Can’t Stomach MS? You’re Not Alone

Certainly, anyone can have heartburn after eating certain foods, eating heavy meals, or eating late at night. But what about the times you watch what you eat, keep portions light, and avoid eating too close to bedtime?

People with MS may experience digestive problems for a variety of reasons that may actually be linked to their illness.¹

If you have MS and roll into bed with an inexplicable case of acid reflux that keeps you up all night, it could be connected to your autoimmune condition.

What is gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is an uncommon condition that slows or stops food from moving from your stomach to your small intestine. Some refer to this as “stomach paralysis.”²

Gastroparesis can occur in MS, leading to heartburn, bloating, or acid reflux.^1,2

If this happens at night, you're in for several unpleasant hours of sleeplessness trying to find a position to sleep that doesn’t allow the regurgitation of stomach contents into one’s esophagus (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD). Gastroparesis famously robs people of sleep. It's this very real disruption you should avoid, as getting adequate sleep is critical for fending off daytime fatigue, chronic pain, and other symptoms of MS.^1,2

Though it’s commonly linked to MS, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions, gastroparesis can happen to otherwise healthy people.²

Links between MS and gastroparesis

Research published in 2018 looked at the relationship between latitude, vitamin D deficiency, melatonin levels, and the digestive system as a way to better understand how MS develops.³

The study found that deficiencies in melatonin and vitamin D (due to lower light levels in latitudes far from the equator) can impact the ability of the intestines to absorb calcium. This leads to the potential for developing gastroparesis. This is because the digestive system needs adequate amounts of calcium in order for the smooth muscles of the intestine to contract properly.³

What about other MS-related stomach issues?

Take heart: If you live with MS, and have symptoms like heartburn, bloating, or reflux, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have gastroparesis. It might just be the random discomfort of a rich meal eaten late. It’s when you have ongoing problems with these symptoms, and they disrupt your sleep at night that you are encouraged to talk to your doctor.¹

One very real concern with nightly acid reflux is the possibility you have untreated sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is fairly common among people with MS due to potential miscues from the brain to the respiratory system during sleep.⁴

Other causes for tummy troubles may include:^1,5-8

• Stress.
• Carrying extra weight, since this can cause acid reflux. Plus, some studies show MS may progress and worsen in those who have a higher body-mass index.
• Muscle spasms caused by MS. It may be that the lesion activity unique to you is having an impact on signals between the central nervous system (CNS) and the digestive system. This is known as neurogenic bowel dysfunction. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another digestive condition that is more common in people with MS than in the general population.
• Persistent hiccups, which are related to MS-linked spasms in the diaphragm. This may be due to damage to the phrenic or vagus nerves.
• Drugs to treat MS and its symptoms can cause side effects like heartburn, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Other drugs that can slow down the emptying of the stomach include opioids, some antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and allergy medicines.

Relief for stomach problems when you have MS

The most logical approaches for gastroparesis and other stomach troubles help the stomach to empty completely. These can include medicines, some alternative therapies, and supplements. Other ways to avoid the unpleasant symptoms of poor digestion caused by MS include these dietary and lifestyle modifications:¹

• Eat smaller meals more often
• Avoid high-fat foods
• Avoid foods that you know will upset your stomach
• Drink enough water throughout the day
• Exercise to help boost your metabolic processes
• Avoid carbonated beverages
• Avoid smoking or drinking
• Stay upright for at least 2 hours following your evening meal, or eat an early dinner

An occasional bout of heartburn or stomach upset shouldn’t be something to worry about. If it’s disrupting your sleep, night after night, you may want to visit your doctor so they can help you find the relief you need.