Theory #3 - Exercise helps

Gastroparesis is caused by damage to the vagus nerve.  The vagus nerve is responsible for proper peristalsis (wave-like contractions of the stomach muscle responsible for moving food down the stomach).  If the vagus nerve is damaged, then the peristalsis will be weaker than required for proper food break-down and digestion.  Now, I have addressed low stomach acid in an earlier theory (theory 1).  However, with gastroparesis, proper stomach movement is also important in breaking down food and moving it to the next level of digestion.

For this theory, we will look at multiple sclerosis as a point here.  A lot of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis are required to start up an intense exercise regimen to regain or maintain muscle control.  Montel Williams was a classic example of this when he went on Oprah many years ago and described his intense workouts.  His workouts allowed him the ability to walk and function in society, despite the pain.  If he hasn't done the exercise, he wouldn't have maintained the ability to walk like he has.

So, another possible theory is that the same can be applied for gastroparesis. 

The stomach is more than just an organ.  It is more than just a pouch for food storage.  It has muscles.  Smooth muscles, nonetheless, but muscles.  People can exercise the heart.  People can exercise the brain.  Why couldn't people exercise the stomach?

It has moveable components.  It has contractions.  So, what if we could make those contractions stronger? Naturally.  I'm not talking using medications to stimulate stomach contractions (as many of those medications contain harmful side effects).  I'm talking healthier approaches.

Now, a lot of people with gastroparesis have a lot of weight loss issues.  They are too skinny.  Or vice versa, they are overweight.  Some of them are of healthy weight.  Gastroparesis effects everyone differently.  In the case of people who are too skinny, the challenge is: coming up with exercises that focus only on the stomach, and don't burn too many calories.  Face it, if you are too skinny, you want to hold on to every calorie you can get.

So, someone had noted that horseback riding is an excellent exercise in building core muscles including stomach muscles.  Increasing stomach muscles can increase stomach motility.  However, what if you can't get access to a horse?  What exercises can you do?

Well, for one.  There is a belly roll that can be done.  This involves distending the stomach out as far as possible, and then rolling it back in as tight as you can in an downward movement.  And then do it in reverse.  Keep doing this until the stomach gets tired.  This is an exercise that can stimulate gastric motility.

Other exercises that can be done, involve doing crunches on the floor, or with an exercise ball.  Walking is also another good exercise that improves gastric motility.

What exercises have you tried?  Have any worked for you?  Comment below.

Thank you for reading.  :)

Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solutions - Exercises that Facilitate Stomach Emptying