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Gastroparesis Awareness Month Week 4

Gastroparesis Awareness Month Week 4

Welcome back to our five-part series on the important topic of Gastroparesis. Today we will cover the pros and cons of a variety of treatment options. If you missed Part 3 you can read it here. (Parts 1-3 are all available on our website under Recent Articles.)

You are DIAGNOSED! HELP! Now what? Remember — you are your own advocate! You will never be like any other Gastroparesis patient. What you take for medication, your choice of recommended foods and your emotions will be different from “that other person.” Your treatment will depend on your health history, present state of health, severity, the extent of your symptoms, and current state of mind.

As you recall, Gastroparesis symptoms are similar to SIBO, GERD, Gastro reflux, or an ulcer. The treatment for those symptoms was appropriate at the time, but consequently, they delayed the needed treatments for Gastroparesis. In the meantime, the symptoms became worse, which altered the intensity of what type of treatment is needed to avoid malnutrition and dehydration. In Part 3 of our series, it was mentioned that some people take up to 5 years to be diagnosed correctly.

The goal of treatments is to make sure the patient does not become malnourished, dehydrated, or suicidal. For example, when the patient is vomiting profusely, is not eating, or has no desire to eat, then to avoid malnutrition and dehydration, medicine is the obvious direction to go. The medications will help to improve gastric emptying by increasing and tightening stomach muscles for motility. We will not list those medications here, as that would be the Doctor’s responsibility to explain his goals for the medications suggested. (For informational purposes only, you may find a list of medications commonly prescribed on the Cleveland Clinic site.)

Medications may become a dilemma for Doctors because the side effects could exacerbate the symptoms or complications such as tiredness, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, diarrhea, constipation, neurological issues such as Tardive dyskinesia (abnormal muscle movements), compromised gut bacteria from antibiotics, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Pain medications are another treatment widely used, such as non-narcotics and opiates. Opioids are commonly used for Diabetic Mellitus and Idiopathic patients.

A treatment for all Gastroparesis sufferers is the diet. The same diet is suggested for all, but that recommended diet does not hit the same spots in each patient. Each patient manipulates and substitutes the food choices because the needs are all different. They use food of choice as their “safe food.” Safe food is usually non-nutritious, but it satisfies their present comfort and security needs and supplies energy.
The core dietary recommendations include:
Non-fibrous fruits, vegetables and juice can be substituted for some. Fiber will cause Bezoars which is a hard ball of food that will cause blockages.
No greasy or spicy foods.
Low-fat or fats that can stay liquefied in the refrigerator.
Drink 1 to 1.5 Liters of water daily.
There are no carbonated beverages, but this is one that patients do not follow as carbonated drinks such as dark sodas (preferably coke) temporarily helps with GERD or reflux and provide short-term energy.
Soups, baby food, and protein shakes are also choices.
They stress eating several small meals instead of a few large meals, chew thoroughly, stand, and walk when finished eating. All of these are great suggestions, but those horrible and severe symptoms inhibit that great advice, like standing after eating. Many patients do not have the energy to do so because their body uses that energy for digestion. (For more details on the diet, you can refer to the Cleveland Clinic Gastroparesis Diet.)

At Freshlife, we offer natural remedies to relieve and help Gastroparesis as well.
Probiotics, when medicated with antibiotics, to help relieve bloating and restore gut bacteria.
Digestive enzymes to help breakdown food for easier digestion.
Inner-fillet and whole leaf Aloe Vera can help with reflux, GERD, constipation, and coat and repair the digestive tract.
Aloe Vera Stomach Formula may help with soothing digestive inflammation and improving elimination.
A product called Vital Gut Renew helps heal the mucus lining of the gut and intestines. This will help improve absorption and heal leaky gut.

We have other products that solely help relieve nausea, diarrhea, and cramping.
We offer CBD for pain, with or without THC, which is a stepping stone to medical marijuana. Essential oils are also used for pain and elimination issues through topical application only. We do not recommend ingesting essential oils, although we do have an encapsulated peppermint oil supplement. Ask any Wellness Coach for help with your choices.

Other non-conventional treatments include:
Exercise, which stimulates the Human Growth Hormone (HGH). HGH repairs the nerves, therefore eventually targeting the nerves of the stomach and the Vagus Nerve. The downside is exercise is limited due to the lack of energy of the individual.
Chiropractors can work on the Vagus nerve when damaged through accident or other causes.
Acupuncture and/or massage can release blocked toxins that hinder digestion. Lymphatic massage is especially beneficial.
Yoga teaches you to use your breath and relaxation to increase motility. Yoga exercises can be found on YouTube titled “Yoga for Gastroparesis.”

When diet, medication or natural remedies fail to keep you from being malnourished or dehydrated, then surgical procedures may be recommended, such as Pyloraplasy, Gastric Nerve Stimulator, Gastronomy Tube, Jejunostomy Tube (JJ Tube) and Gastrectomy. Again, the explanation of these procedures and their purpose will be left to the Doctor to explain.

I did not mention what I feel is the most crucial treatment of all. This treatment is what all the Gastroparesis victims crave. This is what I feel will repair their condition and quality of life, which is why it is so important to increase awareness. Next week I will tell you what this no-cost treatment is, which only has positive side effects for all involved.

Thank you, and stay tuned for next week!

Sandy, Wellness Coach

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Gastroparesis Awareness Month Week 3

Welcome to Part 3 of this very important five-part Fresh News series. As a review, stomach paralysis or Gastroparesis can cause a diversity of symptoms and complications such as pain, gastric reflux, vomiting, satiety, and weight loss (or gain), to name a few. When one or more symptoms become so severe and debilitating to stop us from living our normal lives, further testing is necessary. It can take up to 5 years before a patient is diagnosed with their symptoms because most of the time, they are misdiagnosed with ulcers, IBS, SIBO, allergic reactions, or heartburn because the symptoms are so similar. For example, 40% of gastric reflux patients experience a gastric delay. If the symptoms continue and become more severe without relief from proper remedies, then further testing is needed,

Lab tests are the first to rule out issues such as diabetes, kidney failure, dehydration, malnutrition, inflammation, or infection. They will also show if your blood glucose level is too high or too low. These labs are blood or urine tests.

Persistent symptoms of the patient can direct what type of future tests are needed, such as Upper GI, x-rays, and ultrasound, which are used to determine intestinal obstruction or stomach blockage.

When Gastroparesis is suspected, then a Gastric Emptying Test called Scintigraphy is used to diagnose Gastroparesis. This test involves a hospital setting or specialized treatment center. The patient will be instructed to eat a bland meal such as eggs, or egg substitute, that is then injected with radioactive material. The patient is monitored periodically over a 4 hour period by a radiologist. After 4 hours, if the stomach contents show 10% of the eaten food remaining, they are diagnosed with Gastroparesis. Severe Gastroparesis is 35% or greater, 15-35% is moderate, and mild is 10-15%. Before the test, all drugs that slow motility have to be stopped, and the patient’s blood glucose levels have to be normal.

Another Gastric Emptying Test is measured by your breath which is called GEBT (Gastric Emptying Breath Test.) You eat a meal that contains a substance that is absorbed in your intestines and eventually passes into your breath. The health care professional will periodically measure the gasses in your breath over a few (usually 4) hours. The test shows how fast your stomach is emptying depending on the amount of substance remaining in your breath at each period.

The “Smart Pill” is another test, which is a wireless motility capsule. You swallow the electronic device, which allows you to live your normal life while being tested. The device moves through your entire digestive tract and sends information to a recorder hanging around your neck or clipped to your belt. This information shows how fast or slow your stomach empties and how fast liquid and food move through your small and large intestines. The capsule is passed out of the body in a couple of days.

As previously mentioned, Gastroparesis affects all ages, even babies and small children. In the youngest patients, a Scintigraphy test is used, and the meal is milk or formula. A camera is used on the outside of the stomach to track the movement. In children, an Antroduodenal Motility Test is used to measure the coordination of how strong the contractions are at the bottom of the child’s stomach, where it empties into the small intestine. The procedure consists of the Doctor placing a flexible tube down the throat into the small intestine. The tube has pressure sensors that measure how well the muscles are working in the stomach for the food to be moved. Abdominal ultrasound is also used for testing in children.

Now you are diagnosed. What are the treatment recommendations?

Next week I will be going over treatments that help buffer and maintain your health as best they can so patients can try to live a normal life.

Please keep on being as curious as a cat. Your curiosity won’t kill the cat but could give someone you know that is experiencing GI issues another life!

Thank you for tuning in,

Sandy, Wellness Coach

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Gastroparesis Awareness Month Week 2

Gastroparesis Awareness Month Week 2

If you missed our introductory Fresh News on this important topic, here is a review of what Gastroparesis is: a parlyzed or partially paralyzed stomach that is a result of damaged nerves, which causes the stomach not to contract when foods need to be digested. So what causes this incurable and painful disease? It has been found that there are several causes, such as chronic disease, surgery, accidents, medications and viruses. Most causes are idiopathic, meaning the exact cause is unknown. Those causes impair, damage or cripple the Autonomic Nervous System. This system consists of the Parasympathetic, Sympathetic and Vagus Nerve. In coordination, they work together to control our involuntary muscles, such as our heart rate, pupillary rate and digestive motility or Peristalsis. The Sympathetic Nervous System operates to save us from a fight or flight situation or danger, which occurs when trauma in our lives contributes to the impairment of our nerves in our digestive system. The focus is on saving ourselves, which therefore stops or slows the digestion of the food eaten. If we are in constant stressful situations, it can lead to Gastroparesis.

Two chronic diseases that are common causes are Diabetes Mellitus and Hypothroid. With Diabetes, people commonly experience neuropathy of their extremities as a result of damage to the long peripheral nerves. It is not until then that the short peripheral nerves can become damaged, which negatively affects the stomach’s nerves ultimately leading to Gastroparesis, according to JJMed.

With Hypothyroid, they found in long term patients edema was present in the mucus lining as a result of build up from mucopolysaccharides and hyaluronic acid. This can slow motility. Patients’ complications were dyspepsia/indigestion, chest pain. Because Hypothyroid slows our metabolism, slows digestion, decreases appetite and causes constipation, in itself, Hypothyroid disease can lead to damage of the digestion process. (Hindawi, “Does Hypothyroid affect Gastroparesis motility”)

Other Autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus and Scleroderma may cause Gastroparesis. Scleroderma is a connective tissue disease in which collagen deposition develops in our internal organs which limits motility.

Neurological diseases such as MS and Parkinson’s can develop motility issues as well. In MS, the Vagus nerve is impaired. The Vagus nerve is crucial for digestion, as it tightens the stomach muscle to contract to move food. If food doesn’t move the food it will ferment or form into a hard ball called a Bezoar. Other Vagus Nerve impairments can be caused by surgery or through an accident.

Medications such as Calcium Channel Blockers, Antidepressants, Opiates, Lithium and other narcotics lead to inmotility.

Viruses such as Norovirus and the Rotavirus are also causes. The Covid Virus was found to exacerbate Gastroparesis flares as well.

Whatever the cause, if the person is experiencing Gastroparesis, there are symptoms or complications that are commonly felt everyday, including pain, nausea, vomiting (some showing undigested food), heartburn, Gerd, stomach spasms, loss of appetite, feeling full (after eating very little), bloating, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss or gain, fluctuating blood sugar levels, depression, anxiety, dehydration, malnutrition, and overall reduced quality of life.

So how do you know if Gastroparesis is the issue? If you have tried everything possible to relieve your symptoms, can’t get relief, experience chronic flares everyday, miss work or school, are losing weight and can’t eat, then it’s time for testing. There are certain tests that can be administered depending on the symptoms, health history and the age of the patient.

Next week I will discuss those tests available and the remedies.

Thank you, and please continue to be curious as we need to educate more people about Gastroparesis Awareness!

Be well,
Sandy, Wellness Coach

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August is Gastroparesis month!

August is Gastroparesis month!

Imagine this: You’re in gut-wrenching pain, so bad that you are downstairs using your phone to call the person upstairs for help. You’re so tired that you can’t get out of bed. You can’t do normal household chores without shaking. You haven’t eaten for a day or two, or maybe all you have had is a bite or two of food. You lay in a fetal position because it is the only comfortable one. You can’t drink water without throwing up. Your once nice teeth are now rotting due to GERD and acid reflux.

You suffer from diarrhea or constipation, or both. You haven’t eliminated in two weeks and you have to physically remove it or just stand up out of bed to find you are emptying yourself in front of your spouse with no warning. Who knew?

You need to get groceries or attend your niece’s birthday party. Do you go and take a chance on messing your pants or throwing up? You’ve embarrassed yourself before!

You end up at the ER because you can’t stop the pain, and it feels like it is your heart. You passed out in the shower only to find out that your bloodwork and tests indicate that you are ok and there is nothing physically wrong with you–implying that you are imagining it or are an addict looking for pain meds. They give you IV fluids and send you home. You are still in pain and feel emotionally let down. You have to call off from work again. You come home to find your family and friends’ supportive feedback is: “You’re not eating right.” “Get up and move around.” “You’ll feel better soon.” Or they just don’t believe you.

Finally, all you have is yourself, and how alone you are! You then start the process of giving up and answering “FINE” to all the future “How are you?” questions. The word “FINE” is just one way of escaping the negative feedback that shows the non-support of others.

What is this disease that takes you from a normal life with dreams yesterday to a way of life that you wish you would die or feel like dying by tomorrow? This disease is called Gastroparesis. The medical definition is “a condition of delayed gastric emptying without mechanical obstruction.”

August is Gastroparesis month, which is why I chose to bring it to your attention. The main reason is to make Gastroparesis included on the list when GI doctors talk about digestive disorders. This disease affects all ages from birth to adult, and mostly females. It is a rare disease with less than 200,000 individuals diagnosed in the U.S. It is a disease that is overlooked, misunderstood, and misdiagnosed by family, friends, and mostly the medical profession.

The information you read in the beginning are examples of testimonials from individuals as well as personal connections of mine. Unfortunately, they live their lives this way every day, knowing that there is no cure. Therefore, this month, I hope to bring more knowledge to the public by supplying you with more information about the causes, symptoms, and treatments and showing the psychological effects this has on individuals and their loved ones.

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Two powerful nutrients for immune strength and more

Two powerful nutrients for immune strength and more

Now more than ever, we understand the value of a strong immune system. The importance of getting the right nutrients in a daily regimen to prevent and fight viral infections, bronchial congestion, and allergic reactions can’t be overstated. And one of the strongest nutrient combinations we can recommend is Quercetin and Vitamin C.

Vitamin C contributes to both of your immune “operating systems” – innate and adaptive – and covers a broad range of activities. It acts as a fuel that helps your immune system protect you against microbes and various reactive oxygen species that damage and stress your cells, especially when your resistance is compromised.

Well known for its benefits to our overall health, Vitamin C touches on almost every aspect of immune function – strengthening the response of protective T-cells, antibodies, and other natural defenders that respond to viruses and bacteria. Our innate immune system also includes specialized white blood cells that can respond to any threats from pathogens like viruses and bacteria.

Your adaptive immune system is what helps your body develop immunity to a specific bacteria or virus after exposure or illness. The adaptive immune system includes T-cells, antibodies, and white blood cells that recognize invaders that survive your innate immune system, and either bolster your immune strength as a result, or destroy the infected cells so that they move out of your body altogether.

Additionally, Vitamin C may help reboot Quercetin levels in the body. While Quercetin may not be quite as well-known as other immune strengthening ingredients, it is more common than you think. Quercetin is a flavonoid polyphenol compound found in apples, grapes, onions, tea, and various herbs. There’s no doubt that a diet rich in quercetin-containing foods can help you stay healthy, but there’s also plenty of research that backs up supplemental Quercetin as a natural medicine for fighting viral infections.

Stay tuned as next week we’ll share more about the antiviral effects and additional benefits of Quercetin, including alleviation of allergies and asthma, as well its powerful effects on oxidative stress and inflammation.
Until then, Be well…
Erin Roush and the Freshlife Team

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Wellness Tips for Managing Cholesterol

Wellness Tips for Managing Cholesterol

Foundational Nutrients
Please see our list of Foundational Nutrients for general health.

Fish Oil- Omega 3 Fatty Acids, abundant in quality Fish Oil supplements, help to reduce inflammation, support healthy blood pressure and brain health, and work to boost the body’s HDL levels (the good cholesterol). Our customer favorite is the Cholesterol Support formula, which also contains Beta Sitosterols – natural plant based nutrients that cause the body to flush out the LDL (harmful) cholesterol.

Freshlife Vitamin C- Keeping the vein and arterial walls healthy and supple is an often overlooked component to keeping cholesterol at healthy levels. This is because damage to inflexible arterial walls causes the body to produce cholesterol to patch over the damaged areas, contributing to plaque build up. Vitamin C is one of the building blocks of collagen and will help keep your veins and arteries healthy and flexible!

Freshlife Clear Fiber- That’s right, one scoop a day of our Clear Fiber formula will keep excess cholesterol flushed out of your system every day! And that is good news for your heart!

Freshlife Cholesterol Support- This formula safely and effectively supports the body’s reduction of LDL (the harmful form) cholesterol and triglycerides. Our blend of herbs and nutrients work together to lower cholesterol and support many other areas of the body as well. A few stars in the formula are: Fiber, known for its ability to help the body flush cholesterol out of the blood stream and support healthy digestion; Chromium, a key trace mineral that helps not only to maintain a healthy cholesterol level but a healthy sugar metabolism in the blood as well; Plant Sterols which not only help to reduce bad forms of cholesterol but also work to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation throughout the body. Soy Isoflavones* lower LDL cholesterol as well as total serum cholesterol!

*Contains phytoestrogens – consult your physician before use if you are a breast cancer survivor.

Freshlife Red Yeast Rice Plus- This remedy contains a nutrient called monacolin k which is identical to a compound found in statin drugs, and therefore works in a similar fashion to have a big impact on lowering cholesterol. We prefer this to the plain Red Yeast Rice formula because it contains nutrients which help to both support the liver and replenish the body’s source of CoQ 10 – an important antioxidant for protecting cardiovascular health. For a greater effect, we suggest adding 50-100mg of our Ubiquinol CoQH, the best supplemental form of CoQ 10, for it’s enhanced absorption and support.

Freshlife Policosanol: Works to inhibit cholesterol formation in the liver.

Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Veggies Veggies Veggies! Don’t underestimate the power of adding extra vegetables in your diet. Look for every opportunity to eat more fresh veggies.
  • Boost fiber! Whole Grain goodness! Look for whole grains in our bulk aisle. Buckwheat, millet, quinoa, and steel cut oats are great options. Also, consider adding oat or wheat bran, flax seed, and chia seeds into your diet.
  • Healthy fats. Mix up the fats you consume, reduce fried foods altogether and experiment cooking with a variety of different oils – avocado, coconut, hemp, sesame, and sunflower are a few options to try. Research cooking temperatures of the oils you are using and use them properly: any oil that goes past the smoke point will turn rancid and do more harm to your body than good.
  • Reduce sugars, white flours, and processed foods in your diet. Keep in mind, the body often produces cholesterol as a defense against the damage caused by high blood sugar and free radicals.
  • Increase your intake of antioxidants – superfoods and good old fashioned fruits, vegetables and unadulterated grains are all good sources of antioxidants that will work to keep the cardiovascular system strong and healthy.

Health Disclaimer: The information provided in this handout should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any disease. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this handout. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. For more information or recommendations tailored to your specific needs, please schedule a Nutritional Consultation with a Freshlife Wellness Coach.

*This material may not be reproduced without permission.

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Health Disclaimer: The information provided on this site should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. It is intended for educational purpose only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any disease. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this site. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. Site content is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without permission.