Alimetry’s gastric sensor has been a long-time dream of mine. This product is unique, I have never seen anything like it before and it provides valuable data in a segment of the health sector where data is scarce.
It is urgently needed to understand the gastric system. However, no one has been able yet to collect meaningful digital health data. The electrical conduction system that regulates the contractions of the stomach controls them, but the signals are weaker than those from the heart.
This was the technical challenge. It would be a huge hit to find a reliable solution that could be used at the point-of-care or at home by patients. Although this is a niche market, it is very popular.
It is difficult to diagnose gastric dysfunctions correctly. Most of the data is based on observations. Patients and their doctors eat something, and then they try to determine what caused it. This involved a lot of guesswork and often multiple incorrect theories about the causes of symptoms.
So I was curious to try out a set gastric sensors. Let’s find out what I discovered. The Medical Futurist was able to take part in our test, so the review will include the patient’s perspective in the later sections.
What’s in the package ‘Body Surface Gastric Mapping System?
These parts were included in the delivered package:
- The charger dock includes 4 adapters that can be used with all types of international outlets. This makes the device universally useful. To charge the reader, the dock must be plugged into power.
- Bluetooth-enabled reader that can wirelessly charge your phone. You just need to attach it to the dock. No wires required. The only problem is that once your tablet and reader are paired, the app stops showing battery charge levels. The problem is that the app keeps showing the current battery charge level even if it has been paired. You will need to unpair the pair again to see the actual number while charging.
- Two separate sealed packages each of disposable arrays or array templates.
- Pre-installed Alimetry app on iPad mini – locked for exclusive use
- The user manual booklet contains detailed information about the device, its components, and how to set it up.
Use it quickly
I am a first-time user and must give kudos the user-experience staff. The whole process was quite simple, even though it seems complicated. Before I could charge the devices and turn them on, I read the entire user manual. But, to be honest, it was easy enough to launch the app and follow the step-by-step instructions.
The app breaks down the test in small steps so that the practitioner can proceed until all requirements are met. It is impossible to set up the test without sufficient charge to last the full 4.5 hours.
You should not rely solely on the app. The user’s manual contains crucial information about how the patient should prepare for the test. These are not available in the app.
The 4.5-hour test period
At the setup phase of the Gastric Alimetry process, active participation by the physician is essential.
The following steps must be completed in advance:
- Charge the reader at least 83%
- Connect the iPad to a stable Wi Fi network and set up a passcode. Enable guided mode by setting up a passcode. The guide mode is necessary so that the iPad does not shut down during testing. Patients cannot also accidentally close the app.
- Charge the tablet at least 60%
Just before you take the test:
- Measurements of patients prior to the test: To ensure proper positioning of the array you will need to measure Xiphoid–Umbilicus distances and Xiphoid–ASIS waist circumference. These values can be entered into the app during preparation.
- Prep your skin with a gel
- Use the array template to mark the correct position on your skin. This will guide you based on previous measurements taken by the app
At the beginning of the test:
- Secure the disposable array to your reader by connecting it to the reader.
- Place the array and reader on the patient’s back.
- Take the distance between the bottom and the Umbilicus, and then enter it into the app. Negative values are for frames that end below the belly button.
- Check the signal strength with the app
- You can then enter guided mode, and the patient will be able to record any symptoms within the next hours. To force-restart my tablet and launch guided mode (and enter all data again), this was a common problem with iPad minis.
- Finally, ensure that the patient remains in a comfortable position for at least 4.5 hours. Comfort brakes may be allowed.
During testing:
- The patient must eat a standard meal within 30 minutes. This is described in the manual. The user manual includes the recommended standard meal: a nutritional drink, a cereal bar and all the nutritional values. You can also match the nutritional values if you don’t have the right brands.
After passing the test:
- It is important that test results are uploaded onto the Alimetry server. This happens automatically and will be displayed in the app.
What is the test going to deliver?
This test is designed to identify the causes of gastric symptoms that overlap with different underlying phenotypes. Researchers tested 43 patients with similar symptoms to determine if there were two distinct subgroups.
Gastric Alimetry is being used in clinical practice to distinguish between chronic nausea/vomiting syndromes (NVSs), which originate in the stomach, and those that are caused by a centrally mediated pathway. This phenotype is often associated with anxiety and depression.
The Alimetry devices’ 64-channel reading focuses on the fact gastric dysfunctions can be associated with abnormalities of the gastric bioelectrical slow wave. This study showed that the device was able to distinguish between patients with gastric neuromuscular diseases and dysregulation of brain-gut interaction.
It seems that Alimetry is a useful tool for diagnosing the underlying causes behind chronic NVS. The company is currently working on ways to extend it to other conditions such as gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia.
Our editor-in-chief offers a patient perspective
It was a great pleasure to take part in this gastric sensor test. I am an average person with a normal body mass index and no significant gastric problems, other than mild acid reflux that can be easily controlled by diet choices.
Although I don’t experience any symptoms in my daily life, it is possible that I have a tendency to avoid certain foods and drinks in excess or in the evenings. This made me curious about the results of the test.
Test preparation
- I was instructed not to eat or drink for six hours before the test. This was terrifying. This was scary.
- However, by the time that I was ready to leave, I was already very thirsty. It was probably a stupid idea to walk 10+ km during the 6-hour fast.
Testing process:
- I am very short and the array placement was definitely out of the normal. It ended up way below my belly button. This was also mentioned in the final report. The results are valid, however.
- After taking the initial measurements, I was able to relax in a reclining position and connected my laptop to the large screen. Then, I started binging.
- I was instructed not to move, not talk a lot and to not laugh as much as possible. Taskmaster’s show was somewhat threatening to the latter. I wouldn’t recommend it for gastric alimetry.
- The baseline readings were taken for the first 30 minutes, with no food. Next, I was allowed to have a small beverage and large cereal bar for 10 minutes.
- The actual test took place after the meal. It took 4 hours. The test was not difficult, and the app alerted me when there was a need to update my symptoms.
- It is not clear if this was due to not drinking any liquids for the 10 hours and 40 minute period. However, I did experience the most severe case of reflux I have ever experienced in years during the test. After I finished the test, almost all symptoms disappeared. However, I realized that the entire point of the test was to provoke symptoms.
- One thing I did not understand was the following. During the test, you will need to rate your symptoms using a scale from 0 (nonexistent) to 10 (most severe). This can be used for areas such as stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, stomach burning, and more. I wasn’t sure how to rate my discomfort. Because I have vivid imagination, I wouldn’t dare rate the worst contractions during labor as 10. Although there is more pain out there, I have never felt it. I have never rated my symptoms higher than 3. This might have been okay, since I wasn’t in great pain.
- My results were encouraging. They returned a normal report, noting that my symptoms do not seem to correlate with my meal and fall within a subclinical range. I was reassured that my symptoms were not due to prolonged lack of alcohol intake.
Conclusion
Gastric Alimetry is a unique solution that fully fits all digital health principles. It makes patients the point-of-care and targets a very niche market. I’m eager to see how Body Surface Gastric Mapping develops over the next few years.
This test takes a significant amount of time. Patients must dedicate 10.5 hours. While the discomfort is manageable, some gastric diagnostic methods can be more difficult. It is worth it if you suffer from chronic NVS.
The post What’s Going On In Your Stomach? The Medical Futurist first published a review of Gastric Alimetry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is alternative medicine important
Alternative medicines are more popular than traditional ones because they’re usually cheaper and healthier. Many patients have died due to side effects or allergic reactions after using these treatments. You may also find that alternative therapies are not as effective.
Alternative medicines can also be dangerous if you don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. For example, vitamin supplements aren’t regulated like pharmaceuticals, so it’s easy to overdose on vitamins. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.
Who uses alternative medicine
Alternative medicine is often used for many reasons.
- They are keen to avoid surgery and harmful drugs.
- They believe natural remedies work more effectively.
- They prefer noninvasive treatments.
- They want to spend less.
- Natural products make them feel safer.
- They desire more control over their healthcare decisions.
- They want to take control of their health.
- They want a healthier world.
- They desire less stress in their life.
- They want greater freedom in choosing their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their children to have a better education.
- They want healthy food and good nutrition for their family.
- They need safe and effective medications.
What are the advantages of holistic medicine over traditional medicine?
Many religions, cultures, and nations have used holistic remedies for thousands upon thousands of years. They were based upon ancient knowledge and experienced.
These medications are safe, affordable, effective, natural, as well as cost-effective. Side effects of these medicines are very low compared to pharmaceutical drugs.
They can help you attain better health, and overall wellness.
They can prevent you from getting sick and boost your overall well being.
They might even cure cancer, diabetes or heart disease.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of traditional medicines all over the world. Each one has its own unique benefits.
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people rely on traditional treatments for injury or illness.
A reported half-billion people use traditional herbal remedies to get primary healthcare.
Global market for complementary therapies will reach $22.2 billion in 2020, according to estimates.
People are increasingly turning towards alternative medical methods to avoid adverse side effects.
Many people turn to complementary therapies when they do not respond to other treatment options. They might also consider them before considering surgery or medication.
There are many good reasons to choose complementary therapies.
- To improve quality of life
- To reduce stress levels
- For relaxation
- To ease pain
- To enhance immunity
- Support for those with serious illnesses
- To boost energy
- To control weight
- To maintain good nutrition
- To improve sleep patterns
- To treat chronic conditions
Statistics
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
doi.org
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING & TENSION-TYPE HEADADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
liebertpub.com
nccih.nih.gov
How To
What products are used in holistic medicine and what do they look like?
These products can be described as natural, but not necessarily organic. These products could have been grown naturally without pesticides or fertilizers. But they were also processed in a way that is safer for your health. Some herbs may cause allergic reactions so you might need to prepare them differently depending on what they are. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. Higher levels of herbicides or fungicides can be found in these latter products.
The majority of herbal products are made from dried plants. Some prefer liquid forms of herbal supplements, as they tend to be more affordable. However, this doesn’t mean that they are safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. There’s no guarantee that the product will retain its original potency. In addition, most herbal supplements don’t undergo quality control testing before being put on store shelves.
Herbs and spices are generally added to foods after cooking. You’ll find them in condiments like ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, barbecue sauce, soup mixes, and marinades.
Supplements are usually taken orally (by chewing). Most vitamins and mineral supplements are available as tablets. Other vitamins and minerals can be purchased in capsules.
Homeopathic remedies can be highly dilute substances that are derived from animal, plant, mineral, and synthetic sources. They are intended to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms. They are not considered “homeopathic” but they work in the same way as regular medication. Instead, they act on the body’s immune system to restore balance and promote wellness. Homeopathic remedies are considered safe and non-toxic. They are widely used in Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points along the meridians of your body. It is based a traditional Chinese medical theory that states there are energy channels through them, where the life force flows. This theory claims that illness can be caused by blockages within these channels. By stimulating certain points along the meridian lines with fine needles, energy flow is believed to be restored, and the body returns to normal functioning.
Chiropractors correct misalignments by manipulating the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer invented this technique in 1895. He claimed he could diagnose illnesses and cure diseases by manipulating the vertebrae. His methods included spinal adjustments as well as muscle tests and percussion.
Chiropractic has seen a lot of popularity in recent years. Many believe that it works better for back pain than conventional medicine.
Massage therapy is a form of massage that involves massaging, kneading or tapping muscles, joints and other body parts. Massage can loosen tight muscles, relax tension and soothe sore muscles. Swedish massage, deep-tissue, sports, reflexology and myofascial relief are some of the techniques used by massage therapists.
Reflexology uses pressure to be applied to specific areas in the feet and hands by using thumb pads, fingers, or toes. Reflexologists believe that this technique stimulates the body’s natural ability heal.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to relieve stress, improve well-being, and enhance moods. Essential oils are therapeutic as their chemical makeup can benefit health conditions such arthritis treatment to headache relief. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, including:
Craniosacral Therapist uses gentle touch and pressure to alleviate discomfort and pain. Cranial refers to the skull; sacrum means “sac” in Latin, and cranial sacral therapy combines both. This therapy uses light pressure to apply pressure to specific areas on the head and neck, shoulders or arms. It also involves moving the hands around the body of the patient.
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. Cupping is often combined with acupuncture or moxibustion (burning herbs) and may be used for detoxification.
Oral or topical supplements can contain vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts as well as amino acids, enzymes. Probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acid are all examples of dietary supplements. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1993 regulates the FDA. A dietary supplement must meet two criteria to be sold legally. First, the product must be a “dietary ingredient” which means it contains more that one percent of a vitamin mineral, herb or other botanical on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must have been manufactured following Good Manufacturing Practices.
Electrotherapy uses electric currents to stimulate muscles and nerves. TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) is the most commonly used form of electrotherapy. The skin electrodes used to place TENS devices allow for low-level electrical pulses. These pulses trigger brain receptors that block pain signals. Intermittential current therapy and magnetic field therapy are other forms of electrotherapy.
Energy healing is based on the belief that we all possess innate healing abilities and that our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and intentions affect our physical health. Modern practitioners accept that energy healing is possible, even though it has been practiced since ancient times. However, there are many layers to energy. One layer of energy is called emotional. One layer is called emotional energy. Another layer is mental energy. Others include physical, spiritual, chakras, vital, life force, prana, kundalini, biofield, aura, and quantum fields. These energies could be linked to the larger universe according to some. Some people claim they can heal others with the power of their mind. The scientific evidence for energy medicine is still limited.
Energy psychology studies how human emotions impact physiological functions. Because it is less about past events than on helping clients change their behavior, energy psychology can sometimes be considered an alternative to psychotherapy. Energy psychology does not require any specific theoretical framework but draws from many disciplines, including cognitive behavioral therapy, transactional analysis, interpersonal psychoanalysis, attachment theory, and developmental psychology.
–
——————————————————————————————————————————————
This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: Andrea Koncz
Title: What’s Happening In Your Stomach? – Gastric Alimetry Review
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/whats-happening-in-your-stomach-gastric-alimetry-review
Published Date: Thu, 08 Dec 2022 09:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is alternative medicine important
Alternative medicines are more popular than traditional ones because they’re usually cheaper and healthier. Many patients have died due to side effects or allergic reactions after using these treatments. You may also find that alternative therapies are not as effective.
Alternative medicines can also be dangerous if you don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. For example, vitamin supplements aren’t regulated like pharmaceuticals, so it’s easy to overdose on vitamins. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.
Who uses alternative medicine
Alternative medicine is often used for many reasons.
- They are keen to avoid surgery and harmful drugs.
- They believe natural remedies work more effectively.
- They prefer noninvasive treatments.
- They want to spend less.
- Natural products make them feel safer.
- They desire more control over their healthcare decisions.
- They want to take control of their health.
- They want a healthier world.
- They desire less stress in their life.
- They want greater freedom in choosing their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their children to have a better education.
- They want healthy food and good nutrition for their family.
- They need safe and effective medications.
What are the advantages of holistic medicine over traditional medicine?
Many religions, cultures, and nations have used holistic remedies for thousands upon thousands of years. They were based upon ancient knowledge and experienced.
These medications are safe, affordable, effective, natural, as well as cost-effective. Side effects of these medicines are very low compared to pharmaceutical drugs.
They can help you attain better health, and overall wellness.
They can prevent you from getting sick and boost your overall well being.
They might even cure cancer, diabetes or heart disease.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of traditional medicines all over the world. Each one has its own unique benefits.
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people rely on traditional treatments for injury or illness.
A reported half-billion people use traditional herbal remedies to get primary healthcare.
Global market for complementary therapies will reach $22.2 billion in 2020, according to estimates.
People are increasingly turning towards alternative medical methods to avoid adverse side effects.
Many people turn to complementary therapies when they do not respond to other treatment options. They might also consider them before considering surgery or medication.
There are many good reasons to choose complementary therapies.
- To improve quality of life
- To reduce stress levels
- For relaxation
- To ease pain
- To enhance immunity
- Support for those with serious illnesses
- To boost energy
- To control weight
- To maintain good nutrition
- To improve sleep patterns
- To treat chronic conditions
Statistics
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
doi.org
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING & TENSION-TYPE HEADADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
liebertpub.com
nccih.nih.gov
How To
What products are used in holistic medicine and what do they look like?
These products can be described as natural, but not necessarily organic. These products could have been grown naturally without pesticides or fertilizers. But they were also processed in a way that is safer for your health. Some herbs may cause allergic reactions so you might need to prepare them differently depending on what they are. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. Higher levels of herbicides or fungicides can be found in these latter products.
The majority of herbal products are made from dried plants. Some prefer liquid forms of herbal supplements, as they tend to be more affordable. However, this doesn’t mean that they are safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. There’s no guarantee that the product will retain its original potency. In addition, most herbal supplements don’t undergo quality control testing before being put on store shelves.
Herbs and spices are generally added to foods after cooking. You’ll find them in condiments like ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, barbecue sauce, soup mixes, and marinades.
Supplements are usually taken orally (by chewing). Most vitamins and mineral supplements are available as tablets. Other vitamins and minerals can be purchased in capsules.
Homeopathic remedies can be highly dilute substances that are derived from animal, plant, mineral, and synthetic sources. They are intended to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms. They are not considered “homeopathic” but they work in the same way as regular medication. Instead, they act on the body’s immune system to restore balance and promote wellness. Homeopathic remedies are considered safe and non-toxic. They are widely used in Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points along the meridians of your body. It is based a traditional Chinese medical theory that states there are energy channels through them, where the life force flows. This theory claims that illness can be caused by blockages within these channels. By stimulating certain points along the meridian lines with fine needles, energy flow is believed to be restored, and the body returns to normal functioning.
Chiropractors correct misalignments by manipulating the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer invented this technique in 1895. He claimed he could diagnose illnesses and cure diseases by manipulating the vertebrae. His methods included spinal adjustments as well as muscle tests and percussion.
Chiropractic has seen a lot of popularity in recent years. Many believe that it works better for back pain than conventional medicine.
Massage therapy is a form of massage that involves massaging, kneading or tapping muscles, joints and other body parts. Massage can loosen tight muscles, relax tension and soothe sore muscles. Swedish massage, deep-tissue, sports, reflexology and myofascial relief are some of the techniques used by massage therapists.
Reflexology uses pressure to be applied to specific areas in the feet and hands by using thumb pads, fingers, or toes. Reflexologists believe that this technique stimulates the body’s natural ability heal.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to relieve stress, improve well-being, and enhance moods. Essential oils are therapeutic as their chemical makeup can benefit health conditions such arthritis treatment to headache relief. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, including:
Craniosacral Therapist uses gentle touch and pressure to alleviate discomfort and pain. Cranial refers to the skull; sacrum means “sac” in Latin, and cranial sacral therapy combines both. This therapy uses light pressure to apply pressure to specific areas on the head and neck, shoulders or arms. It also involves moving the hands around the body of the patient.
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. Cupping is often combined with acupuncture or moxibustion (burning herbs) and may be used for detoxification.
Oral or topical supplements can contain vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts as well as amino acids, enzymes. Probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acid are all examples of dietary supplements. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1993 regulates the FDA. A dietary supplement must meet two criteria to be sold legally. First, the product must be a “dietary ingredient” which means it contains more that one percent of a vitamin mineral, herb or other botanical on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must have been manufactured following Good Manufacturing Practices.
Electrotherapy uses electric currents to stimulate muscles and nerves. TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) is the most commonly used form of electrotherapy. The skin electrodes used to place TENS devices allow for low-level electrical pulses. These pulses trigger brain receptors that block pain signals. Intermittential current therapy and magnetic field therapy are other forms of electrotherapy.
Energy healing is based on the belief that we all possess innate healing abilities and that our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and intentions affect our physical health. Modern practitioners accept that energy healing is possible, even though it has been practiced since ancient times. However, there are many layers to energy. One layer of energy is called emotional. One layer is called emotional energy. Another layer is mental energy. Others include physical, spiritual, chakras, vital, life force, prana, kundalini, biofield, aura, and quantum fields. These energies could be linked to the larger universe according to some. Some people claim they can heal others with the power of their mind. The scientific evidence for energy medicine is still limited.
Energy psychology studies how human emotions impact physiological functions. Because it is less about past events than on helping clients change their behavior, energy psychology can sometimes be considered an alternative to psychotherapy. Energy psychology does not require any specific theoretical framework but draws from many disciplines, including cognitive behavioral therapy, transactional analysis, interpersonal psychoanalysis, attachment theory, and developmental psychology.
Leave a Reply