Walking to Manage Gastroparesis
In my opinion, the most effective gastroparesis management plans have three basic components: medical, dietary and lifestyle. While most of us pay a great deal of attention to the first two, I've found that lifestyle modifications -- particularly the importance of physical activity -- are often underestimated or ignored altogether.
Walking is one of the cheapest, easiest and most versatile forms of exercise, which can lower blood pressure, boost immunity, and decrease your risk of all kinds of medical conditions, including heart disease, type-2 diabetes, breast cancer, and depression.
But for those with gastroparesis, there are more immediate benefits:
Moderate exercise has been found to increase the rate of gastric emptying. (Strenuous exercise, however, actually slows gastric emptying.)
Exercise can stimulate appetite.
Studies have shown that consistent exercise increases energy levels, even among those with chronic medical conditions.
Exercise has been found to reduce anxiety up to 20% in patients with chronic medical conditions.
Some people worry that daily physical activity will exacerbate weight loss. Turns out moderate exercise (like walking) does not automatically lead to weight loss and, for the reasons listed above, may actually help those who need to gain weight do so.
How long and how often should you walk? You'll need to find what works best for you. Many of my clients find that a short walk after each meal helps alleviate fullness and other symptoms. Others hit the treadmill for an hour each morning, saying it kickstarts their appetite and gives them more energy. If you're currently sedentary, start small -- just a 10–15-minute walk after dinner, for example.
Personally, I’ve found that walking 4-5 miles daily — broken up throughout the day — is a very effective way to manage my symptoms. So much so that it’s the one thing I make sure to prioritize even when other areas of my management plan ebb and flow.
Note: Talk with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.