Crystal I can’t thank you enough for all this fantastic information, you have completely changed the way I think about G P. and because I have changed my thinking my whole experience has changed for the better. It makes so much sense and the minute I grasped the concept I felt a huge sense of relief. I would like to make some smoothies but I’m not sure where to begin. You are so right about taking more time to chew food properly it definitelydoes help. Thank you again for the wonderful job you are doing, it is much appreciated and has made a huge difference. Carolxx
Oh my goodness, Carol, this made my day! I'm so glad you heard something impactful in what I've shared. When our thinking shifts, our experience changes. It's really so simple but, like you said, it can bring about SO much relief. It's funny you bring up smoothies because I used to have a class and eBook all about making smoothies and juices and I was just thinking recently that I should put out some updated info about that. So thanks for the idea... and stay tuned ;) So glad you're here, Carol, and so glad you've seen things that have helped you. Sending lots of love and good wishes! ❤
Dietitian here: This advice is amazing. I 100% recommend following ALL of these 10 things. I have a few more tips and tricks for people suffering with ideopathic gastroparesis I’ve found to work with several people: (1) add high-calorie sauces to foods like ketchup and barbecue sauce. These can add a great amount of low fat calories (2) 1/4th dose of a liquid multivitamin. Liquid because it digests better and faster and 1/4th because of the decreased motility means greater absorption (3) track your food and make sure you’re eating enough each day. Just because you don’t feel hungry at all does not mean you are meeting your nutrition needs. To find your needs, use the Mifflin St. Jeor calculator with an activity factor of 1.3 for sedentary lifestyles, 1.4 for mildly active lifestyles, and 1.5 for moderately active lifestyles, and 1.6 for very active lifestyles (4) make a weekly menu and meal prep
Will, thanks so much for adding in your expertise! I'm always interested in partnering with healthcare professionals so we can help as many people as possible and I often have people write asking for GP-knowledgeable RD recommendations. If you want to send me an email at lwwgp at crystalsatrelli.com, I'd love to have your info on hand!
Just out of the emergency, for the second time, for vomiting for 13 hours on end with no sleep 7pm-8pm 😢. My electrolytes were dangerously out of balance on both encounters, causing my body to seize and be completely unusable. Thought I was going to die this second time, because the first time I went to the emergencies, I lost consciousness before they took me in for fluids/medication, and I remember seeing a tunnel of light and all pain and sensation of suffering had left my body. I prayed to my angels to please save me, I wasn't ready to go. These last few years this condition has seemingly gotten worse, I notice it, especially when I'm stressed or when I'm not eating right. Learning all of this is intense. I don't wish 13 hours of puking and seizing on anybody! Its absolutely horrific!!! Thank you for assisting us all in making better choices so this condition doesn't effect us as negatively. ❤
@@TashaMarie-hr9zy thank you for asking! I feel like this gastroparesis has actually calmed down a bit. I believe that stress made it worse. I highly recommend keeping your stress in control and also eating food really slowly and groundedly.
Hay miss Carol I’m a 43 year old women . Watching your video and crying . I salute you for your courage. I have been suffering vomiting nausea & bloating last 5 years on and off. Since May 1st 2021 I became very sick & throwing up like crazy . It takes so long to get appointments for all the test I needed for my dr to figure out what is my diagnosis will be. He is thinking I might have Gastroparesis. In 2 weeks I will have Gastric emptying study. I’m so stress and hopeless. I am on nausea Med . I don’t even wana eat anything cause I feel super bloated. And even with laxative Med I can’t empty my bowl completely. I’m hoping and praying I can get better over time . Love & so much respect for you❤️
I just want to say bless your heart for the assistance you provide! And my heart goes out to everyone that’s suffering with this disorder! It’s a Bitch--but it can and will get better!
I'm newly diagnosed. Had a hernia burst. It twisted my stomach completely around and shoved it into my heart. It paralyzed my Vegas nerve and my stomach. Ive been following the diet my Dr gave me. It sucks. Food has become my enemy. I appreciate your more relaxed attitude. I'm living on chicken breast, tuna, potatoes (no skin) and white rice. I desperately miss burgers and salads. What can I eat? I don't have flair ups. Mine is due to nerve damage and is constant.
Literally cried when you were talking about how eating, what should or shouldn't I . ...... Finally another human that knows. Thank you so much for this info!
I was born with Gastroschisis so gastroparesis definitely became a factor as I got older and lately the whole topic has been making me get really stressed out and cry. I really needed this thank you sm
Just found this channel, I am a guy with idiopathic gastroparesis for about 4 years now and this information is GOLD. Thanks a million for all that you do.
Hi from Colorado. Thank you so much for all of the great information. My son has suffered with stomach pain for years. After 5 years and several GI doctors, he finally was diagnosed after a gastric emptying test. The more info on this condition, the better. God bless.
Hi, Kim. I'm so glad your son was finally able to get a diagnosis. I know that struggle well! The good news now that you know what you're dealing with, is that it's totally possible to live WELL with gastroparesis. I'm glad this info here is helpful. There's a ton more on my website if you haven't visited yet: www.livingwithgastroparesis.com. Sending so many good wishes to your son! (And to you ❤ As a mom, I know it's not easy to watch your child go through a condition like this.)
I was diagnosed 2yrs ago and the GI Dr wanted to see me back but my PCP didn't tell me anything about it and said to stop eating. I have to follow a diabetic diet to start with and now I feel a little lost. I'm now scheduled for a full scope, upper and lower GI, but had to reschedule because my flair is so horrible I couldn't keep from crying when I called them. Now I know what I "can and can't" eat which is helping a lot and I'm slowly keeping fluids and a little bit of food down. The Dr flat out requested I be extra careful until the scope because he'd normally have me in the hospital right now if Delta variant wasn't running wild right now. Once the flair ends I will just have to be careful until I can do a gastric emptying study. My first upper GI they found a lot of 3-4 day old pizza. I'd had 3 slices over 2 days and everything seemed to be there. My PCP made sure I didn't get the gastric emptying study the first time and I didn't know if I could survive this last flair.
So glad I found you sweety. Everything in our lives happen for a reason. Trauma sucks. It all makes sense. Lovely Zoloft and Gabapentin is probably the culprit. The madness. And my son is wondering why I refuse to go to the doctor to get a real diagnosis. I just know this is it. I've always felt like there was a blockage when I ate or drank anything. Like a muscle tightens up and then when I read about it my mouth dropped. 😱 So now I need to start digesting this information. 🤣🤣
Hi! I'm so glad you're finding helpful information here. Trauma often seems to play a significant role in the development of functional digestive disorders, so you're certainly not alone there! That said, I actually would encourage you to go ahead with a formal diagnosis for a couple of reasons. First, certain medications, including some classes of antidepressants can delay gastric emptying. But there is often a switch that can be made if necessary. If medication is playing a role, discontinuing that may significantly alleviate symptoms. Second, there are other causes of delayed gastric emptying that can be addressed and only a doc will be able to evaluate for those. And lastly, I've just heard from too many over the years who were sure they had GP and then eventually were diagnosed with something else (that's often quite treatable!). A gastric emptying study is pretty easy to complete and might shed some light on what exactly is going on. Just my two cents! Sending good wishes!
@@csaltrelli thanks so much for your reply. I appreciate it. It's so hard to come off Zoloft. What a mess. I'm making a Dr appointment tommorow to be sure. I just have a hard time trusting Doctors these days. It's always about insurance money it seems.
Agree, for some reason Gabapentin just tore my condition up. Doc's refused to listen or help. They all think we are seeking drugs and they are missing people who have a true medical need for their intervention.
Crystal, you absolutely amaze me. You continue to provide the very best information possible to help those of us who continue to struggle with our gastroparesis. Without you, my very long journey with gastroparesis would’ve been so much more difficult. Please continue with the tremendous amount of research and work you do on our behalf. Thank you so very much!
My problem is I have mild gastroparesis on top of chronic gastritis. Meds for gastritis makes gastroparesis symptoms worse so my previous GI said no meds. Most current GI wanted me on meds knowing it would make it worse so then just wanted me on depression meds to hide the symptoms. I said no thanks. I need to try and find a way of eating to heal and manage rather than covering symptoms.
I’m suffering the same exact situation. They’ve tried me on so many meds and they all made one issue worse while trying to help the other. I thankfully do not have the chronic vomiting with eating food but I do have severe pain every single time I eat with bloating most of the time as well. I’m going to start trying these tips and foods to see if it helps at all.
Thank you, thank you for this video. After WAY too many years of pain & being underweight I finally got the diagnosis of GP and have been in 'freak out' mode over food. After being on Reglan now for 3 weeks I'm doing way better and have gained 5 lbs. However, I was concerned that if I start eating more fruits, veggies, fiber, fats (which I thought were now "bad" foods) I might cause myself to relapse or have GP advance. I feel way better knowing that if/when I make a bad choice I'm not doing damage. I know for sure that anxiety makes gut issues way worse and now after listening to your video I feel (like you said) that I have space to think, listen to my body instead of following a depressing, restrictive diet. I thank you, my body thanks you and my supportive, patient husband thanks you. nancy
Nancy! I love this. Isn't it amazing how things show up when we need them? Life seems to always have our back in that way. I'm so glad that this video was helpful for you and your thoughts about food have settled a bit. They might get busy again, and that's totally okay. Just seeing that they *can* settle and you can feel differently about everything... that's pretty big. I think what you said about anxiety is so true. That's why I've been talking a lot about seeing where that anxiety comes from and what it really is so that we can all experience more of that peace and space you're talking about. So glad you're here!
Thank you so much Crystal for this video it has helped me immensely. My husband has GP and is also diabetic, gluten intolerant and has Meniere's Disease (so no added salt allowed). You have given me hope that I will be able to help him with his food choices. your explanation and additional resources are soooo easy to understand.
I’m really going into today and such a pain crisis sort of worried about this weekend trying to reconnect with old friends but being in so much pain and this video and your channel is really giving me some hope. And you mentioned at one point there really is no diet guideline out there really, which is true we really have to rely on the community and I definitely want to check out your book! Thank you for all that you do. You’ve definitely soothed my mind this morning
I'm so glad that this brings you a little peace of mind, Em! That alone can completely transform your experience of gastroparesis. I hope you enjoy the time with your friends despite the pain. Glad you're here!
Chrystal…. Im struggling soooo much….. would you consider doing a quick video on the healthiest and most gp friendly ready made nutritional drinks? Im allergic to dairy, but also everything on the shelves bothers me. Im also lost with what is considered “ healthy” for a processed nutritional supplement. Thank you for your help ❤️
You’re the best. I hang on your every word. I am doing well through my GP journey using your shared knowledge. Please don’t stop helping us! You make life manageable with this problem.
Jo, you're so sweet. I'm really glad you're finding the info helpful. I'm just grateful for the opportunity to share what I've learned and help others. Thanks for being here! Sending you lots of good wishes! ❤
Ive had GP since I was a child, though it was DX until I was in my 20s. All of this resonates. Ive had issues with digestion and stomach pain since adolescence (everyone always said it was an eating disorder b/c if go through spurts of not eating b/c i wasnt hungry/had no appetite but i guess at 15yo if you dont eat its automatically b/c you concerned about body immage etc... no, no, could care less about looking like a twig thanks just believe in "eat when hungry, dont eat when not hungry"). I got really sick in high school - they never figured it out. I eventuall got better from that and then started having problems. In my 20s they did a GES and found the half life of the tracer meal was 450 min.. ive had flares of abdominal pain and other autoimmune type symptoms. Ive tried just about every elimination diet at the recommendation of GI docs. We still havent gotten to the bottom of things for me yet, but im going to stick to these guidelines + play around with it til i find what works.
you are so soothing and so helpful i just got an unofficial diagnosis w gastroparesis since i have POTS and it’s been beyond overwhelming to think about meals n how different my life is gonna be and my body has been SCREAMING for fruits and veggies but i’m scared of my symptoms (i also have a fear of throwing up lol winning combo), this made me much less stressed i appreciate u a lot
I’ve had on and off constipation for years but after getting Covid my digestion completely shut down. I’m never nauseous but I burp constantly with food and even water. I’m headed to my gastric emptying test in just a min. Most likely they will start me on the prescription Motegrity. I’ve heard the first week the symptoms aren’t so fun but it passes and most people seem to have success with increased motility.
Hi Crystal- I am so grateful for the knowledge and perspective you have contributed to helping me, and so many others, navigate a new diagnosis of gastroparesis. I have been reading and listening to everything I can get my hands on, and I find myself coming back to your video clips and book again and again. The social media space about this diagnosis can be overwhelming, and you offer balance that I really need right now. I took your advice to heart and deleted a group I had recently joined because I found that it was creating a lot of anxiety. I love a phrase I think you used - “competitive suffering.” Very apt. I look forward to any new material you post or publish, and I wish you well and continued good health!
I almost cried when you said "that frantic thinking." Thank you Crystal. I will be doing a deep dive. It's been 3 weeks of trying ducolax and Senna every other day only to have a small amount of watery substance come out & then show's over for the day. I'm so afraid to eat a real meal and have no idea what to do after having seen a few doctors who recommend Linzess (which didn't;t work) or "more finer (deadly.) It's astounding that there are so few doctors who know anything about it.
I'm so sorry you're struggling right now. Please know that there is hope and things change so much with our experience of this condition 💖 I really hope that my resources are helpful to you and that you're feeling better soon.
ooooo, can you do a full video on best nutritional and best tasting liquid drinks you use?? Thanks so much for continuing to do these vids for alll of us! Even if it dont work for everyone, I love the feedback and general guidlines!!!!!!
I was diagnosed with GP. I am overweight. In 2003 I had a laparoscopic Nissen and ever since I cannot drink carbonated drinks and I can only drink with a straw. When I was a kid I have always had a very hard time being able to eat many different types of foods like many fruits and vegetables. My entire life if I was to eat a salad I would get sick the minute I put it in my mouth let alone if I was to get any of it down? For example, if I have a burger it could only have the bun meat and cheese and no spread of any kind. No mayo etc. If I was to have a tuna fish sandwich it could only be made with butter plane. I have been trying to lose weight but have been having a hard time doing so? I was just put on a medication called Metformin because I was told I was producing too much insulin and that was causing me to gain weight? I hate the food pyramid and even the my plate because they don't address issues like GP and other dietary issues? Because I am legally blind and use a power chair with limited mobility it's hard to read labels and count calories to be healthy and know what will help me lose weight and live healthier? I wish someone could make a video about this issue?
Excellent video for me. Thank you so much - I’m very grateful to you for sharing. My GP seems to have a mind of its own which contributes to my anxiety. This video is very calming because of all the information. So. Important. To. Me.
@@jadelight6921 I'm so sorry it took so long to figure out what was going on but glad you finally got a diagnosis. There's truly so much we can do (and see!) to help alleviate the suffering associated with this condition. I'm so glad you're here and hope you'll find the info I post helpful. Sending good wishes!
Thank you for providing all this information for all those of us struggling with this. I am new to this world and learning to be gentle on my sluggish stomach 😊
Hi Crystal. My gut’s name is Burnie and it hates me. I’d given up when this video hopped into my feed. I’m going to try to follow your advice. The docs are confusing me. One says olives are good the other says oh no no olives allowed. I’m going to listen to your other videos. One thing: too much fiber can lead to a bezoar. It hurts.
I needed this video. I've been so obsessed with what I should and should not eat. It's stressful and not helpful at all. Just yesterday, I decided that I just need to try eating different foods to find out what works for me. Plus, I really need nutrition. Since making up my mind yesterday, I have been able to eat two successful small meals with my family and I didn't experience any distress afterward. Liquid nutrition still works best for me right now but at least I know I can eat a little bit of REAL food in between. 🙂
I'm so glad this info resonated with you and was helpful! I really think the anxiety around food that is SO common after this diagnosis deserves more attention. Hope that you continue to find what works for you and feel more freedom through the process!
In Australia, "GP" is our doctor (General Practitioner). It took me several of your videos to figure out that you were using GP to mean Gastroparesis! I couldn't understand what you meant by a "GP-friendly diet" (An apple a day keeps the doctor away??).
Thank you for all the information. I have been trying to understand what was wrong last year then severe vomiting and all the symptoms since just November. I lost 10 pounds and I didn't have it to lose so I am playing catch up. Not so easy. I wanted to thank you and ask if there are any herbs or something that help with the bloating and bleaching. Another sleepless night. God bless.
Thank you so my newly diagnosed with this I'm still learning so much I'm in the middle of a really bad flare up it's just awful but I have learned so much from this video that I am going to try everything you've said made sense the worst part is getting family to understand what this is how to treat it and there's no cure I'm a diabetic my doctor put me on Victoza and I was on it one month and started having really bad stomach issues so the medicine is what cause my stomach paralysis thank you so much for all your help
When I had an ulcer due to an H pylori infection I had to go on a limited diet as anything acidic would trigger my nausea since it aggravated and irritated my ulcer...this was about 3 years ago and now whenever I get nauseous I'm always worried about my ulcer having returned Digestive issues like these are the worst to have to deal with especially in cases where there's no cure but only effective symptom management available.
Hi Crystal. Thanks for your talk. I was officially diagnosed with GP a year ago but I think I’ve actually had it a lot longer. I’ve been trying to balance things out better and your info has helped. I was wondering what your thoughts are on the G-Poem surgery? I’m thinking of getting that done
Thank you very much for this video. It's always nice to hear good advice. I do both GP friendly and Low Fodmap diet. It can get overwhelming at times. :) Thank you for the great video.
Thanks for the great tips. I didn't know high fat affects you. Also I need to chew my food. I've always been a fast eater. 😂 I don't know how to be in the moment and actually chew my food. Something so simple. I'm going to try and eat slower and really focus on the chewing. I also take probiotics and Betaine HCI Pepsin.
Yes! I think chewing is so underrated when it comes to proper digestion (and I'm def guilty of eating too fast and not chewing properly... I can definitely tell a difference when I'm intentional about it!). Glad the video was helpful!!
You are sooo awesome Crystal. I’ve now read all your books and these videos help sooo much. Everything you say is true and helps to create a reasonable and more relaxed management plan for sure. We’re so lucky to have you. Please never stop ❤️🙏
there are many others with this same pain we feel you I feel full all the time but have no energy nerves shoot throughout my toes and hands chronically most likely from a mineral deficiency because I can't break down my food if I start burping I get somewhere quick because I know I'm about to dump all my contents down to the stomach acid this is a very painful process in which makes me feel like I'm going to die everytime and a list of other issues
@@cheekon3559 so sorry your suffering to I just had emptying test was diagnosed with severe gastroparesis. Maybe u got the same hope they come with a. Cure for all of us that suffer.
@samaliawilson6847 wish I could find a good treatment for chronic reflux which is yet another permanent side effect of the ulcer and the associated nausea and vomiting that it caused.
It might be something on the GP diet that you're allergic to. I found out I was allergic to dairy when I was eating very little outside of Ensure shakes with no improvement. Gastritis was pretty much the only symptom of the allergy. It took a few weeks after I cut out dairy, but the gastritis healed, and I was able to eat enough to maintain a healthy weight.
Thank you so much for this video Crystal! I was wondering, could you do a video GP friendly cooking series, especially with nutrient rich foods, and proteins other than protein shakes? Since the dietary modifications vary for everyone, would you be able to include some GP friendly substitutes?
Hi, LG! Right now I don't have any plans for a GP-friendly cooking series but there are several GP-friendly cookbooks available on Amazon (Eating for Gastroparesis is only one), which might be helpful. Also, I *can* see myself doing this over on instagram, as quick, short form videos for nutrient rich swaps and modifications... so if you're on instagram, follow me there @csaltrelli!
Hi, Emma. Hope this video is helpful for your sister! You might also direct her to my Quick Start Guide for Gastroparesis Management. It's a free 40-page eBook that details practical steps to start reducing symptoms and feeling better. bit.ly/3szLvo3 Sending good wishes!
I have been trying to keep to the diet. But I feel like all the joy has been ripped out of my life. All the foods I'm now limited to eat are mostly stuff I don't like. My GI function is less than 9%, so I have to stick to almost completely liquid. No fat. No gluten. No dairy. Low or no fiber. I'm thinking I'm going to push for surgery.
I can not understand how to eat more smaller foods, for me it doen'st matter the size of the meal, simply it stay in my stomach between 6 or 8 hour, so if a eat too little i starve myself
Hi, Crystal! Recipes for low(ish) fiber banana free smoothies are a bit tough to come by, aren't they? I do have this one on my website, which you might like: livingwithgastroparesis.com/banana-free-green-smoothie/ This one is quite filling, so you might need to start with half and/or thin it out some water. I'm also working on updating and republishing my juices & smoothie book and I'll definitely be including as many as I can in there!
I was just diagnosed with Diabetic Gastroparesis about a week ago after a week hospital stay. Now it's really starting to set in. And it sucks. The Pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood sugars because the food is emptying much slower than the insulin works. This is too much...😩
With all of these things that you do to help, how often do you get sick, with vomiting and and abd pain? I really really want to know. I want to know that there is less vomiting in my future.
thank you for very knowledgeable video. I'm a chef and I have a cooking channel and diagnosis gastroparesis 😢I was thinking that I'm a chef who can't eat... I don't know what to do anymore... but you gave me a hope! and I have one question. does anyone know good doctor for gastoropresis in FL?
I'm fairly new to all of this just got diagnosed the 6th of May. I don't think I've ever had this much help. Feeling alot better about what I need to do. I'm an uptight person without realizing most times. Definitely feel like I need to open my food intake alot more. Thank you for sharing. Any other tips? Should meal plans be a good place to start?
I am never hungry with my GP. If I eat anything when I am not hungry, I have projectile vomiting. I was told that I need to eat 6 to eight small snacks a day. I can't do that. I also have a liver malformations and it causes pancreatitis when my liver decides to let bile out.
I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with GP, as well as the additional issues. I hope your doctors are helping you find the right plan/solution for you right now. There's definitely no one-size-fits-all and if you're not able to eat the small, frequent meals, I would continue to ask about other treatment options so that you can get adequate nutrition. Sending good wishes ❤️
Hi Thank you so much for your video. Could you please help me as I really don't understand whether & what should I eat when I am not at all hungry & feeling fullness due to not having bowel movements for a day or two. I am loosing my weight as I am eating very less listening to my gut.
I need practical instruction. Every video I watch is high level and theory. Show me a 30 day meal plan with all macros etc. For a diabetc with gastroparesis, CAD, high cholesterol and hypertension.
I have had GP for years but seems to be getting worse since I had cervical neck surgery.seems When my neck muscle tighten up that’s when my nausea is the worse. I was in the hospital which I the same no help. Send me home to try to eat small meals over the day and stil get nauseated and be miserable. No one has helped me understand what foods trigger the problem. Guess I will have to start a food diary
Im diabetic and gastro patient. Blood sugars are an issue with shakes and 6 meals with insulin or not any info. On this thanks...dying slowly...what about coffee i love coffee? 😬😔
Skip the first 5 minutes to get to the actual guidelines. Please read the ingredients in “nutrition” drinks. Most of them are corn oil based, ie. Boost, Ensure. I am living on liquids and purees. Helps to have a good food processor and/ or blender. I know it sounds gross, but it’s doable. You learn to get very creative.
Brussel sprouts aren't considered GP-friendly, as they're high in fiber, contain carbohydrates that aren't easily digested, and may contribute to the formation of bezoars. In general, I would recommend avoiding them.
my 4 yrs old daughter had a stomach pain for about a week,wat ever she ate she vomit out...ultrasound reports doesn't show much...could it be gastroparesis?? Does this happen to kids as well??
Does anyone know how fasting effects gp? I like to fast for 3 days a week. My dr says it’s bad because are stomach would go to sleep faster. However most dr’s don’t believe in fasting period.
I was doing fasting and loved it. I lost 20lbs and felt great. Unfortunately I ended up with gastritis and eventually a diagnosis of gp. I think I was eating too much food for my digestive system to handle during my eating window and it threw my system into a tizzy. I was doing OMad and 2mad. I don’t recommended fasting if you have ANY digestive issues
Seems like diabetes and medications are the 2 main causes. Im just here because my friends wife was diagnosed with it. I had a bunch of stomach issues after smoking medical cannabis so I quit and I cured my problem by eating fresh ground horseradish daily, occasional apple cider vinegar and fresh crushed garlic a few times a week. I was bloated all the time. Hurt to eat. loose stools that you cant always control. Loss of appetite and even after I quit I was sick for months so I changed my diet and got on these regimens and im finally getting back to normal.
Hi, Michael. I'm so sorry to hear your wife is struggling. I wish there was a quick fix or sure remedy for the pain but I think it's more often a matter of putting some kind of management plan into place and feeling better over a bit of time. If you have not already, you might download my Quick Start Guide to GP Management to help: livingwithgastroparesis.com/quick-start-guide-to-gastroparesis-management/
Fasting 20-24hrs per day helps me greatly. It also helps heal the gut and let the digestion stress rest so repair can occur. Its taken me slow practice but now im up to minimum 18hrs daily and 36 once a week feels best.
If I get gastro pain, it's cos I've eaten something I shouldn't. I take a Buscopan tablet. This calms down the pain, and the next day I can empty my bowel comfortably.
