Tips for Managing Your Gastroparesis - Part 2

Let’s do Part 2 now! These tips are from the 17th-31st of March when we were running our March Management Series.

What’s that? All month long, over on Instagram and Facebook, I did a March Management series on how to manage your Gastroparesis with little tips EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

Since some of you may not be on social media, I thought it would help you out to consolidate them here.

Some of these you might already know or have tried, but that’s okay! Everyone is on their own journey and some are at the beginning, some are in the middle and some have been at this a while. You never know which one will be the one to move your healing journey forward.

All I ask is for you to be open minded and maybe even try things again. Your body responds to different things at different times.

If you missed the first part, you can check that out HERE.

Otherwise, let’s move onto day 17-31:

17. Prioritize Protein - It is HIGHLY under consumed in those with Gastroparesis, but it is needed so badly! Prioritize each time you eat consuming a good amount of protein. If you struggle with protein digestion, look at consuming it in ways that are already helpful to you. Smoothies, soups, added into foods that are safe for you. You can get unflavored protein for these instances, too. No matter how you do it, just make it a priority.

18. Bye Bye Probiotics - I always have my clients ditch their probiotics when we start working together. A lot of times, you start taking probiotics hoping they will help, but until your motility is better, probiotics can cause more bloating and pain.
So, while I can't tell you here to ditch them, it's something to think about and maybe test out.
Obviously, not everyone reacts the same way, so this is why I do this with my clients in their customized protocol.

19. Hello Magnesium - Magnesium is used for so many things like sleep, muscle relaxation and also digestive issues and constipation.
It's a non-stimulating, non-invasive way to supplement to help your body out.
There are a few types you can use, depending on your needs.
So, if you are interested in magnesium and not sure which to take, please send me an email or comment below and I'd be happy to guide you.

20. Experiment with Textures- Try experimenting with different textures.
We've talked about liquids and soften foods, but there are other ways to include different foods.
You can steam foods, you can air-fry them, you can boil them, and on and on.

21. Eat more, earlier in your day - Today's tip is about spacing out your eating a little differently than you might be used to. Moving forward, you can eat more food earlier in the day, and stop earlier in the evening, so that you have pleeeenty of time to digest all evening. It's a little different version of intermittent fasting, but can be incredibly effective.

22. Acupuncture - This is a favorite of mine. One way I love to describe it is that it's like jumping your car battery. You put conductors on a nerve and send electrical pulses through to stimulate function of the nerve.
This was a MAJOR component of my healing. Is it something you have tried or considered?
It's also important your acupuncturist puts them in the correct spots to stimulate digestion. You should start actually feeling it move and relax.
If you would like more info on it, please feel free to Demail me and we can chat about it.

23. Acupressure - It's a similar process, just using pressure with hands and fingers instead of needles.
A massage therapist can perform this, too, so it can be a bit more accessible if you don't have an acupuncturist near you.

24. Massage - When you get a massage, it helps release tension, stress and toxins out of your body.
It opens up drainage pathways and allows your body to excrete what has been released.
It can be very healing and help with inflammation and that helps with your digestion!
Plus, who doesn't love a good massage?

25. Focus on Sleep Quality - Ever heard of Rest & Digest?
Well, it's true. Your digestive system NEEDS to rest and repair while you are asleep.
However, I know it's sort of a catch 22 because it's usually your stomach that's keeping you awake.

So, today we focus on quality, not quantity.
Don't worry right now about how much you get, worry about how well you sleep.
Make a bedtime routine to signal your body it's time to sleep.
Do your massage before bed to help your digestion.
Turn off any screens or tv at minimum 30 minutes before bed.
Keep your room dark and cool.

It won't be perfect and it won't happen right away, but your body will adjust to this and it will help you get into a rested state much quicker than before.

26. Manage Stress- Did you know that stress actually slows your digestive system down even more?
And can increase your bloating and constipation?
Yikes.
There are so many ways to de-stress.
I have a few ways to do it depending on how I am feeling:
1. Going for a walk
2. Laying on the couch watching a "brain-melting" show lol
3. Baking
These are just my favorite ways to do manage my stress.
Do you have any ways you typically turn to?

27. Set Your Daily Routine - Setting a daily routine will help you manage that stress, get good sleep, keep your mind at ease and honestly, take your focus away from your constant stomach pain.
So, start simple.
Make a morning routine that feels easy and beneficial to you.
Mine is
1. Warm lemon water
2. Snuggles on the couch with my babies
3. Workout
4. Breakfast

My body knows what to expect everyday and my brain relaxes since it knows what's coming.
My bedtime routine is similarly simple and helps trigger my body for bed.
My stomach is always calm because it knows what's happening.

Give it a shot and see how you do once you set a routine.

28. Journaling - Day 28 brings one that is a little controversial, because a lot of people think it's saying that your pain is in your head.
That is not it, at all.
Journaling helps with managing your stress.
Journaling helps with keeping track of correlations in what makes your stomach feel worse.
Journaling helps provide an escape from constantly thinking about Gastroparesis.

My clients and I always implement some form of journaling to help them understand their body even better. It's an important mindset piece to their healing.

29. Heating Pad Therapy - When you are in the middle of a flare, take a moment, lay down and throw a heating pad on your stomach.
Allow those tense feelings to relax and heat up and help move things on through.
Spend about 20-30 minutes with it on

30. Hum for Stimulation - Saving the best 2 for last.
Day 30 will directly help stimulating your Vagus Nerve.
Simply.... Humming.
Just hum for about 5 minutes before your eat and what it will do is help stimulate your nerves to kick them into gear to start the digestion process.

It's one of my clients' favorite ways to tone their nerve!

31. Stop Waiting for Doctors- Our Final Tip for the Month!
It's a little spicy, too.

STOP Waiting for Your Doctor to come up with a magical cure.

Gastroparesis is incredibly under-researched and it is also lumped into the other digestive disorders when they just prescribe a pill and tell you to go on about your business.

They don't provide good dietary information.
They don't provide symptom management.
They don't even come close to talking about how to tackle this from it's ROOT CAUSE!

Just a "bandaid" and next patient up!
I love doctors. Don't get me wrong, they have a wonderful place in the medical system and are necessary.
However, stop waiting around hoping they will do something for you and go find a way to heal for yourself.

That's what my clients have done. They stopped waiting around for answers and found me and got their health back instead of waiting for another pill, another surgery, another tube, etc.

There it is. The rest of the 31 tips!

I hope this month has given you so many options and opportunities to help yourself.
And if you'd like even more help, I am happy to go along that journey with you.

If you would like to know more about how we do that and what that would look like for you, you can schedule a free evaluation call and we will chat.

Do any surprise you? Any you haven’t tried, but think you might want to include in your routine?

Stay tuned for part two!

And, if you ever would like to chat about taking your healing to the next level and really kick Gastroparesis to the curb, please feel free to schedule a Complimentary Evaluation Call.

Until next time,

Keep it Fresh. Keep it Simple. Keep it Real.

Aubrey

Tips for Managing Gastroparesis - Part 1

Welcome to March Management!

All month long, over on Instagram and Facebook, I have been doing a March Management series on how to manage your Gastroparesis with little tips EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

And I know some of you may not be on social media, so I thought I would help you out and consolidate them here. However, you are welcome to follow along on socials so you don’t have to wait to find out the rest of the tips until the end of the month. You never know which one will be the one to move your healing journey forward.

Some of these you might already know or have tried, but that’s okay! Everyone is on their own journey and some are at the beginning, some are in the middle and some have been at this a while.

All I ask is for you to be open minded and maybe even try things again. Your body responds to different things at different times.

So, here is Day 1-16 to get started.

1. Know Your Trigger Foods - This is especially important if you are just beginning, but even if you aren't, knowing these can be a great first step. So, keep a notebook, notes on your phone or whatever is easiest and jot down a food whenever you eat it and it brings up your symptoms. This list could get long quick, but don't worry, we will learn how to shorten it right back up. Once you know these, you'll know what to stay away from until you increase your motility. Simple steps make big changes. Start here.

2. Get Moving - No, I don't mean do a crazy workout. Just a simple 15 minute walk after a meal can make all of the difference in the world for your digestive system.

3. Keep Hydrated - But Aubrey, my stomach hurts when I drink water.

   I get it, I promise and this doesn't always have to be this way, but for now we need to make adjustments in small increments. Do not chug your water or save it for all at once. Small sips and drinks throughout your entire day is what you need to do. This will help keep things moving and help with bowel movements.

4. Stick with Liquids - If you are really struggling to eat much of anything, then liquids are your friend. I don't mean the clear liquids like the doctors put you on. Liquids are a great way to give your body the nourishment it needs without making it work too hard to digestion.

   Think smoothies, juices, soups and broths. I have some guides to help with recipes, if needed.

5. Don’t Lay Down - I'm talking about after eating. Now, you have probably heard this from your doctor and they will say for 30 minutes-1 hour. WRONG.

   If you have Gastroparesis, you need longer. I recommend at minimum 1.5 hours up to 3 hours. You can still sit up, but talk that 15 minute walk and then stay sitting up for a few hours to help your body digest. This is after every single meal.

6. Eat Small Meals - Eating small snacks and meals allows your body to digest without having to work too hard for a bigger meal. This doesn't mean you will digest easily, but it's a step in the right direction.

7. Chew Your Food Thoroughly - Yes, even your liquids. Chew them. This helps stimulate digestive enzymes and the connection to your brain to start the digestion process. Chew each bite or sip 15 times!

8. Include Ginger Anytime You Can - Ginger is a great digestive stimulant that's not too harsh on the body. This can be juiced, in tea, fresh, powder, capsule(not recommended), blended, tincture, etc.

9. Peppermint Tea - It's known to be great for soothing your digetive system and reducing bloating. So, it might not be a direct Gastroparesis help, but if you can relieve symptoms elsewhere, it will help to take the edge off your GP.

10. Include Turmeric - In smoothies, soups, broth, etc. Turmeric will help reduce inflammation in your body and I could probably bet everything your body is incredibly inflamed due to all the stress it is constantly under.

11. Avoid Artifical Sweeteners - Honestly, even if you didn't have Gastroparesis, I would tell you to avoid them anyway. They are awful for your health in general, but in the terms of digestion they can cause bloating, discomfort, inflammation, etc.

12. Aloe Juice - Aloe can help soothe your stomach lining and help with healing. It also contains enzymes to help break down your food to reduce your bloating, gas and constipation. And it can help reduce inflammation. You can include it in juices, smoothies, take a shot of it on its own, add it to your water, etc.

13. Focus on Natural Enzymes - Think pineapple, papaya, mango, kiwi, banana, avocado and ginger! Each contains a different enzyme that helps break down different macros to help you digest easier. Consuming these in a smoothie form is wonderful because your blender does part of the work for you!

14. Cook it Down - We talked previously about keeping a liquid diet, but some people actually don't tolerate liquids as well, so we focus on cooking food down into its softest form to help with digestion. I like to have my clients mix and match with liquids and soft foods and we build on each until they can confidently handle solids.

15. Include Fermented Foods - These look like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, kefir, miso, olives and more. Start slow with these at first, as they can be harsh for someone with Gastroparesis. Fermented foods support digestion, bowel movements, a good microbiome and so much more.

16. Reduce Inflammatory Foods - These look like gluten, processed foods, high sugar foods, fried foods, etc. This is not a forever things, but simply a reduction and honestly, if you can eliminate processed foods 99.9% of the time, you'll be better off.

Alrighty, that’s the first of them!

Do any surprise you? Any you haven’t tried, but think you might want to include in your routine?

You can check out Part 2 HERE.

And, if you ever would like to chat about taking your healing to the next level and really kick Gastroparesis to the curb, please feel free to schedule a Complimentary Evaluation Call.

Can’t wait to give you more tips and I hope to meet you and chat soon!

Until next time,

Keep it Fresh. Keep it Simple. Keep it Real.

Aubrey

What is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner?

What is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner? What will I be doing?

First off, if you are new here, Hi, my name is Aubrey and I went through schooling to become a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and then also went to school to be a Restorative Wellness Practitioner- Level 1. I also am the founder/owner of Real Peel Juice & Nutrition. You can read more about my story, here.

Back to it…

The NTA program develops on a few important foundations, Nutrient-Dense Whole foods, Digestion, Hydration, Blood Sugar Regulation, Dietary Fats and Minerals. Our approach is focused on the individual. The idea of bio-individuality, meaning that each person is biologically unique, guides us away from one size fits all programs. Each person’s body functions differently, so I dive deeper to develop a unique diet and lifestyle plan to get their body functioning optimally, as it should be.

To be an NTP, we train on 3 levels. The first is like any other schooling. We read, study, do homework assignments, etc. Then, we start on the Functional Evaluation and then end with the Lingual-Neuro Testing.

To be a Restorative Wellness Practitioner, we go even deeper into the clinical side with lab testing, like the GI-Map, which is a very comprehensive stool test that I use with clients and then also food sensitivity testing, that I definitely use less often.

These two programs are like a perfect marriage to give a well-rounded clinical experience, but allows me to look at your health from different aspects. It’s not JUST “oh, eat healthy and you’ll be good.”

What’s It Like to Work Together?

So, yea, all of that above is good and well, but how does that help you?

My main focus is Gastroparesis and Digestive Health.

Most of you know that I have Gastroparesis and went through my own healing journey, but there are SO MANY people out there that suffer and the doctors have no answers. Or the answers are just trying every medication on the shelf. So, I went through my own journey and then condensed all of the best parts of it to help those suffering, start their own healing journey, and give them hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

We start with a comprehensive nutritional assessment, GI-Map testing to get a good idea of what’s actually going on inside with values we can physically see, not just feel, and then everything is customized from there.

We have calls to continue to tweak and adjust your healing plan, we address the ROOT cause of your issues, not just put a bandaid on the symptoms and call it a day.

We work on mindset around healing, living healthy and how to live a life that feels right FOR YOU. Not my idea of a good life for you.

When something isn’t working, we pivot. (insert giggle here because it always makes me think of Friends) It’s truly all about you and how we can take your health back.

The best part? I’m not here to judge you, test you, talk about your weight (unless that’s something you want to do), make you live like me or anything in between. We are all doing the best we can when it comes to our health, and so I am here to be your guide, to point you in the right direction and give you the tools to get there. I am your partner in this healing journey. I am the person I wish I had when I was at my lowest.

My family and friends were amazing, but to have someone who has gone through what I had gone through would have been amazing. They get the ins and outs, truly.

Are You a Good Fit?

You might be thinking, this sounds good, but is it truly right for me? Well, let me help you out. Here is who I work with:

• Both men and women, however I truly mainly work with women, as they are the ones who mostly suffer with digestive issues. But honestly, men seem to like to try things on their own most of the time, but when they do want my help, I am here!

• Diagnosed with Gastroparesis or suffering from any of the slew of Digestive Issues (IBS, Crohns, bloating, unexplained weight gain, you name it.)

• Willing to make changes to their life, not just wanting a quick fix

• Needing someone to be there for them, guide them and know that they can do this

• Someone that knows that this is a journey, and that after the first week, you will not magically be cured. It didn’t take you a week to get sick, it won’t take you a week to get better.

And the best part is, if we aren’t a fit, THAT’S OKAY! I will always offer help any way I can, but sometimes people just don’t jive lol

On the flip side, does this sound like you?

Do you want to chat more to see if we are a fit and to learn more about the processes we go through together? Let’s Chat!

You can request a free consult call. And no matter what happens, it will be the most valuable 30 minutes of your day. Click here.

Until then,

Keep it Fresh. Keep it Simple. Keep it Real.

Love, Aubrey

Andrea's Real Healing Story - Thrive with Gastroparesis

Introducing Andrea

Andrea was such a sweetheart to work with. She was one of my first clients back from maternity leave and really just made me excited to work helping those of us with Gastroparesis find their life again.

Fortunately, and unfortunately, Andrea hadn’t had her diagnosis long. I say that, because I would never wish this on anyone, as I am sure most of you wouldn’t, and I also say fortunately, because she didn’t let a moment go by without getting help right away.

The advice she had received from the doctors, like the ones we all have gotten, was not a path she wanted to take, so she went to searching and found me.

We had our free consult call and just went over everything. She has so much life to live and to be living without her Gastroparesis managed was just not going to cut it. She also had a lot of fear of the unknown and talking through everything with someone who has been in her shoes was so helpful.

Now, for Andrea, we had to make some adjustments, because she is a teacher. So, we started in the late Summer and got her to a point that was manageable by the time she went back to work. But that’s what this is all about. Customizing plans to get your body and health to a place that’s manageable (or more) and works around your life without feeling like you are giving up everything, or are tied to a bathroom, or are on a thousand different medications. None of that is what she wanted. So, we got to work and she did great.

Without further ado…

Meet Andrea

Do you know how you got Gastroparesis?

I am unsure of exactly how I got gastroparesis. I can assume based on talking with multiple medical professionals that it could be from COVID, but I don’t know for sure. I was diagnosed in June of 2024 after undergoing several tests and seeing multiple doctors. I was tired of feeling nauseous and losing weight without trying.

What were your main symptoms and how were you feeling before you started working with Aubrey?

My main symptoms were unexplained weight loss, feeling nauseous and grossed out with food. I had no hunger pains or appetite.

How did you find Aubrey & Real Peel?

By researching the web, I found Real Peel and decided to give it a try. I wasn’t getting any answers or help from my Gastro doctor in terms of how to deal with gastroparesis, so I took it upon myself to seek help.

What made you feel like working with Aubrey through the Thrive program was the right decision for you and your Gastroparesis?

I was apprehensive at first, but I was desperate to feel better and I was out of options. I figured it couldn’t hurt to consult with Aubrey. After our initial phone consultation, I felt that this was the right decision for me. She explained in detail of what to expect and how she could help me navigate this new diagnosis. I put my trust in Aubrey and never looked back, and I’m beyond grateful that I did.

What was the hardest thing about the Thrive with Gastroparesis Program?

The first two weeks of the program and following the liquid diet was probably the hardest thing about it.

Did you ever feel like quitting or felt like it wasn't going to work for you? If so, how did you move through those feelings?

I never felt like quitting because I always felt positive changes even if they were small. I did however have to get through a lot of discouraging times when I felt like I Wasn’t seeing the results I wanted fast enough. Texting Aubrey and video chatting with her throughout the program made a huge difference and kept up my Morale. I felt like I wasn’t alone and that I was finally talking with someone who understood what I was going through. Her encouraging words and messages were motivation to keep going.

What was the turning point for you during the program where you started feeling better? What was that like for you? Did your mind struggle with the idea of being better?

When I began getting my appetite back, not fully, but feeling the hunger pains and being a little more excited about eating again is when I felt like I can finally see the change for the better. It was really exciting and I was hopeful that this was the right thing for me. I did struggle a little bit with the idea of being better because I was afraid to have rough days and to feel the hopelessness again.

After the 12 weeks, how did you feel?

After the 12 weeks, I definitely notice a difference in my eating habits and my symptoms. I am a little bit more knowledgeable in what foods to stay away from and what foods keep me satisfied and feeling Good. I feel encouraged to keep up my hard work even after the program and I’m excited to see how much better I can feel in the future.

“I really enjoyed working with Aubrey throughout the program. I can’t think of anything that I would change.”

My Input on Andrea’s Journey

I love the question and answer format, because I like to see how they perceive their journey in comparison to how I perceive their journey. While Andrea was spot on with her feedback for herself, she also doesn’t give herself enough credit.

Her biggest struggles were mindset and time management. With her school schedule being a little hectic, we had to make adjustments to what she could eat and when and making sure that everything would align so that she could feel best during work no matter what.

It’s hard, but she did it. I always say progress, not perfection and on days where she didn’t do everything, she would tell me and I would reassure her that it’s okay. That’s life. It’s how it goes sometimes. But in the end, she continued to make that progress.

She also struggled with the fear of food, which is 1000000% normal. We worked through how to build up the confidence in trying new or hard to digest things. By the end, she had eaten STEAK! And felt totally fine, might I add. lol

She also had coworkers commenting on how strong she was and how much willpower she had to go through this and how great she was doing. Others were noticing very visible changes for her, and she was inspiring them!

I say all of this, because at the end she felt like maybe she wasn’t far enough along, and I had to remind her that she was eating whatever she wanted, she was learning what foods her body did and didn’t like, she was feeling hunger, bloating was minimal, nausea was basically non-existent and more! These are things that most of those with Gastroparesis would kill for just one moment of.

But, sometimes, being your toughest critic will get you far, because she feels like she can keep getting better which means she will keep pushing until she feels like she is at optimal health. That is a drive that not many people have.

I am so proud and honored to have had Andrea take the leap of faith and put her trust in me. It was such a pleasure to work with her and seeing her feeling better and doing so well was so exciting.

Every client is a journey and it is such an honor and joy to guide them along and watch them succeed and push through their hardest days and symptoms. I thoroughly enjoy seeing their progress from sometimes their worst moments in life, to gaining a whole new life back .It’s truly something I would never take for granted being a part of.

And if you are lost on where to start your Gastroparesis healing journey, make sure you download the FREE 3-Day Healing Guide.

If you have already done that, but are ready to move forward with your healing, request a free consult call to learn more about working 1-on-1 and how I can help you with your Gastroparesis. Head here to make that request by filling out the quick form.

Will you be the next Real Healing story?

Until next time,

Keep it Fresh. Keep it Simple. Keep it Real.

Aubrey

Smoothies for Gastroparesis

Smoothies are such a great thing to consume for those with Gastroparesis. 

They are a quick & easy way to “Eat” when you don’t have the energy physically, or mentally, to figure out what you can eat that won’t bother your stomach more than it already is. 

They are also a great way to get the desperately needed protein and fats that are often missing in the typical diet that those with Gastroparesis follow. 

If you have been following the diets that are given by a dietitian or your doctor, I can guarantee you they aren’t beneficial to you at all. At least, not the ones I was given and have seen in the last few years. 

We can talk more about how to get even more recipes and help in just a moment, but let’s get to why we are here today… the 3 Smoothie Recipes for Gastroparesis.

The Recipes

Blueberry coconut smoothie

• 1 cup Coconut Water

• 1 cup Frozen Blueberries

• 1/4 cup Frozen Banana

• 1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt

• 1/4 cup Vanilla Protein Powder

Pineapple Lime Smoothie 

• 2/3 cup Coconut Milk

• 2/3 cup Frozen Pineapple

• 1 tsp Honey

• ½ Lime (juiced, zested)

Orange, Carrot, Turmeric Smoothie 

• 1 Navel Orange (small, peeled)

• 1 Carrot (small, peeled, chopped)

• 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt

• 1/4 tsp Turmeric

• 1 scoop Unflavored Collagen Powder

For all smoothies, just blend thoroughly and enjoy!

When it comes to smoothies, you can have as much or as little as you can tolerate at once. Remember, everyone is different.

What you’ll notice with these recipes is that they are SIMPLE. Not too many ingredients and every single one of them focus on getting you protein in ways that you can easily digest. 

They also focus on providing you with natural digestive enzymes to help your body digest more effectively than it normally does. 

Where to Get More Like This

I try to always provide different ways to get recipes that are easy for those with Gastroparesis to get and try out. It can be hard, because everyone has such different tolerance levels for foods, but I try to make as wide of a variety as possible.

My clients get personalized recipes based on their needs. Those on my emails get weekly recipes of all different types and varying levels of liquids and solids. 

You get lots of recipes during the Free Challenges I run every few months and those are great ways to get more information on why each recipe works with your Gastroparesis.

I have 2 ebooks that have lots of recipes and guides to follow. You can find those here.

There was also a previous Smoothie Recipes for Gastroparesis Blog you can see here. 

But, I figured it was time to do a new one.

As a reminder, these smoothies alone aren’t going to be the magic pill to help your Gastroparesis, but they provide you nutrition and make it easy with a condition that can be very complicated to manage. 

I hope you get to try them out and let me know how they worked for you.

And if you would like more information on how I can help you with your Gastroparesis in a more customized way, click here!

Until next time,

Keep it Fresh. Keep it Simple. Keep it Real.

Aubrey

Gastroparesis and Pregnancy

This has become a big topic in the Gastroparesis world lately, or at least that I am seeing, and so I thought it was about time to discuss whether or not Gastroparesis has any effect on pregnancy or the ability to get & stay pregnant. 

The short and sweet of it is….

No, Gastroparesis itself is not an issue to get and stay pregnant, nor does it have an effect on pregnancy. 

But, as we know with this condition, it’s never that simple. 

Let’s break that down. 

Gastroparesis as the condition itself does not have the effect, but it’s the problems stemming from Gastroparesis that can cause issues around fertility and pregnancy.

Malnutrition

This is the biggest issue of them all. Whether this is while trying to conceive or during the pregnancy. A lot of us with Gastroparesis have a hard time eating much of anything and even when we can, we don’t always utilize the nutrients that are available.

Your body’s ability to be able to digest and absorb the necessary nutrients is incredibly important. You must be able to sustain yourself and your baby through the 9 months. 

This also can cause issues, especially in the first trimester, because while you might be able to eat, chances are you will become nauseous or even throw up and that negates what you are eating.

A lot of OBs are not versed in Gastroparesis, so they might not know how to help. This is where you need to educate and make a plan to make sure you are consuming food in a safe manner and staying hydrated. This could look like needing IV fluids to stay hydrated. It could look like a specialized diet to ensure you are getting enough nutrition. And the two of those things could vary widely.

Hormone Imbalance

This would be another issue, but more on the fertility side of things.  

If you are malnourished, it’s also verrrrrrrry likely you are having hormonal issues as well. 

This would lead to irregular periods that would make conceiving hard, not necessarily impossible, but harder than it might have been without everything in the way. 

Medications for Gastroparesis & Pregnancy

If you are some of the medications for Gastroparesis and worry about taking them before and during pregnancy, you will need to speak with both your OB & your GI.

It might be possible to stay on them, however, if you’ve been around here long enough to know me, you know that I am not a fan of the meds for Gastroparesis. My goal for all my clients is to be able to get off those medications and let their body do the work, and for the record, I am usually quite successful in doing that.

For Men

This all generally applies to the men with Gastroparesis, too. Well, except the actual pregnancy part. But if you are a man with Gastroparesis and wondering what the status of your fertility looks like, then a lot of the above applies to you, as well.

If your health and hormones aren’t functioning well, then your body won’t create healthy sperm. Whether that looks like not enough sperm, low motility sperm, not the correct shaped sperm, etc.

So, working through your digestion and keeping nourished will help keep your hormones balanced to be able to focus on creating sperm to help with the fertility process on your end.

What to Eat During Pregnancy with Gastroparesis

Well, this is a hard one, because just like this condition, every pregnancy is different and with the condition it can make it even more different.

So, first off, if you are having a hard time eating anything at all and even staying hydrated, then like I mentioned previously, you will want to speak to your OB and coordinate with your GI to make sure they can get you taken care of with fluids and particular nutrition.

A lot of times, Gastroparesis goes into “remission” during pregnancy and you find yourself being able to eat things you weren’t previously able to. While it’s tempting to eat whatever you want, try to remember to stay on the healthier side to help both you and your growing baby!

If you do experience the remission phase, take this time to replenish your body with those vital nutrients you might not have been able to get in before. Yes, you can still totally treat yourself, but make sure you are including fruits and vegetables, proteins and fats! They are all very important to your baby’s health and growth.

If you are working with a nutritionist (like myself) or a dietician during pregnancy, then we can customize a meal plan for you to help you get all you need during this special time.

And here’s something to be hopeful about….

For some, their Gastroparesis never returns after giving birth. For others, it does, but you literally never know.

My Personal Fertility & Pregnancy Journey

My first pregnancy was through IVF. The fertility journey is a brutal one and it’s not something I would wish on anyone.

After trying for 2 years, we decided to go see a fertility doctor. I swore it was because of my Gastroparesis that I wasn’t able to conceive naturally. Turns out, I was labeled with PCOS and the possibility of mild endometriosis. This has to be confirmed by surgery and my doctor didn’t find it necessary.

So, the original thought was that my Gastroparesis had nothing to do with the inability to get pregnant. My fertility doctor even said it’s the Gastroparesis is typically not a concern before or during. 

(if you’d like to know more about IVF and that journey, feel free to contact me)

However, at the time of writing this, I am currently pregnant with baby #2 naturally and I do think it had majority to do with how I went about my digestion and health after baby #1. 

I went back and started my own protocol that I take all my clients through. I worked it hard. I focused on making sure my digestion was working properly and then fueling my body with foods that would help balance my hormones. And then SURPRISE, here comes baby #2. 

So, while Gastroparesis itself didn’t have an effect on it originally in my first attempts at having a baby, I do think the years of whacked out digestion, malnutrition, unbalanced hormones and stress played a factor in it, along with the other issues I had. 

Wrapping it Up

So, if we break it down to the simplest terms, then no, Gastroparesis as a condition itself is not an issue when it comes to getting pregnant and going through pregnancy.

There is more to it, but that’s just to ease that first concern if you are someone who is newly pregnant or considering trying to get pregnant.

If you would like to learn more about how I help my clients with their Gastroparesis, I would love to chat with you.

Just click here for more info.

I hope this was helpful and even reassuring to you.

Until next time.

Keep it Fresh. Keep it Simple. Keep it Real.

Aubrey

Nichole's Real Healing Story - Thrive with Gastroparesis

Introducing Nichole

Today’s Real Healing Story features Nichole.

You know those people you meet or talk to and immediately you feel super comfortable with? Almost like you have known them forever? That’s how I felt with Nichole when we first talked. I felt like we had so much in common and a similar drive to not let Gastroparesis defeat us.

When we had our consult call and she told me how she was feeling, the things she has tried and what she has been going through, plus there’s always a little extra just about our lives and families and all that good stuff, I knew 100000000% I could help her get her life back.

I just wasn’t sure she knew that she could, but she took the leap and man, oh man, did it FAR exceed my expectations.

One thing I tell every client before starting is “You get out what you put in” to this program. I can give you all of the information, education and help, but if you don’t commit it’s just simply not going to work. Or if you half commit, you will get half results.

Nichole took that advice and ran with it. She fully committed and her results showed and started showing FAST.

And I will admit, I was sad when we had our final call. I really enjoyed our time together and watching her soar, but also developing somewhat of a friendship.

Without further ado…

Meet Nichole

Do you know how you got Gastroparesis? And how long had you been dealing with it?

“Yes - I believe I got Gastroparesis from the Covid virus. I got Covid at the very beginning of 2021 & again that same summer.”

What were your main symptoms and how were you feeling before you started working with Aubrey?

“Vomiting, nausea, and extreme bloating”

How did you find Real Peel & Aubrey?

“Google!! I always felt a little better when I drank fresh juice...ginger, lemon, spinach, etc. I realized while I had done extensive research for Gastroparesis, I never researched juicing for Gastroparesis. So I jumped on my computer and simply searched "Juicing for Gastroparesis" and ta-daa...I was greeted by Aubrey and Real Peel.”

What made you feel like working with Aubrey was the right decision for you and your Gastroparesis?

”After reading every last word of Aubrey's website and blog, I had a sense of hope for a better quality of life. Aubrey knows, first hand, the physical & emotional struggles with Gastroparesis. Her personal experience and relatability gave me confidence in her and the program..”

What was the hardest thing about the Thrive with Gastroparesis Program?
”My biggest struggle was a little later in the program with introducing new foods. By this point, I was feeling so much better than I had in years. I was extremely intimidated by the new food due the uncertainty of how it would make me feel. I was just so scared to go backwards when I had made such improvement. Aubrey assured me that I confidently knew which foods worked for me. So, while a new food might upset my stomach, I could always go back to the food that agreed with me. Her simple logic pulled me out of my emotional struggle to guide me back to take the chance of introducing new food. She was my rock throughout the entire program.”

Did you ever feel like quitting or felt like it wasn't going to work for you? If so, how did you move through those feelings?

“I never felt like the program wouldn't work for me or that I wanted to quit. I had tried medication, tried "diets" I found online from doctors, eating minimal food, etc. but nothing worked. Knowing I felt relief from the juices I made, I had a lot of confidence in the program to heal me from the inside out with food.”

What was the turning point for you during the program where you started feeling better?
”By the end of week 2 of the meal plan, I felt relief. Week 1 for me was a full blown detox of all the junk I had been putting into my body for so long. Week 2 started with no detox symptoms, so I was very focused on the meal plan provided to me along with the modules, videos and worksheets. By the weekend of week 2, to my surprise, I had NO bloating or nausea!! I hadn't felt that way in years!! I was so amazed with how soon into the program I felt relief!! At that point, I knew this program would heal me.”

After the 12 weeks, how did you feel?
”At the end of the 12 weeks, I physically and emotionally felt better than I ever had in my entire life. Aubrey's program was truly life changing. I've gained knowledge and understanding of how the digestive system works, how to restore nerves, blood sugar regulation, sugars, fats, fibers and the importance of mindset. I now have plenty of energy through out the day and my stomach feels like I don't have Gastroparesis. I feel fortunate to be able to pass this knowledge and information down to my family to help improve their life. Thanks to Aubrey's knowledge, meal plans and never ending support, I have a full quality of life now.”

If you could give any advice to anyone dealing with Gastroparesis, what would it be?

“Don't give up hope!! You can be healed. You can feel better. You can have your life back.”

This is just a free box if there was anything else you would like to add that I missed.
”I feel so humbled by my experience with you and your program, Aubrey. This truly was a life changing program for me and words cannot describe the appreciation I have for you. Your care for others, knowledge, and guidance is inspiring!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!”

My Input on Nichole’s Journey

Each client takes a before and after Nutritional Assessment and when we started together, Nichole had a very typical assessment result of those with Gastroparesis. Lots of High Priority in the digestive system and then usually the sugar handling and vitamin & mineral needs are high priority. Then, the hormones and immune system are typically a medium priority. Nothing new and helps me get a good overview on how she was feeling.

When I saw her final assessment result, I audibly gasped! I was SO excited for our final call to show her the results, because I knew it would blow her mind to not only feel it, but see it. Her improvement was INSANE. Every single category dropped to low priority and some were basically non-existent. I knew she was feeling great, but it’s also nice to be able to actually see it in her assessment.

She also had labs run in the middle-ish of our time working together and all of her vitamin and mineral numbers had improved so much. So, that was just an additional win.

What’s funny, and pretty standard, is that when a client starts feeling so much better, they stop needing me as much. Nichole’s journey towards that started so much quicker than I expected and sometimes I was like “umm, hi. Do you need anything?” lol Our calls sometimes were shorter than planned, our weekly check-ins were often just good things and she didn’t need any support. She was just following the program and doing it to her fullest. I even questioned if I was covering everything, but then I realized, this is EXACTLY what we wanted for her. To just be out living life.

She worked HARD. She did everything I asked of her, she tried all of things, even when they seemed odd or new to her. She did what it took and she is reaping those rewards, and that’s the best part. And an added bonus is that her family is reaping those rewards. Not only do they get their Nichole back, but as she stated, she had passed on and included them in her healthier lifestyle and they are benefitting, too.

Simply put, she got her life back.

Proud is an understatement and I can’t wait to check back in on her later on to see how she’s continuing on. She’s got good things coming her way.

Every client is a journey and it is such an honor and joy to guide them along and watch them succeed and push through their hardest days and symptoms.

While I will miss my time with Nichole, talking about our love for all things Mexican food, queso and HEB (it’s a Texas thing), I am just beyond thrilled for her and so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of her journey.

And if you are lost on where to start your Gastroparesis healing journey, make sure you download the FREE 3-Day Healing Guide.

If you have already done that, but are ready to move forward with your healing, request a free consult call to learn more about working 1-on-1 and how I can help you with your Gastroparesis. Head here to make that request by filling out the quick form.

Will you be the next Real Healing story?

Until next time,

Keep it Fresh. Keep it Simple. Keep it Real.

Aubrey

Nerve Toning for Gastroparesis

This has been a long time coming.

It is one of the most asked about topics, after “what the heck can I eat?”.

Nerve toning is a pivotal part of the Thrive with Gastroparesis Program. We establish these techniques before we even touch any type of meal plan, because it doesn’t matter what you put in your body if your body cannot function properly to digest said food.

Nerve toning isn’t something that is one and done. It takes consistent practice, just like muscle toning. You don’t lift weights once and expect to be super strong. Same concept. You don’t tone the nerve once and expect to feel 100% better.

But, with some consistency, it makes a world of a difference.

So, what exactly is nerve toning?

It is through different techniques that help stimulate the Vagus Nerve that plays a major role in stimulating the stomach muscles to digest your food. Essentially, it is teaching it to rewire the connection back to the brain and the body to work together again.

Can you reverse nerve damage?

Well, that’s one of those questions with the answer of, “It depends”.

It depends on how severe the damage to the nerve is, how long it has been left untreated and what caused the damage. This also mirrors how effective nerve toning is. For some, the pain and symptoms can go away entirely, for others with more severe damage, you can drastically improve, but it might not ever go away.

The Vagus Nerve

It is the main group of nerves of your parasympathetic nervous system. This system controls digestion, heart rate, immune function, mood, speech, taste, etc.

It runs from your brain to your large intestine.

Sounding more familiar as to why you might be experiencing other issues aside from digestion?

So, keeping all of that in mind, currently in the Thrive with Gastroparesis Program, I teach 6 methods of nerve toning. These different methods span throughout the Vagus nerve, because your damage could be anywhere along it and we don’t really know where. So, we work on the whole nerve to see if we can feel the stimulation from different techniques.

A great image showing how the Vagus Nerve runs through your whole body and all of the organs and systems it interacts with. Picture from Morningside Acupuncture.

I’d like to give you 2 bonus ones right now that you can literally do THIS MOMENT, or really any time.

Humming!

Yup, something that simple can help stimulate and tone your Vagus nerve. Humming for about 5 minutes will awaken the nerve and stimulate it. At first, you might not feel anything, but if you do start to feel faint or anxious, then you know you might have overstimulated it.

This is not a problem. It’s actually a good thing! It means your nerve is responding! Keep going, but maybe knock it down to 4 minutes. And then keep testing from there.

Cold Water Stimulation.

This one follows along the lines of ice baths, but not so extreme. Splashing very cold water on your face can help stimulate your nervous system, but not necessarily the actual vagus nerve. However, awakening the system and then humming can be very effective.

What are some results from nerve toning?

Some responses from my personal experience and clients who experience the nerve stimulation:

• crying from out of nowhere after or in the middle of a nerve toning exercise

• a wave of fatigue washing over them

• faster heart rate

• feeling tingling in the face or hands

• feeling the need to nap

• feeling the vibration in different areas of the digestive system

• having to poop very soon after

These are all due to the stimulation of the nerve and awakening the whole system. It just depends on where and how severe the damage is.

And if you don’t feel anything, you keep trying multiple toning techniques until the right one hits.

If you would like to learn more about how to incorporate Nerve Toning into your routine and how we use it while working together, I would love to talk further with you. Just click here and fill out the form to have a free consult call.

I hope this was helpful for you and that you immediately start trying some of these techniques.

Until next time,

Keep it Fresh. Keep it Simple. Keep it Real.

Aubrey