Herbs to reduce intestinal motility. Gastric peristalsis: symptoms of its disturbance, signs of diseases, their treatment. Home remedies to improve intestinal motility

It is a wave-like contraction of the walls of the hollow organs of the gastrointestinal tract, which have a tubular shape. These movements help move the contents in these organs from beginning to end.

When there is no food in the stomach, peristalsis practically stops. At this time, gastric contractions are characterized by a motor migrating complex, which includes periodically repeating peristaltic waves. During food intake, specific systolic contractions occur in its pyloric part. Over time, there is a slight decrease in the size of the body cavity and the fundus of the stomach. Within an hour after eating, slight peristalsis is observed in the stomach. The wave contracts at a speed of 1 cm/second. The duration of one wave is about 1.5 seconds.

Subsequently, the waves intensify, and their speed and amplitude in the antral region of the stomach also increases. And this time the pressure in it increases and the pyloric sphincter opens. At this moment, a portion of the food mass contained in the stomach begins to move directly into the intestines.

Intestinal peristalsis has a variety of motor activities. It is one of several types of intestinal contractions. During the movement of food, more than one type of peristaltic waves propagates. They differ from each other in the speed of passage. There are fast, rapid, slow and very slow peristaltic contractions. The vast majority of these waves are formed in the region, but there are also those that appear in the ileum and at the same time several waves can move along the small intestine.

In the absence of food in small intestine motor migrating complexes, which include peristaltic waves, spread.

Peristalsis of other intestines occurs to a large extent under the influence of the so-called gastrocolic reflex, which occurs after food enters the stomach. Significant propulsive contractions occur in the colon up to 4 times a day, pushing its contents towards the anus.

Intestinal peristalsis has different contraction frequencies. They are determined by the frequencies of slow waves that arise in the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. They are defined by clusters nerve cells, which are a kind of special pacemakers of the intestines. Among these cells, the most important role is played by the so-called “interstitial cells of Cajal”.

Peristaltic waves are normally determined by cycles per minute:

Stomach - from 2 to 4;

Duodenum - 10-12;

Jejunum - 9-12;

Ileum - 6-8;

Large intestine - approximately: approximately 0.6, 3-4, 6-12;

Rectum - 3;

Sphincter - 3-6.

Well-functioning intestinal function is not only the basis wellness. Good digestion is an important component general health person. Normal intestinal motility depends on various factors, which include: proper nutrition, regular cleansing, healthy image life. If problems arise with the intestines, a number of measures are taken to normalize its activity. If your normal intestinal motility is disrupted, a gastroenterologist will prescribe treatment for you after all the necessary tests have been carried out.

Intestinal peristalsis- these are rhythmic contractions of the walls digestive system, ensuring the movement of the food bolus through the gastrointestinal tract. Normal operation muscle fibers ensures the digestion process.

Normal peristalsis

Normal peristalsis is a wave-like contraction of muscle elements in the walls of the organs of the digestive system, which promotes the movement of intestinal contents from one section to another. Peristalsis is essential for the digestive process.

Physiological muscle contractions ensure the normal speed of movement of food masses through the gastrointestinal tract. On the one hand, it is quite slow so that the food has time to be digested. On the other hand, the speed of contractions is sufficient to ensure that food does not stagnate in the intestinal cavity. Deviations from this norm are considered pathological.

Normal peristalsis is ensured by the autonomic nervous system. It sends signals to the muscle layer of the intestinal wall. This layer is formed by two types of fibers - longitudinal and circular (ring-shaped). The first type is responsible for promoting food, the second is for mixing it in the intestinal cavity. The coordinated activity of both types of fibers underlies normal peristalsis.

Activity depending on the intestinal section muscle contractions may change. This is considered a physiological phenomenon, which is explained different activities digestion in different parts organ. Peristalsis is quite active. During the transition, its activity decreases; in the iliac part, muscle contractions are also quite weak. The slowest peristalsis in. This is where the food is for a long time, gradually moving towards the anus.

Weakened peristalsis

Weakened peristalsis is characterized by a slowdown in muscle contractions of the intestinal wall or their complete absence.

Causes

Symptoms

• . Indigestion is also accompanied by the release of gas, which causes flatulence.
• Stomach ache. Unpleasant sensations can range from mild discomfort to severe spasmodic attacks. Pain activity decreases after passing gas or defecation, as well as at night. Increased discomfort occurs after eating.
• Constipation. Slowing peristalsis is accompanied by constipation, which persists for a long time.
• Increase in body weight. Indigestion and accompanying changes in metabolism lead to the fact that a person begins to gain weight.
• General weakness of the patient, increased fatigue, headache. The occurrence of symptoms of intoxication is associated with long stay digestive products in the intestines, as a result of which they are absorbed into the blood and have adverse effect on the body.

Enhanced peristalsis

Increased peristalsis is a condition characterized by increased activity of muscle contractions in the intestines.

Causes

• Poor nutrition. Excessive consumption of spicy or sour food adversely affects the muscle activity of the intestine. Frequent overeating also speeds up peristalsis.
• Some medicines. Uncontrolled use of drugs may be accompanied by an increase in intestinal muscle activity.
• Stressful influences. Psycho-emotional disorders adversely affect nervous system, which leads to accelerated contractions of the muscle fibers that make up the intestinal wall.
• . One of the manifestations of this disease is accelerated peristalsis.

Symptoms

• Severe pain. The sensations are spasmodic in nature, they occur after eating or taking medications.
• . Accelerated peristalsis leads to increased bowel movements.
• Change in the nature of discharge. The patient appears loose stool, mucus and streaks of blood can be found in its composition.
• Discomfort after passing stool. After defecation, the patient has a feeling of incomplete bowel movement.

Improving intestinal motility

Nutrition

Proper nutrition helps normalize intestinal muscle activity.

• The patient's diet should consist of cereals with water, vegetables and fruits.
• They are added to food, which are an excellent source of fiber.
• From the entire menu excluded. This group includes legumes, baked goods, milk and dairy products, boiled eggs.
• Meals should be fractional. It is recommended to eat frequently, but in small portions so that the intestines can digest incoming food without complications.
• It is necessary to monitor the amount of liquid consumed. You need to drink at least 2-2.5 liters of water per day.

Exercises

Drugs

Several drugs are used to improve peristalsis. These include drugs that stimulate muscle tone (prozerin, vasopressin). Substances with a laxative effect can also be used - regulax, Epsom salt, senade, .

The drugs have quite an effect on the body active influence Therefore, they should be prescribed by a doctor strictly according to indications.

Reducing intestinal motility

Nutrition

At increased peristalsis intestines, the diet is adjusted in accordance with individual characteristics patient. Those products that cause severe cramps accompanied by pain. It can be spicy, smoked or fatty foods, sparkling water, alcoholic drinks, dairy products.

Exercises

Gymnastics with increased peristalsis should have the opposite effect - reduce the muscle activity of the intestinal wall. “Calming” ones are suitable for this purpose. breathing exercises, which stimulate muscle relaxation. The patient can sign up for yoga or Pilates. It is necessary to avoid sports that involve stress on the abdominal Press, since such physical activity may worsen the course of the disease.

Drugs

With increased peristalsis, the patient is prescribed drugs that reduce its activity and normalize intestinal function. These include:

• Diara;
• Lopedium;
• Imodium;
• Loperamide and other drugs from this group.

What does peristalsis mean?

Peristalsis is nothing more than the working process of the digestive system, expressed in the promotion of food processed by the stomach due to muscle contractions of the wave-like nature of the gastrointestinal tract. During the process of digestion, a lump of food substance moves from the beginning of the upper regions of the esophagus to the anus.

Peristaltic movements are based on the moments of contraction of two-layer smooth muscles located in muscle fibers. In one of the layers it is longitudinal, in the other, circular, which forms the desired peristaltic wave. The intensity of wave-like contractions differs depending on the part of the organ. For example, in the small intestine there are several types of peristaltic movements, ranging from very slow muscle contractions to fast, and in some cases, even rapid rates.

The slowest part of peristalsis is considered to be colon. Here the rate of muscle contractions is low, and only several times a day in the work of the organ there are moments of strong rhythmic contractions, forcing the substance to be pushed towards the anus.

The mechanism of accelerated intestinal motility

Malfunctions in the form of an accelerated rate of contractions of the intestinal muscles can manifest themselves in various reasons: features of the properties of food products, disruptions in the functioning of the central nervous system, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Also, the reason for the acceleration of peristalsis can be the formation of a soapy environment, as a result of the combination of potassium with magnesium salts, the presence fatty acids and other enzymes.

The rate at which digested food moves is directly dependent on the state of the receptors. The more irritated they are by the factors that are involved in this, the faster and more rhythmic the contraction of the intestinal muscles.

In some cases high level peristalsis is achieved artificially for treatment of the gastrointestinal tract. For this purpose, it is used in a comprehensive manner: special food diet and therapeutic and preventive exercises that force the peristalsis mechanism to work in the required mode.

What strengthens it?

The main reason for the increased work of peristalsis is the presence of fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract; it is this factor that explains the appearance of bloating, seething, gurgling, rumbling, pain in the stomach, increased flatulence, diarrhea. An increase in the frequency of contractions of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract affects the work of peristalsis, accelerating its work. What can provoke speed and intensification of peristalsis:

• Availability chronic diseases at the acute stage.
• Presence of infection.
• Oncological manifestations in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Genetic innateness.
• Side effects of some medications.

In some cases, stress or nervous tension can also provoke the intensity of muscle contractions of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular the colon and intestines. The same reaction can be caused by plant foods in combination with other products, as a kind of protective reaction of the body, helping the body cope with the elimination of difficult-to-digest foods and toxic substances.

Symptoms of increased peristalsis

Increased peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract is expressed in the following symptoms:

• Presence of pain in the gastrointestinal tract. Malfunctions of the intestines can be expressed in varying degrees of pain, which can manifest themselves both in the area where the organ is located and more widely. This symptom is explained by an increase in the intensity of muscle contractions, and this type of symptom can manifest itself as a result of organ diseases, especially food products or as a consequence of stressful situations.
• Flatulence, bloating. An increase in the speed of peristalsis can cause bloating and accumulation of gases in the abdomen.
• Fast weight gain. Digestive dysfunction as a result of weight gain is one of the symptoms of increased peristalsis.
• Frequent diarrhea. This type symptoms may occur against the background various diseases gastrointestinal organs.
• Bad feeling. Increased peristalsis can have a negative impact on general condition in the form of weakness, fever, sweating, malaise.

How to slow down intestinal motility

Before starting treatment for the consequences of accelerated peristalsis, it is necessary to find out the reason why this type of failure occurred. In some cases it is more appropriate to use medications, helping to eliminate substances that irritate organs. This will normalize the work and facilitate the removal of material that may provoke inflammatory processes, reduces stool frequency and organizes quality digestion food products.

In case the reception medicinal substances contraindicated, experts advise using recipes taken from traditional medicine. There is a lot various products both industrial and plant origin, which in combination, or separately, inhibit and reduce the work of peristalsis.

Drugs

When choosing the drugs needed to slow down the contractions of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, experts advise paying attention first of all to the method of influence. Here it is important to accurately determine the category of medications that inhibit peristalsis:

• Enterosorbents. The simplest, most affordable and most effective is still activated carbon. When consumed, this drug neutralizes and absorbs harmful and toxic microorganisms, which are then excreted from the body. naturally. You can also note: Polysorb, Enterosgel, Polyphepan, Carbopect, Atoxil, Polifan, Neosmectin and of course Smecta.
• Pribiotics. Medicines of this type are created on the basis of special microflora containing a composition of bacteria useful in their properties. The principle of action of pribiotics is to organize the microflora necessary for normal digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, by settling the necessary bacteria, which ensure the stability of peristalsis after a certain period of time. Probiotic preparations: Bifidumbacterin, Linex, Bifiform, Lactobacterin, Baktistatin, Norbactin, Acylact and others.
• Antibacterial and antimicrobial action. This type of treatment involves the use of antibiotics that suppress the work of bacteria and microbes, this is especially important in cases where the presence in the body is accurately diagnosed coli and other harmful microorganisms. For example:

- This is motor activity associated with the work of its smooth muscles. Regular contraction and relaxation of muscles promotes digestion and movement of contents through digestive tract. If motor function is impaired, the bowel movement pattern changes and the state of health worsens.

The muscular lining of the intestine consists of two layers, which differ in the arrangement of the fibers: longitudinal outer and circular inner. Coordinated muscle contractions produce bowel movements.

Types of physiological contractions

Regulation

Intestinal motility is the result of the coordinated work of hormones, the autonomic and central nervous systems.

• cells of the neuromuscular plexus of the intestinal wall provide background rhythmic activity;
• motility is enhanced by the influence of food breakdown products;
• irritation of rectal zone receptors inhibits upper motor skills;
• food intake first reflexively inhibits, then stimulates the motor activity of the intestine;
• hormones that enhance motility: gastrin, histamine, vasopressin;
• hormones that reduce motility: secretin, vasoactive intestinal peptide.

With normal intestinal motor function, the digestion process lasts from 1 to 3 days.

Weak motor skills

Decreased motor skills lead to rare and insufficient emptying intestines. Chronic constipation appears.

Symptoms

Causes

Enhanced motor skills

At high motor activity intestines, food remains in the body for less than a day. During this time, it does not have time to be completely digested and absorbed. Arises.

Symptoms

Causes

Improving intestinal motility

Diet

If you have intestinal atony, eat regularly, at least 4 times a day. Drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day. Include foods with a laxative effect in your diet.

Grocery list

Set of exercises

Do morning exercises, do exercises to stimulate intestinal function:

Drugs

Reducing intestinal motility

Diet

Nutrition during accelerated peristalsis should be gentle. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy, rough food. Eat small portions up to 6 times a day. For diarrhea, prepare pureed dishes: casseroles, puddings, soufflés, purees. The basis of the diet should be foods with a fixing effect.

Peristalsis ensures the movement of food through all parts of the intestine and allows the removal of waste products. With proper functioning of the intestines, complete digestion of food occurs, absorption nutrients and timely emptying. There are situations when this function is violated upward or downward; any of the shifts leads to negative consequences for the body and requires correction.

Physiology of peristalsis

Peristalsis is the rhythmic contraction of the muscle fibers of the intestines, allowing the body to ensure the timely movement of food through the intestines and the removal of processed food waste. In case of malfunction gastrointestinal tract It is difficult for a person to count on normal well-being and performance.

The movement of food through the intestines occurs due to the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of muscles, which promotes the movement of the contents

Contraction is ensured by smooth muscles located in the intestinal walls in different directions (longitudinal and transverse). The coordinated work of these muscle groups allows you to create wave-like movements of different amplitudes, necessary in each section of the intestine. Wave motion can be slow, fast or rapid. Through the large intestine, the movement of the wave impulse has the lowest speed, increasing several times a day at the time of bowel movement.

Important. Violation of peristaltic movement contributes to the occurrence of pathological processes in the gastrointestinal tract, which can manifest itself various symptoms(constipation, flatulence, abdominal pain) until formation serious illnesses, up to benign and malignant neoplasms.

In case of intestinal motility disorders, it is usually sufficient to adjust the diet and select an adequate physical activity to restore it, but there are situations when it is no longer possible to do without medications. To correct the process correctly, you must know the cause of the violation.

Possible causes of peristalsis dysfunction

Weakening of function

Weakening of intestinal activity is possible in the following situations:

• chronic infectious and inflammatory processes of internal organs;
• postoperative phenomena (after abdominal surgery);
• elderly and senile age;
• chronic stay in a state of stress;
• disruptions in the functioning of the central nervous system;
• violation of nutrition (regime and diet);
• oncological diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• passive lifestyle for many years;
• genetic factors (propensity to constipation);
• taking certain medications that affect smooth muscle activity.

Weak intestinal peristalsis leads to gradual slagging of the body and the formation of situations that contribute to the development of intestinal pathology. With the slow movement of masses through the intestines, fermentation and rotting of food occurs, pathological microflora can join, at the same time toxins are absorbed into the blood, one hundred is a slow, but permanent poisoning body. Mechanical delay feces leads to the formation of stones that injure the inner lining of the intestines. Long-term constipation contributes to the formation of polyps and hemorrhoids; polyps can degenerate into cancer.

Advice. If bowel movement is impaired, treatment is necessary; if normalization of nutrition does not lead to restoration of function, you should consult a specialist to identify the cause and correct the condition.

Gain function

Enhanced intestinal peristalsis is less common than weakening and is characterized by a significant acceleration of smooth muscle contraction. Reasons for accelerated bowel movements:

• oncological processes;
• chronic infections;
• side effect of taking medicinal substances(including antibiotics).

Increased intestinal motility is manifested by symptoms of diarrhea: sharp pains abdomen, diarrhea, foamy and watery stool.

Important. Violation of peristalsis, such as accelerated motor function, requires clarification of the cause and treatment as soon as possible, especially in children prone to rapid dehydration; this may be a manifestation of intestinal infections.

Symptoms

Impaired intestinal motility has certain symptoms, indicating the type of motor dysfunction.

Increased function will be manifested by the following signs:

• sharp pain along the intestines, intensifying after eating or taking medications;
• frequent loose stools;
• bloating due to increased gas production;
• after bowel movement, the feeling of fullness in the intestines and the urge to defecate persist.

Reduced intestinal motility gives the following symptoms:

• pain different intensity may arise and disappear spontaneously or be associated with meals (on an empty stomach or after eating);
• flatulence that worsens after eating;
• Problems with stool appear and increase. Over time, constipation becomes more persistent and correction is more difficult;
• dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract leads to gradual increase body weight;
• the patient becomes irritable, lethargic, constantly feels weak and stops getting enough sleep;
• severe constipation causes headaches, loss of appetite, general weakness which is the result of severe intoxication;
• possible occurrence skin diseases and allergic reactions.

From proper operation the intestines largely determine the overall well-being and health of a person

Definition similar symptoms in yourself or your loved ones are a direct indication for going to the clinic in order to identify a diagnosis and prescribe full treatment.

Treatment

How to improve intestinal motility depends on the form and cause of the disease. Motor dysfunction requires integrated approach in therapy. Basic principles of restoring motor function: selection of diet, methods physical therapy and drug adjustment. The significance of the means is not excluded natural pharmacy in the form of decoctions of various herbs.

Diet therapy

Considering the high importance of food consumed in maintaining or disrupting the functions of the digestive system, personal correction of peristalsis begins in the selection good nutrition, affecting the impaired function. Products can speed up contractile impulses or slow them down.

Products that improve intestinal motility:

• fermented milk products (kefir, cottage cheese, sour cream, fermented baked milk, bifidok, yogurt and others);
• vegetables with high content fiber and greens;
• seafood;
• dried fruits;
• buckwheat, oatmeal and egg;
• compotes and jelly with various berries and fruits, mineral water.

Those that reduce secretion include:

• coffee, tea, cocoa with various pastries;
• puree from various vegetables;
• chocolate;
• rice porrige;
• butter, eggs, meat;
• bird cherry fruits and chokeberry and compotes made from them.

Knowing the influence of various foods on motor function smooth muscles of the intestines can be influenced by changing the diet as necessary. At minor violations proper nutrition can restore intestinal function, but in old age and situations long term impairment this won't be enough.

Movement therapy

How to restore intestinal motility with the help of active movement or special exercises will be suggested by a physical therapy specialist working with the population in the clinic or a doctor observing at the site.

Can be used for treatment special exercises or simple warm-ups in the form of morning exercises or yoga classes.

A simple set of exercises to improve intestinal motor function:

1. immediately after sleep, you can, while in bed (preferably on a hard surface), stretch your arms along the body or put them on your stomach, draw in and protrude your abdominal muscles, you can breathe;
2. bend your legs at the knees and “roll the falcon on the floor.” It looks like another pressing of the tailbone and lower back to the floor;
3. being in the same position, raise and lower the pelvis;
4. bike;
5. lifting straight legs alternately with weak physical training and both, when strong;
6. pulling the knees to the chest alternately and together (can be performed from a lying or standing position);
7. complete the complex by simply walking in place, preferably to rhythmic music.

Any set of exercises can be used, lying down, sitting, standing, with a ball, with a jump rope, with a gymnastic stick. The main thing is to practice consistently and good mood. Any contraction of the abdominal muscles leads to increased bowel function.

Drug therapy

Most effective way to stimulate peristalsis without effort on the part of the patient is to prescribe medications. However, such treatment without lifestyle support has a short-term effect.

Drugs that improve intestinal motility are selected individually based on the diagnosis:

• if there is a significant decrease in motor function, the doctor may prescribe Proserin or Vasopressin;
• for constipation, choose herbal, salt, oil or synthetic laxatives;
• in case of intestinal dysfunction due to prolonged stress, antidepressants and drugs that affect the central nervous system are prescribed: antipsychotics or tranquilizers;

Important. Any medications should be taken only with the consent of a doctor; the information provided on the site is for informational purposes only and cannot be taken as a guide to action.

ethnoscience

In the “people's first aid kit” there is a remedy to treat any disease, including peristalsis disorders.

• Can be used to treat constipation wheat bran. Which should be steamed with boiling water or consumed raw in a volume of 2 spoons and washed down with water. By analogy, in stores you can buy fiber, which is added to any dishes (porridge, soups) or drinks (juices, compote). 1-2 tablespoons per day is enough;
• buckthorn decoction, use instead of tea;
• beet salad with garlic;
• jelly made from oatmeal or wheat sprouts;
• freshly squeezed vegetable juice;
• a mixture of apple, nuts and honey with the addition of lemon (consumed throughout the day in unlimited quantities; in addition to its effect on the gastrointestinal tract, it has immunomodulatory properties).

When using traditional medicine, the cause of the occurrence should be taken into account pathological process and its own tolerance to various components. If after using any product for more than 3 days there is no improvement, it does not work and requires replacement.