Diet and Complementary Medicine for Chronic Unexplained Nausea and Vomiting and Gastroparesis

Chronic nausea and vomiting, whether or not associated with gastroparesis, are among the most difficult symptoms to manage. Patients typically undergo extensive evaluation and empiric treatment often with suboptimal results. Conventional therapies may not produce adequate symptom relief or may cause unacceptable side effects. Thus, it is not surprising that patients report a negative impact on well-being, since the intermittent or constant occurrence of these symptoms are a source of anxiety as they impact social interactions and ability to work. Patients may seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which may include acupuncture and herbal formulations, not only to manage nausea and vomiting, but also to remedy those symptoms associated with chronic illness, like insomnia and general fatigue. This chapter will review diet and different modalities of CAM to treat gastroparesis and chronic unexplained nausea and vomiting.