If your doctor diagnoses you with gastroparesis, she has found that your stomach takes longer than normal to transfer what you eat into the small intestine, where your body breaks food down to extract its nutrients. The juice and latex of aloe vera, a tropical succulent, are marketed for colon-lining inflammation, constipation and diabetes, but not for gastroparesis. Do not use this remedy without your doctor’s supervision. Health risks are associated with its intake.
Aloe as Remedy
The potential of aloe vera gel to soothe minor skin problems such as burns and insect bites is well known. This topical use appears to be safe, and the substance is often added to lotions and creams. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also has approved aloe as a flavoring. But the agency has assumed a different position regarding the internal consumption of the plant.
Concerns about Aloe
Aside from the fact that no readily available evidence shows aloe can alleviate gastroparesis, the succulent’s juice or latex can cause health issues. In May 2002, the Food and Drug Administration ruled that aloe products to ease constipation were not generally safe or effective. Besides, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center says that aloe contains anthraquinone, a laxative that may induce gastrointestinal problems and lead to electrolyte imbalance. Cases of thyroid dysfunction and liver inflammation have been linked to the internal consumption of aloe products, according to the medical center.
Gastroparesis Causes and Symptoms
Gastroparesis may manifest without a clear reason or a number of conditions can be linked to the problem. Eating disorders, stomach surgery, viral infections, Parkinson’s disease and hypothyroidism are among the known causes of gastroparesis. The symptoms you experience -- heartburn, weight loss, vomiting, nausea and abdominal bloating -- are not unique to this condition, a fact that sometimes delays a diagnosis.
Gastroparesis Recommended Treatment
Gastroparesis requires treatment from a professional health care provider familiar with the condition. It is also important to understand that therapy alleviates symptoms, but it does not cure this chronic problem. In general, doctors prescribe medications known to provoke your stomach to contract and relax, a movement that, aided by gravity, forces food down into the small intestine. Your physician may also prescribe additional drugs to ease symptoms such as nausea or heartburn. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says that many small low-fat and low-fiber meals eaten throughout the day are often easier on patients than a few large meals. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend tube or intravenous feeding to bypass the stomach.
