Why Your Stomach Might Feel Like A Parked Truck

Have you ever felt like your meal is just sitting there, not moving? You might have gastroparesis. This condition occurs when your stomach takes too long to empty. It's more common than you think—about 1 in 4 people experience symptoms of it.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Gastroparesis isn't always easy to spot. People rarely say, "Doc, my stomach is slow!" Instead, they might:

• Feel full too quickly
• Experience nausea
• Have belly pain

These symptoms can also be caused by other issues, like ulcers or blockages, so doctors usually check for those first.

What Causes Gastroparesis?

Sometimes, there's no clear reason for gastroparesis. Other times, it's linked to conditions that damage the nerves in your gut. Key causes include:

• Uncontrolled diabetes (can damage the vagus nerve, which controls stomach muscles)
• Autoimmune diseases
• Viruses (some stomach bugs may alter gut nerves, leading to long-term issues)

Research and Treatment

Researchers are actively studying gastroparesis to improve treatments. Key findings include:

• Stomach pain is a major symptom—90% of patients experience it, and for a third, it's severe.
• Long-term studies are tracking how patients progress.
• Some doctors are testing therapy to help patients manage stress, relax their vagus nerve, and reduce fear around eating.

Managing Gastroparesis

If you suspect you have gastroparesis, try these steps:

• Eat smaller meals with less fat and fiber
• Cook and chew your food thoroughly
• Drink plenty of water
• Take a walk after meals
• Avoid alcohol, fizzy drinks, and lying down right after eating