Digestion: vibrating pill relieves constipation

All content is checked by medical journalists.

MunichSlow digestion is a stressful matter - especially if going to the toilet is chronically unsuccessful. A vibration pill could shake up the sluggish intestines in the future.

Constipation is not uncommon. As people get older, more and more people have problems with smooth bowel movements. This is exactly where the vibration pill is supposed to help. Taken orally, the tablet, which is the size of a vitamin pill, automatically switches to shake mode six to eight hours later and stimulates the colon. Israeli researchers from the Sourasky Medical Center’s Department headed by Yishai Ron tested the effect of the single-use capsule in a small pilot study. To do this, they recruited 26 test subjects with chronic constipation. They were not allowed to take laxatives for two weeks and then swallow a vibrator pill twice within a week.

Moving digestion

With success: half of the patients reported more exercise in the digestive tract in corresponding questionnaires. The symptoms of constipation also decreased due to the mechanical stimulation, and the toilet was more often successful.

Although there are numerous medications for constipation, "almost 50 percent of patients are dissatisfied with them because of the many side effects," says Ron. For example, laxatives can cause salt problems in the body. That is why the vibration pill offers an exciting and, as has now been shown, a promising approach in which the natural processes of the body are stimulated. The scientists are now planning a large-scale study to further explore the possibilities of the pill.

Dietary fiber activates the intestinal wall

Constipation affects around 20 to 30 percent of the population over the age of 60. Infrequent or hard bowel movements are not only uncomfortable for those affected, they can also lead to various diseases such as hemorrhoids or increase the risk of colon cancer. In addition to sufficient fluids and regular physical activity, the most important thing for regular digestion is a diet rich in fiber. Because this increases the volume of the stool and presses against the intestinal wall. This stimulates this in a natural way to transport the food pulp further. (lh)

Source: Press release of Digestive Disease Week 2014: Vibrating Capsule Shows Promising Results In Treating Chronic Constipation

Tags:  laboratory values drugs foot care