Dumping Syndrome
Description
Dumping syndrome results from food passing rapidly through the stomach and into the upper intestine.
Rapid gastric emptying of liquids is the hallmark of the dumping syndrome.
Causes
Most commonly due to surgical procedures e.g. gastrectomy (partial or total removal of the stomach). This interferes with normal digestion. Non-surgical cases might be caused by stress.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms may include: sweating, faintness and palpitations. This may mimic those of diabetics, since the glucose and insulin levels will be affected in similar ways.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Intestinal Health
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Folic Acid | 400-1000 mcg |
| Guar Gum | 1-5 g |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note:
All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Patients who have undergone one of these surgical procedures should avoid large meals and refined carbohydrates. It may also be helpful to lie down after meals.
Supplementing meals with fiber (guar gum, pectin, or wheat bran) may delay emptying.
Folic acid supplementation may also prove to be beneficial.
Homeopathic Remedy
| Description | Remedy |
| Post-gastrectomy: | Anacardium occidentale tinct. |
| - with nausea | Ipecacuanha |
| - with sweet craving | Argentum nitricum tinct. |
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
----------
Herbs
-----------
Aloe vera
Chamomile
Marshmallow
Pau d'Arco
Peppermint
Slippery Elm
Turmeric
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Herbalists do not treat "dumping syndrome" per se. They do, however, have approaches to reduce inflammation and soothe the stomach.
Aloe vera juice can heal wounds.
Chamomile and Turmeric (curcumin) are known to reduce inflammation.
Marshmallow, Pau d'Arco, Peppermint or Slippery Elm, as herbal teas, are noted for their soothing properties.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Two folk favorites, which have been applied to every gastro-intestinal condition through the ages, include:
| Ginger Essence, | Peppermint Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
AbstractsReferences
Behrns, KE; Sarr, MG : Diagnosis and management of gastric emptying disorders. Adv Surg 1994;27:233-55.
Camilleri, M; Prather, CM: Axial forces during gastric emptying in health and models of disease. Dig Dis Sci 1994 Dec;39(12 Suppl):14S-17S.
Harju, E & Larmi, T.K.I.: Efficacy of guar gum in preventing the dumping syndrome. J. Parenteral Enteral Nutrition: 1983, 7(5): 470 - 472.
Khoshoo,V et al: Nutritional management of dumping syndrome associated with antireflux surgery. J Pediatr Surg 1994 Nov;29(11):1452-4.
Leeds, A.R. et al: Pectin in the dumping syndrome: Reduction of symptoms and plasma volume changes. Lancet, 1981, 1: 1075 - 1078.
Vecht J et al., The dumping syndrome. Current insights into pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl, 223:21-7, 1997.
Vogiatzi MG et al.,Gastrointestinal symptoms and diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents. Clin Pediatr (Phila), 35:343-7, 1996 Jul.
Young, C: Folic acid in dumping syndrome. (Letter.) Canadian Medical Association Journal, 1951, 65: 72.
| Signup Free Applied Health Journal |
||||
|
FREE Sample Issue Your email address is all we need to start you on a better path to health. We respect your privacy.
|
