many failed attempts to pinpoint my stomach woes, she suggested that perhaps a gluten free diet would help. I had been through the ringer and was willing to try anything, so I gladly accepted the challenge. Once going gluten free I noticed a decrease in symptoms, but something still wasn’t quite right. This is when my gynecologist referred me to a gastrointestinal doctor and more in depth testing began.

I’d like to say we quickly discovered the culprit of my issues right away, but that would be untrue. Instead, I went through almost another year of increased stomach pain, swelling, and constipation before discovering the problem - gastroparesis. Looking back I’m not sure why this wasn’t one of the first things they tested for. While at the time we did not know I had EDS, we did know I had dysautonomia, which is caused by a malfunctioning vagus nerve - the nerve that also controls stomach function. Instead I went through stomach biopsies, ultrasounds, blood tests, MRIs, and who knows what else before discovering my reality.

The test itself was simple, eat a radioactive egg sandwich (I had to take my own gluten free bread because for some reason hospitals, dealing with people who have stomach issues that could likely be gluten sensitive, don’t offer gluten free bread for this procedure) and lay on a table while pictures were taken of my stomach as it digested the food. Once the results were in we finally had an answer. I had delayed gastric stomach emptying - gastroparesis.

The steps after were a bit of a joke, in my opinion. I met with a dietician who told me from then on my life would be spent eating overcooked, non-fibrous vegetables, extremely low fat foods, no beans or legumes, and very few meats. I honestly couldn’t believe a healthcare professional was giving me this information and expecting me to somehow stay healthy while adhering to this longterm plan of non-nutrition.

As a result I cried, then pulled myself up by my bootstraps and decided to take matters into my own hands. Unfortunately this has had to be my back-up plan all too often when dealing with the mainstream healthcare industry. So, I called my non-mainstream craniosacral therapist and got to work. Based on past experience I knew I’d walk away from that appointment with more wisdom and assurance than any amount of time with a dietician could offer. Sure enough, after an hour of going inward, talking with my stomach, and learning about where some of this blockage was coming from I was ready to eat again. As a matter of fact, I left that appointment and headed straight for one of my favorite local pizza places (gluten free, of course) with friends. Half a pizza and two glasses of wine later I was all smiles. Yes, I’m serious. Craniosacral therapy with Somato Emotional Release was that beneficial.

In the days and weeks following I got really honest about my beliefs on portion size, nourishing myself, and food. I had spent many years of my life obsessing over gaining weight and looking just so, even battling anorexia in high school. However, when the ability to eat even half a container of yogurt without excruciating pain and massive stomach distension was taken from me all that changed. Once I had a dose of reality, seeing first hand how easy it was to lose my stomach function, I had a REAL wake-up call. Taking that in, really feeling it, and looking at my beliefs, where they originated, and how society contributed, really helped me shift my perspective to one of health and wholeness. Once I got clear about my health and how much I LOVED nourishing myself, it became easier for my body to accept food and use it for my good. Still today, when I have fear around food, my stomach acts up. When I relax and happily eat what nourishes my body, mind, and spirit, I have less gastrointestinal upset.

Notice I said less. That isn’t to be confused with none. There are times when my stomach acts up, even when I’m happily eating and not judging myself. When that happens I pay attention to the other possible triggers in my life. Am I eating enough of the right kinds of foods or have I gone on a cheese and olive spree? Am I under more stress than usual? Am I getting enough exercise? What about my water intake? Have I been traveling? Do I feel “stuck” in some area of my life? Am I feeding my dreams? Am I processing what is happening within and around me? I have found these to be important questions to ask when my stomach is not cooperating as stomach function is often an extension of other areas in our life.

Once I’ve taken a look at what could be the culprit I’m ready to take some tangible action. While a lot can be shifted from conscious intention we also may need to make some changes that will better support our overall well-being. So, what do I do when my stomach is in a tizzy?

First, I cut back on the fats. We all know I love ma a good Bulletproof coffee or matcha and I am not shy about incorporating plenty of healthy fats into my diet (a spoonful of coconut butter is pure heaven). However, when my stomach isn’t feeling quite right, I know it’s time to cut back. I may be able to handle my beloved morning Bulletproof drink after I get my stomach started with a little something else (usually grain free toast or some fruit). I may have to wait it out for a bit or skip it altogether for a day or two (wah wah), but I will eventually be able to reincorporate it. Once my stomach sees I’m paying attention it usually doesn’t take long before it comes back online. Maybe I have more grains than usual or add a few extra carbs into my diet for a few days. I don’t sweat it. the goal is to support myself with more easily digestible foods so I can rebuild digestive fire.

This leads me to my second tip, intuitive eating. During these times I like to focus on eating intuitively rather than going on autopilot or listening to the chatty Kathy in my brain. While intuitive eating is a daily practice of mine it does sometimes get lost in routine and when that happens I can almost guarantee a nausea spell to bring me back into alignment. So, I encourage you to use intuition when reaching for your next food choice, especially if experiencing gastrointestinal upset.

Third, nix raw foods. If I’m feeling nauseous, experiencing stomach pain, or have some other effect indicative of a flare I make every effort to cook my food, even if only a bit. Cooked foods digest more easily as they are partially broken down before entering the digestive tract. This requires less digestive fire for processing, giving my tummy a much needed break when it’s feeling sluggish. Sure, it takes a bit more time to prepare hot food than to blend up a smoothie, but I know it won’t last forever and my stomach will thank me. Some of my go-tos - Pho, homemade hot and sour soup, and buddha bowls.

Fourth, get plenty of fluids. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to get digestion going and moves things along. Warm water with lemon in the morning will help prep your stomach for the day ahead, but you can add a cup before every meal when digestion is off, morning, noon, and night. Add grated ginger for even more tummy taming power. When water gets boring I opt for decaffeinated tea (hot or iced) or bubbly water. Switching things up helps me get more ounces in, especially if excess water is adding to my nausea.

Finally, Digest Zen is my friend. Gastroparesis can cause intense stomach pain, swelling, nausea, and even bouts of heartburn. When I’m experiencing this type of discomfort I rub on some Digest Zen or take internally for near immediate relief. It has been clinically proven to aid in digestion and soothe an upset stomach, so it’s the perfect addition to my gastrointestinal self care routine. I even sometimes sub this in for the lemon in my morning water routine from time to time. It’s an especially convenient option when traveling. Plus, I love the taste of a drop in a glass of water, but if that’s not your thing you can get the same internal benefits from the softgels or chewable tablets. There’s even a pre-diluted roll-on!

I hope these tips help the next time your tummy is in a tizzy. Digestive upset happens to all of us from time to time, so take it in stride and make mindful choices to ease your distress. It won’t last forever!