Natural Gastroparesis Remedies

| Modified on Sep 30, 2024
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What is Gastroparesis?

Normally, food is moved through the digestive tract by muscular contractions of the stomach and other walls lining the system. When these muscles don't function correctly, your stomach cannot empty properly and can disrupt different phases of digestion. This is known as gastroparesis. This can cause nausea, and make it difficult to absorb nutrients properly and trouble blood sugar levels. Gastroparesis causes are still unclear, but nerve damage to the stomach muscles are believed to play a factor as damaged nerves cannot send or receive the signal to contract the stomach muscles. Nerve damage can be caused by diabetes, or even result from stomach surgeries.

Symptoms of gastroparesis include nausea, feeling full after eating very little, heartburn, low appetite, malnutrition, weight loss, and abdominal bloating. Pain medications and antidepressants can increase the risk of gastroparesis, as well as diabetes, anorexia, bulimia, and cancer treatments.

Find a Home Cure for Gastroparesis

On this page you can find user submitted natural treatments for gastroparesis. While we are still actively interested in obtaining more remedies for gastroparesis, some of our Earth Clinic readers have reported success with apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, exercise, and use of coconut oil and digestive enzymes. Let us know what you try!


Aloe Vera

Posted by Stomachissues (Ashburn, Virginia) on 01/26/2013

I have not been officially diagnosised with gastroparesis but the gi believes it could be. The gi is having me document my diet for 2 months. I just finished using the aloe juice. The directions on the bottle says 1-2 oz and up to 8 oz per day. I put 2 oz in my breakfast smoothie and in the evening 2 oz in what ever I drinking. Alie juice by itself is gross. I bought a larger bottle thinking it was aloe juice but its actually aloe gel inber fillet. I' m still using it the same way I used the aloe juice. Both bottles said you can mix in your drink. Per the dr's order I also take a probiotic , citrucel, and metamucil multigrain wafers to help with digestion and bowl regulation. I also have been trying to eat more organic and low or no fat. Also switch regular sugar to coconut sugar which you can find in the glutin free section. I only have the uncomfortable bloating sympton and my food doesnt digest till the next morning. I do notice when I do zumba my stomach the rest of the day doesnt as bloatly after I eat.

Replied by Traci
(Kentucky, US)
11/17/2014

My daughter has just been diagnosed with gastroparesis. She has been miserable for the last 7 months. We are seeing a specialist in Louisville, but just at my wits end. Does the aloe vera gel really work. Is there a reason why you give it to her at 2 in the morning? I am to the point of trying anything.

Pam E.
(SouthWestern California)
08/31/2023
145 posts

Traci, you apparently were replying to the post:

Multiple Remedies, Posted by Anniebananie (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 12/19/2011

Which is at least now found under:

Gastroparesis *Editors Choice* Natural Remedies https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/gastroparesis-editors-choice.html

'Annie' answers both of your questions even if not what you were replying to ... but your question doesn't line up with the post yours is found under:

Aloe Vera

Posted by Stomachissues (Ashburn, Virginia) on 01/26/2013

Replied by Fransa
(USA)
04/29/2015

I was diagnosed with Gastroparesis two years ago. It was taking my stomach 3 1/2 hours to empty where the average person's stomach takes 90 minutes. I found that eating Pork and Beef was causing a huge problem for me! It cannot digest and stays in the stomach, it seems forever! It also spoils in your stomach and smells very badly; and it comes out of your pores. People can smell this as well. The doctor said he was sorry, but there is nothing that can be done for this condition. I stopped eating these foods..... and now I feel much better and the smells is gone. I believe that my stomach empties faster now because I have bowel movements 2 to 3 times a day now!!! I am requesting another Stomach Emptying Test to see it there is a change, which I know there is. Eat soft foods and chop them up good. Also, I only cook with a power pressure cooker only! I cook everything in it. My stove is just taking up space in my kitchen! Also, google the seasoning "Turmeric." It helps many functions/problems with the body. Taste Great! Use on everything from Soup to Nuts. Including desserts. I hope this vital information helps you. Good Luck.


Apple Cider Vinegar

5 User Reviews
5 star (4) 
  80%
4 star (1) 
  20%

Posted by Rebecca (Arkansas) on 09/29/2016
★★★★★

I have suffered from this pain my whole life. I've seen Dr after Dr - and nothing they gave me worked or did but not long. After late night research I learned of ACV and its wonders. best fix ever! Takes about 15 -20 mins to kick it and then I have a BM and feel all better! What I really like are ACV gummies!! Easy to make and helps with the taste.

EC: Here's a recipe we found for ACV gummies in case anyone is interested!

Process

  1. Heat apple cider and ACV in a small sauce pot over medium heat.
  2. Once mixture starts to bubble, remove from heat.
  3. Whisking continuously add gelatin one tablespoon at a time.
  4. Pour into molds.
  5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.

www.primalpalate.com/paleo-recipe/apple-cider-vinegar-gummies/


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by David Hayhurst (Pleasant Hill, Missouir) on 07/25/2011
★★★★★

I find it very interesting to learn that most people who have GP have different symptoms. I have had GP for four years now and used Reglan for four years and it stopped working. I then went on Donperidone for a year and it stopped working. In the last two weeks I have had bad stomach pain (like there was a huge cut in my stomach) and nothing I did relieved the pain. My sister (RN) said that I should try a teaspoon of ACV and I did and not more than 15 minutes later my stomach pain left. At this point I can not promise this works but I can promise you that I will be using ACV daily until it proves to me it doesn't work. My heart goes out to those that have a bad case of GP because this is a bear to live with. God Bless.

Replied by Happy Camper
(Cleveland, Oh, Usa)
11/01/2012
★★★★★

I ate some roasted nuts and cottage cheese as a snack late the other night, and it all just sat like an uncomfortable lump in my stomach, causing pain and aggravation throughout the night. In the morning my stomach had calmed somewhat but the lump still wasn't going anywhere. I got on Earth Clinic and poured a little organic apple cider vinegar into a cup of water and sipped about half the cup, even though I had just read that all types of vinegar are wrong for my blood type (don't know if I believe this as regards ACV). At first I thought it was just upsetting my stomach more, but I stepped into a hot shower at the same time, smeared epsom salts all over myself, turned on the bath water and hoped for the best. Laying in the warm water about 15 minutes after taking the ACV, I heard a loud gurgle from my stomach as it suddenly cleared. I consider it a temporary case that was easily resolved. I rarely suffer from this problem, but if I eat too much of one type of protein it will sometimes sit in my stomach uncomfortably for hours on end, around 12 hours in this case. At least I don't feel hungry during these times. Now I finally know how to take care of it easily. It's not the first time that ACV has saved me from some discomfort within minutes of trying it. Thanks again!

Replied by Joann T.
(De)
03/07/2018

I believe that nuts are something you should not eat if you have Gastroporesis.

Replied by Teressa
(Milwaukee)
04/06/2023
★★★★☆

I eat pistachios and they help me have a constant bowel movement. They help move things as I have gastroparesis going on for about 5 years. It helps so much along with ACV.

Replied by Margaret
(Mississippi, USA)
04/09/2023

I have had GP since 2010. Food just sits in my stomach, nausea and pain result. I had the same responses to Reglan and donperidone. I've tried everything. 'mI getting ACV and trying it soon. I also have GERDS, hiatal hernia, and IBS. I'm a gastrointestinal mess. I hope this works. Do the gummies work for this?

Sam
(Miami)
04/10/2023
★★★★★

Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for all kinds of autonomic dysregulations. Gastroparesis is one of them. Dysautonomia International is the source I use. I have POTS (Dysautonomia)

Art
(California)
04/10/2023
2287 posts

Margaret,

It might be worth talking to your doctor about possibly using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). It is generally reserved for C-diff and very severe IBS, but given the severity of your condition, you may be a potential candidate for FMT.

Art


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sallie (Albuquerque, NM) on 07/12/2009

I was just diagnosed with Gastroparesis, where my stomach is slow in emptying. The dr. thinks this is what is causing the lack of B12 absorption (and who knows what other nutrients). I am not diabetic and she thinks the cause was probably a virus years ago. She wants to put me on Reglan which has many side effects. Unfortunately, the alternative, Domperidone, is not available in the US. Any suggestions for a natural remedy would be most welcome. I already take ACV at least once a day. Thank you for your help.

Replied by Someone
(Somewhere, Pa.)
07/18/2009

To Sallie from NM.: Domperidone can be purchased from Jandrugs.Com in Canada. They require a prescription written by a doctor. Some U.S. doctors have permission from the FDA to prescribe Domperidone. Check with your gastroenterologist or a gastroenterologist at a hospital affiliated with a university.

Replied by Allie
(New Haven, Connecticut)
09/21/2009

Digestive enzymes can help with Gastroparesis, i.e. Betaine HCL. You can buy domperidone from Canada or New Zealand or a US compounding pharmacy. Many people follow a liquid diet. Diets are very much individualized since each GP patient is unique.

Replied by Sharon1981innj
(Millville, Nj)
10/15/2009

You can get domperidone without a prescription out of US by doing a search in google.Let me know if you can't find one you like I'll get the link.. I just ordered a new batch(1800) pills for 190 no shipping.. I had the study scan done years ago,was diagnosed & my doc put me on 10 mg 4 times a day-recently I left my job so I haven't had the exercise and think it made me worse,I vomit a lot..I had to up my dose to 20 mg, except I cut out the nightime pill to save some money. Seem to do ok w/ that. My big prob. is I developed GERD bad-went on Nexium which stopped working so now I'm looking into natural remidies. I understand the Gastroperesis causes the acid..Would love to know if there is natural treatments for this gastroperesis. I saw some pills on a few sites but not enough info. to back them up.

Try domperidone I have no side effects. My mom used reglan as she has it as well. We both got ours from ZOLOFT!!!

Replied by Margaret
(Mississippi, USA)
04/09/2023

Yes. Domperidone Is available through CanadaDrugsOnline.com. You can fax the script to them by your doctor and you can get the drug. Both drugs quit working for me. I'm going to try the ACV.


Avoid Fiber

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Joybug (Lwr, Fl) on 05/13/2013
★★★★★

If gastroparesis, you are suppose to stay away from fiber.


Avoid Stress

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Gia (New York, Ny) on 01/03/2014
★★★★★

Most important!! Do not stress. Practice meditating. It has helped me so much. I have gastreparesis, but wouldn't even know it anymore! So when your stomach is aching and you are stressing, just take deep breaths.


Dietary Changes

3 User Reviews
4 star (3) 
  100%

Posted by Tricia ( Ca) on 09/06/2018
★★★★☆

I was just diagnosed with Gastroparesis at The Mayo Clinic. I've been here almost two weeks with non stop testing. I spent two hours with the nutritionist and I was eating everything wrong which was not helping me at all. You need to start fresh with the food and first do a few days of just liquids then move on to rice, bananas, Greek yogurt, white bread, soup. You can't eat red meat, no nuts, no candy especially gummies, and you can only have 1-2 grand of fiber per meal. They recommend 6 small meals per day. I love aloe myself and probiotics. I can't stand ACV myself and I was raised in the natural food industry. I've been drinking ginger shots with turmeric. I lost 20 pounds and can't gain weight, hoping this helps.

Does anyone else have a burning stomach with Gastroparesis?


Dietary Changes
Posted by Kathleen (Milwaukee, Wi And Denver, Co) on 08/17/2015
★★★★☆

My daughter was diagnosed with gastroparesis 12/14. A naturopath further diagnosed her with parasites. She's been on the GAPS Intro diet and supplements. GAPS is a very limited diet that heals the gut. Check out their website if interested. The key supplements are a probiotic, digestive enzymes, activated charcoal, ginger, turmeric, and garlic. My daughter was also tested for food sensitivities. She receives acupuncture and chiropractic care. Massage, Reiki, and counseling have also been helpful. She has improved a lot; the extreme weight loss has stopped and no vomiting. The bloating is still there and she has constant pain, however. The GAPS diet can take up to two years to be fully effective. Patience is needed! Our naturopath helped immensely. There are also GAPS practitioners who can support this route. My daughter is carrying on with her life, at a slower pace than before. She has a positive outlook and we know that she will kick this eventually.


Dietary Changes
Posted by Person (Topeka, Kansas, Usa) on 07/04/2012
★★★★☆

When my gastroparesis was so bad I could barely eat, I would put fresh raw fruits and veggies in a blender. For example, I might put spinach, kale, cucumber, pineapple, and peaches in a blender. At least I was getting some nutrition. Sometimes I added protein powder, because I eating meat or nuts hurt too much. I also found that avoiding gluten helped a lot. Others have told me that avoiding gluten helped them too, even though none of us have celiac disease. I gradually began to improve and never took domperidone.


Iberogast German Remedy

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Cyndy P. (Chicagoland, Il) on 08/19/2015
★★★★★

I have GP and what is helping me is Iberogast. It's made in Germany and has been made for about 50 years. You can get this in the U.S., even on Amazon, but I googled where to buy it and noticed a better price. Iberogast helps me the most and I also take Swedish bitters. The formulas for Swedish bitters vary a lot. It is my hope that this will be of help. Blessings


Liquid Erythromycin

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Jill (Morgan Hill) on 01/15/2016
★★★★★

When my gastroparesis is at its worst, the liquid erythromycin works instantly. Do it for 15 days and it seems to heal it for a while. I did my last round 4 years or more ago.

Replied by Joann T.
(De)
03/07/2018

Do you know of any other antibiotic? Unfortunately, I am allergic to Erythromycin.


Magnolia Bark

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Ashley (Australia ) on 01/03/2020
★★★★★

I've heard Magnolia bark is really good for gastroparesis

Replied by Tammy
(Oshkosh, WI)
10/14/2022
★★★★★

I decided to try this because I was familiar with it, having used Relora years ago. I purchased some Relora online, and after only four days, my gastroparesis symptoms were gone. It's now been about two weeks, and I am able to eat normally again. I had salad as my first real test, and I had absolutely no GI symptoms. Yesterday I had cottage cheese with radishes, an unpeeled apple, mushrooms, and ruby red grapefruit. I drizzled poppyseed dressing over everything. Again, absolutely no digestive issues.

I am so happy to be able to once again eat the things I love! Prior to the gastroparesis diagnosis, I had been slowly but steadily losing weight. I have Type 2 diabetes, and I was getting consistently better blood sugar control and was using less insulin. Eating what the dietitians recommended for gastroparesis caused me to gain weight, and also wreaked havoc with the diabetes. I'm looking forward to once again getting on the path to better blood sugar control and weight loss.


Multiple Remedies

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Anniebananie (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 12/19/2011
★★★★★

Editor's Choice Well I thaught I would post some positive news! The aloe vera gel by lily of the desert (inner fillet) taken every night on empty stomach around 2am for 2 weeks healed my daughter of vomiting after food, tummy pains, gastritis, gastroparesis you name it. The aloe vera really works. She eats everything now but it was several steps to get her to where she is now.

1) When you are really sick with not being able to tolerate food from ulcers or gastritis or gastroparesis in the beginning stages you have to go on food combining, and keep everything really simple. Fruit in mornings until 12 noon watermelon worked really well, proper combining of types of fruit is very importants. No bananas yet! After noon, bland properly combined vegan food no protein other than vegan protein. Keep it simple for atleast 2-3 weeks. Stay away from all nuts. Oily food is lethal. The old food combining book "fit for life" by harvey diamond is the way to go. Its not what I would recommend for normal people but great for people with digestive enzymes. Don't stress!

2) Take digestive enzymes with every meal.

3) Take a tb of raw coconut oil in 1/4 cup of warm water melted before every meal, it coats whatever irritation is on the tummy walls, especially if you accidently eat a bad combination of food the acid will form and the coconut oil will protect your tummy. Many times gastroparesis and acid reflux is a result of the stomach not wanting food in there because it is irritated and it cannot tolerate its own acid so it will come back up or not digest and sit there in the tummy. You also have to figure out if it is a low hcl problem too, which there are tests for this. I knew it wasn't a low hcl in my daughter case because apple cider did not help her digest her food. The stomach was just irritated and she had all the symptoms of gastroparesis.

4) Look up digestacure. The digestacure supplement worked for my friends daughter they have a website but they are realllllyy expensive. So I asked the guy working there, if digestacure heals all these things from within at a cellular level should she continue to take the coconut oil with her meals. He said yes but most important use the aloe vera gel I mentioned above. It works well. So anyway I didn't want to spend an arm and a leg on digestacure just yet so I tried the aloe vera gel. It healed her. Now worse people might need both. My friends daughter had chrons disease and she is now fine after having surgery and recovered with the digestacure very fast after the surgery. She eats everything.

5) We are still giving aloe vera gel now twice a week, 1/2 cup at night and she is healed. There is hope. You can get better. When you are better stay away from oil sugary stuff, healthy homemade sweets are ok when you need it. My 16 year old who vomited when she ate and had the worst 6 months of her life, I thought she would never get better is now better and eating tacos, and chili cheese fries and milk, steak etc.... Normal. I hope this helps you. You can email me with any questions. Good luck

Replied by Peggy
(San Jose, Ca)
05/29/2012

Hello Annie, My daughter was diagnosed with gastroparesis 2 months ago and nothing seems to be helping. ACV, Aloe Vera, naturalpath, conventional medicine. I'm wondering how much Aloe Vera you gave your daughter at 2am. I was giving 1 Tbs. before meals, but I'd like to try what you did.

Replied by Anna
(Canyon Country, California)
10/17/2012

Hello peggy I gave her half of a basic white small dollar store styrofoam cup full every night. Good luck...

Replied by Anjannette
(Winder, Georgia)
01/24/2013

Hello, Annie you said aloe Vera gel or aloe Vera juice... if gel, do you mix with water or just take the jelly like stuff just as it is? Thank you.

Replied by Cora
(Providence, Ri)
02/26/2013

Annie, I'm so relieved and excited to read your post about your daughter's success, particularly that she is now able to eat what she wants and live a normal life. That's all I want for myself.

I recently started with reflux and dyspepsia. I will try your dietary recommendations, and I am already taking aloe. I've been dealing with indigestion, pain, and reflux for about 4 months, on and off. Now I have a bitter taste in my mouth from the acid coming up.

I will continue with a simple diet and the aloe and hope that things will improve. Doctors want me to take high doses of PPI (40mg 2x/day). I do not want to do this!

Any other suggestions or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Replied by Diana
(Upland, California)
05/07/2013

I have just been diagnosed with gastroparsis, what is shocking is I am sure my husband has it to. Therefore, my kids must have it, I have has to ask for them to be tested, 3 of the 5 of us have diabetes probably caused by this it has takes me years to figure this out. As you can tell I need help, my daughters and husbands blood sugars have terrible swings. Any suggestions?

Kelly
(Seattle)
10/14/2022

Diana, your gastroparesis will resolve when you reverse your and your family's diabetes. Type 2 is totally reversible by changing one's diet.

Replied by Joy
(Battleground, Wash)
05/07/2013

I feel like a broken record here, but I bought a coconut oil book after reading the alzheimer's book by Dr. Mary Newport who treated her spouse alzheimers with coconut oil because they believe the brain has a type 111 diabetes and dose not use the glucose but the coconut oil make the brain open up the glucose ports. Anyway.... Coconut oil helps regulate blood sugar... I don't gain weight using it, but I do gain weight using the meat.

You may also like the watercure website of the works of Dr. Batmanghelidj.

If you do not ingest a LOT of magnesium products but eat a lot of calcium, you may like to visit the site on magnesium deficiency illnesses, discoverd by Dr. Carolyn Dean.

Replied by Darren
(Uk)
11/17/2013

Does coconut help? Gastroparesis as well. If so what coconut drink, and Etc?

Replied by Sara
(Denver, Colorado)
07/30/2015

I could cry, I am so happy I found this post. It makes me feel like it validates what I have been doing. For about a week I have been having horrible acid reflux and what feels like gastroparesis after eating almost anything....except watermelon. For years I have had horrible flatulence after eating almost everything as well but it never bothered me that bad. I should also mention that I am vegan. What brand of aloe Vera gel should I get and should I take it only on an empty stomach once a day? I am so frustrated and depressed. This is truly ruining my life. Why no bananas either? And when melon goes out of season here in the next two wells what fruit should I supplement with? Thank you!!!!

Replied by Beverly
(Ft. Worth, Tx)
08/06/2016

I have gastritis, gerd, diagnosis of Gastroparesis. This has gone on for 1 and half years and no better. My legs and feet get numb when I eat food or drink water and my skin is turning red, like flush. I don't have any Idea at this point. They have run tests and no one knows what to do at this point.

Samantha w
(Croydon)
02/03/2022

Omg I thought I was the only one! I've had this problem for 3 years now my feet and hands are getting numb, weird skin rashes. I have no clue what is going on with my own body. Took 4 yrs just to get gastroparesis diagnosis. Can't get into the specialist until next month. Feels like this will never end.

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
08/07/2016

Beverly, until you get wiser council, you can try adding a small lick of grey or pink salt on your tongue before your glass of water.

Replied by Casey
(Libertyville, Il, USA)
03/03/2021

Please try Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride's book called The GAPS diet.

I was only able to eat chicken soup and celery and carrots and not very hopeful that I would ever be getting better as the years went on. I started the GAPS program October of 2020 and slowly making progress. It's an amazing book.

Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride was born in Russia and now runs a clinic in England called the Cambridge Clinic. She is a neurologist a neurosurgeon and most recently works in nutrition with having a medical degree in that also.

After one of her family members became ill she dropped everything to help him and now is helping millions of people all over the world through her book and videotapes. Many people only read the book and are able to follow the directions and get healthy themselves.


Probiotics

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by degandv (TX) on 02/03/2024
★★★★★

My battle for health after gastroparesis diagnosis.

I was diagnosed in 2006, by 2010 I was so sick I had to take early retirement. I ultimately became homebound for 6 long years. I followed Dr's orders to a T, only to get sicker & sicker, preparing to die. A friend introduced me to specific product (I won't name here bc people will think I'm trying to sell it) pro-prebiotics & a host of other good bacteria, enzymes, vitamins, cleansing, etc for my stomach. I decided to DOUBLE her suggested dosage bc I was desperate. Within 3 months I was able to fly across the country without assistance, handle all my own self care, eat at restaurants & be fairly normal. I also lost 4 dress sizes. I have continued with that same company but lowered my dosages & added other supplements for other chronic illnesses I have. I actually follow a modified KETO - low fat content. I eat gluten, lactose & sugar free. Within 18 months I went from 273-140lbs. I still have occasional attacks, mysterious stomach infections & all those things that come with this disease but by staying on the original protocol, adding other natural herbs, remedies as I learned more, my disease is under control. I recently added homebrew kombucha. The stuff in the store is expensive & if you make it at home you know what actually goes into your drink. It is a learning process & I made mistakes. But now I brew 6 gallons a week. Kombucha has replaced ALL my other water type drinks. I do a variety of flavors so I have choices all the time. Kombucha has health benefits too numerous to mention here, but it's worth investigating. While it has certainly had a significant effect on how my tummy feels - which it doesn't hurt now - it has also been improving my moving my Glomerular Filtration Flow rate, Creatinine & other tests related to illnesses Kombucha seems to have a positive effect on my overall health & it is helping my husband as well We are both in mid 70's.

Replied by Lyn
(Co)
06/23/2024

Would be very interested in the product you are using.

Replied by peter
(Hawaii)
09/30/2024

Would you mind giving the name of the pro-prebiotic product that you mentioned? Thank you!



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