What is intestinal peristalsis? Causes and signs of poor peristalsis, diagnosis and treatment

Intestinal peristalsis is a wave-forming contraction of the contraction walls that moves food along the digestive tract to the anus. Suppression of peristalsis is a dangerous symptom that may indicate paralytic intestinal obstruction. In this article we will look at how to improve intestinal motility.

Attention! In the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, paralytic ileus is designated by code K56.

What is intestinal peristalsis?

The movements of hollow organs resulting from the synchronous activity of smooth muscle cells are called peristalsis. Typical movements are wavy, with alternating phases of muscle contraction and relaxation. Intestinal peristalsis is based on contraction and relaxation of the longitudinal and circular muscles of the intestine. Contraction occurs throughout the intestine, that is, in both the small intestine and the large intestine. For this function, the intestine has a special wall structure.

The inner layer of the intestinal wall is the mucous membrane. On this mucosa lies a muscular layer, consisting of a circular and longitudinal one. The outermost intestinal layer is called Tunica adventitia. Only through the longitudinal and circular muscles is intestinal peristalsis possible.

In the intestine, there are propulsive and non-propulsive peristalsis. Non-propulsive peristalsis arises from circular, locally occurring waves of muscle contractions. Non-propulsive peristalsis helps mix food in the intestines.

In the case of propulsive peristalsis, the circular muscles also contract, but the movement continues with the involvement of the longitudinal muscles. This is called a tonic constant contraction of the intestinal muscles. Propulsive peristalsis is needed to transport food to the anus. In addition to these two forms of intestinal peristalsis, retrograde and orthogonal peristalsis are distinguished.

With orthogonal peristalsis, the intestinal contents are transported in the correct direction, that is, towards the rectum. With retrograde peristalsis, the direction of movement is reversed.

The main function of peristalsis is to stir and transport food to the anus. Peristalsis is controlled by special pacemaker cells. They establish the rhythm of peristalsis.

The smooth muscle cells of the gastrointestinal tract are also called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). These are spindle-shaped cells located in the longitudinal muscle layer of the intestine. They act as an intermediary between muscle cells and intestinal excitatory and inhibitory nerve cells.

There is another group of Cajal cells in the intestinal muscle. They form a branched connection between the longitudinal and circular muscles and create real arrows. The cells are in close connection with the so-called Auerbach Plexus. Auerbach's plexus is a network of nerves in the intestinal wall and is responsible for peristalsis. Pacemaker cells, in turn, are controlled by the autonomic nervous system.

The peristaltic reflex is responsible for accelerating intestinal peristalsis after eating. Inside the wall of the stomach and intestines there are mechanoreceptors that respond to stretching. Mechanical stretch causes cells in the enteric nervous system to release serotonin. It stimulates other nerve cells in the intestinal wall, including pacemaker cells. This, in turn, causes muscle contractions in the intestinal muscle cells.

Reasons for violation

Impaired intestinal contractions occur in various diseases. In paralytic ileus, peristalsis stops completely due to a functional disorder, which ultimately causes intestinal paralysis. As a result, feces and food debris accumulate in the intestines. The most common cause of paralytic ileus is inflammation in the abdomen (appendicitis or pancreatitis).

Vascular occlusions, pregnancy, or various medications such as opiates, antidepressants, and medications for Parkinson's disease can also cause paralytic ileus.

In the case of mechanical obstruction, the intestinal passage is blocked by a mechanical obstruction. Mechanical obstruction occurs due to foreign bodies, gallstones and congenital intestinal pathologies. Mechanical obstruction can also develop as a complication of an inguinal hernia. With mechanical ileus, the intestines try to transport food. Therefore, intestinal motility increases.

Typical symptoms of intestinal obstruction: vomiting feces, bloating, flatulence. If the intestines are severely damaged, bacteria can enter the abdominal cavity. The result is life-threatening inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis).

With irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal contractions are almost always disrupted. IBS is considered the most common bowel disease. IBS is a chronic functional disorder. Its symptoms are very varied. Weak intestinal motility leads to diarrhea (diarrhea), alternating with constipation, stomach pain and bloating. Defecation is often painful. The condition of patients worsens, especially in stressful situations. IBS makes the bowels less mobile.

A sedentary lifestyle is bad for the intestines and reduces contractions. It can disrupt the human gastrointestinal tract. Physical activity in this case helps to enhance intestinal motility. Some high-carbohydrate foods also reduce peristalsis.

Walking, small meals, timely hydration is a list of preventative measures that will make the intestines work stronger at home in both men and women.

Characteristic symptoms

Symptoms and signs of weakened peristalsis in a child and an adult patient:

• Constipation;
• Abdominal pain (especially in old age);
• Increased gas formation;
• Increased intra-abdominal pressure;
• Feeling of incomplete bowel movement.

Medicines for relief and recovery

Many people wonder how to completely restore peristalsis? Studies have shown that combinations of medications (prescription drugs) containing bupivacaine alone or in combination with opioids relieve postoperative ileus. Continuous intravenous lidocaine after abdominal surgery reduces the duration of postoperative obstruction.

A randomized trial compared systemic lidocaine infusion with placebo infusion in postoperative patients. Patients in the lidocaine group appeared to have fewer obstruction symptoms. Systemic lidocaine reduced postoperative pain. However, the scientists recommend further studies to evaluate systemic lidocaine infusion in postoperative patients.

Peripherally selective opioid antagonists are an option for the treatment of decreased peristalsis. Methylnaltrexone and alvimopan tablets are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of paralytic ileus. These agents inhibit peripheral mu-opioid receptors and reverse the adverse gastrointestinal effects of opioids.

They do not cross the blood-brain barrier and therefore do not impair the analgesic effects of opioids. They also do not slow down the functioning of other organs.

Methylnaltrexone is indicated for opioid-induced constipation in patients with advanced disease receiving palliative care. In a study of 14 healthy volunteers evaluating the use of morphine plus oral methylnaltrexone in escalating doses, methylnaltrexone significantly reduced morphine-induced constipation. Another study reported that subcutaneous methylnaltrexone was effective in inducing diarrhea in patients with opioid-induced constipation. Because methylnaltrexone received relatively recent FDA approval, more rigorous testing is needed.

Another phase III, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that methylnaltrexone 12 mg and 24 mg did not reduce the duration of obstruction. Although the usefulness of intravenous methylnaltrexone has not been demonstrated, it is well tolerated in patients undergoing colectomy.

Alvimopan helps restore intestinal function and reduce the consequences of surgery in the postoperative period. It has a longer duration of action than methylnaltrexone. The researchers studied 78 postoperative patients randomized to receive placebo or alvimopan. Fifteen patients underwent partial colectomy and the remaining 27 underwent radical hysterectomy. All patients were on morphine.

Compared with patients on placebo, patients with this drug had their first bowel movement 2 days earlier and returned home 2 days earlier. Other completed studies include a meta-analysis comparing alvimopan with placebo. A study was conducted in which researchers found that alvimopan accelerated gastrointestinal recovery after bowel resection, regardless of age, gender, race, or concomitant medications.

The use of prokinetic agents has shown mixed results. Randomized trials have noted some benefit of the colonic laxative bisacodyl for the treatment of intestinal ileus.

Erythromycin, a motilin receptor agonist, has been used to treat functional intestinal obstruction. Metoclopramide, a dopaminergic antagonist, has antiemetic and prokinetic activity, but evidence has shown that the drugs may actually worsen ileus.

In a randomized controlled trial of 210 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, perioperative low-dose celecoxib was shown to markedly reduce the development of paralytic ileus compared with diclofenac. The effect was independent of narcotic use and was not associated with an increase in the number of postoperative complications.

A review of meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials of drugs used for post-operative ileus has been published by British scientists. The researchers examined three meta-analyses and 18 clinical trials. Only alvimopan has been shown to be effective in preventing obstruction.

Other methods to improve peristalsis

A peripheral mu-opioid receptor blocker helps increase peristalsis. The drug binds mu-opioid receptors in the intestine, selectively inhibiting the negative opioid effects on gastrointestinal function. Five clinical studies involving >2500 patients demonstrated accelerated recovery of upper and lower gastrointestinal function with alvimopan compared with placebo. A reduction in the length of sick days was observed in the drug group compared to placebo.

Intestinal motility is the systematic contraction of the smooth muscles of the organ, which allows food to move through the gastrointestinal tract and ultimately remove undigested debris from the body.

Motor skills are also necessary for effective digestion: due to the contraction of internal muscles, enzymes from the gallbladder and pancreas are delivered to the hollow organs.

The proper functioning of the totality of all systems of the human body is directly related to intestinal health. A person’s immunity, well-being and performance depend on the state of the gastrointestinal tract. Often, malfunctions in the digestive tract become the basis for the development of other diseases.

In normal condition, the hollow organ contracts systematically. Muscle fibers line the inner walls in two layers: in the first they are located longitudinally, in the second they are ring-shaped.

The amplitude of the wave-like movement of the muscles varies depending on the region of the intestine: the small intestine contracts at both a slow and fast pace. In addition, several reductions can be made simultaneously in a given department.

The food bolus moves much more slowly through the large intestine. The intensity of the peristaltic impulse increases several times a day at the time of the urge to defecate.

The frequency of contractions is considered normal: for the duodenum - 1-12 per minute, for the rectum - 9-12, for the colon - 3-4 and 6-12, for the rectum - 3.

What happens if intestinal motility increases or, on the contrary, decreases? The process of passage of a bolus of food through the intestinal tube is complicated, as a result of which digestion suffers: beneficial substances from incoming food are absorbed more slowly and not in the proper volume, undigested food stagnates in the body, releasing toxic toxins.

Impaired motor function leads to the development of a number of diseases that manifest themselves as intestinal disorders in the form of diarrhea or constipation, increased gas formation, abdominal pain, inflammation of the mucous membrane, and ulcerative damage to the walls of internal organs.

Factors contributing to the development of pathology

The main reasons for weakening motor function are:

• poor nutrition, consumption of large amounts of simple carbohydrates, high-calorie foods;
• eating disorders: long intervals between meals, overeating;
• insufficient amount of fluid consumed; dehydration;
• low level of physical activity;
• chronic diseases of the liver, gall bladder, pancreas;
• infection of the body;
• malignant neoplasms in the intestines;
• complications after surgical intervention on the abdominal organs;
• chronic fatigue syndrome, constant stress, depression;
• side effects of medications;
• heredity and characteristics of old age;
• bad habits: smoking, alcohol abuse, drug addiction.

Weak peristalsis, most often a consequence of poor nutrition, leads to constipation. Snacks on the go, junk food (fast food, sweets, flour products, coffee, carbonated drinks) cause digestive disorders.

Constant fermentation and rotting of undigested and unremoved food leads to intoxication: the destructive effect is first on nearby organs - kidneys, liver - then other systems are affected by harmful substances.

A high level of slagging and the formation of fecal stones negatively affect the condition of the mucous membrane. Persistent constipation contributes to the development of hemorrhoids, the formation of polyps in the intestines, which can develop into cancerous tumors.

Another less common variant of peristalsis dysfunction is increased muscle contractions. The following factors can enhance the motor activity of the digestive organs:

• consumption of foods that irritate the mucous membrane: sour, spicy foods;
• oncology;
• dysbacteriosis;
• chronic infectious diseases;
• neuropsychiatric disorders;
• taking certain medications (for example, antibiotics).

In this case, the patient suffers from severe pain and diarrhea: the stool is very liquid and has a foamy consistency. Frequent diarrhea leads to dehydration. Therefore, if motor skills increase, especially in children, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor.

Symptoms of impaired intestinal motility

Signs indicating dysfunction of the digestive tract are:

• pain that has varying degrees of severity - from unnoticed discomfort to sharp spasms. Pain sensations decrease after going to the toilet and passing gas. They can also subside at night, and with food intake (with a morning cup of coffee or strong tea) they intensify again. Negative emotions can provoke increased pain;
• Difficulty defecating (constipation). Over time, constipation becomes chronic. It becomes almost impossible to empty the intestines naturally;
• feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen;
• bloating, increased gas formation;
• bad breath;
• loss of appetite due to weight gain;
• pale skin;
• signs of general malaise: lethargy, fatigue, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, irritability;
• dizziness: with anemia developed as a result of lack of nutrients;
• signs of poisoning: allergies, deterioration of skin and hair.

Dysfunction, characterized by an increase in contractile movements of smooth muscles, is accompanied by:

• acute pain in the intestinal area;
• frequent diarrhea with mucus or blood particles;
• flatulence, bloating;
• lack of relief after defecation, false urge to defecate;
• signs of dehydration are observed: dry mouth, weakness, drowsiness, chills, increased heart rate, decreased immunity.

The listed symptoms are warning signs that should not be ignored. To prevent serious consequences, you need to go to a clinic, where specialists, based on the results of tests and studies, will be able to determine an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective therapy.

Diagnostics

During examination and palpation, bloating and pain when pressing on the abdominal area already manifests itself.

An effective laboratory test would be a coprogram - a stool test for the presence of blood and pathogenic microflora.

Among the instrumental methods the most informative are:

• endoscopy - examination of the intestine with optics;
• colonoscopy - using a special tube with a probe inserted into the anus, the doctor will assess the degree of patency of the organ, the condition of the mucous membrane, and take a sample of material for histological analysis;
• irrigoscopy - x-ray with simultaneous administration of a contrast suspension;
• Pelvic ultrasound and MRI are performed in difficult situations.

Treatment of intestinal motility disorders

To restore the functioning of the digestive organs, an integrated approach is used, which includes changes in diet and physical exercise. In case of chronic constipation and fecal hardening, drug therapy is indicated.

Medicines

First of all, it is necessary to cleanse the digestive tract of stagnant feces. For this purpose, laxative medications are prescribed (Guttalax, Phenolphthalein, Duphalac), presented on the pharmaceutical market in various forms - in the form of tablets, drops, rectal suppositories.

Natural laxatives are rhubarb roots, licorice, buckthorn bark, and senna leaves. Herbal-based drugs include Regulax.

Potent agents used when it is impossible to empty are Epsom and Glauber's salts. They affect the entire intestine, producing the desired effect within a couple of hours after administration.

Castor oil softens the food bolus and facilitates its movement towards the anus. The effect is usually observed after a few hours.

You should not get carried away with laxatives: they are addictive, the digestive organs can “forget how” to work independently, without external stimuli.

Proserin, Vasopressin, Aceclidine have a strengthening effect on the intestinal muscles. They enhance motor activity, stimulating the passage of food through the digestive tract.

Digestion is aided by Mezim, Festal, Creon, which are not recommended to be taken for longer than 10 days.

To correct psychosomatic disorders, sedatives and antidepressants are prescribed.

All medications, their dosage and treatment regimen are prescribed by a specialist. Replacing the medication or stopping it early is possible only after a re-examination. Self-use of any pharmaceuticals is prohibited!

Physiotherapy

An active lifestyle helps restore the motor skills of internal organs. Running, swimming, hiking, horse riding, and abdominal exercises will bring your intestines back to normal.

Regarding physical activity that is unusual for you, please consult with a physical therapy specialist first!

A set of exercises to strengthen motor skills:

1. from a lying position (you can lie in bed immediately after waking up. It is important that the surface is not too soft!) lift your body;
2. lying on your back, raise your knees bent at an angle of 90 degrees and perform the exercise “riding a bicycle”;
3. remaining in the same position, grab your bent knees with your hands and pull them to your chest;
4. lower your bent legs to your feet and lift your pelvis;
5. in a kneeling position with emphasis on your palms, alternately move your legs back;
6. from a kneeling position with emphasis on your elbows, alternately sit on your right and left buttocks;
7. from a standing position, slow squats with the pelvis moving back;
8. jumping with or without a skipping rope (in the absence of pathologies of the pelvic organs).

To reduce intestinal motility, abdominal exercises should be avoided. In this case, stretching will do.

Daily abdominal massage will also stimulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

A contrast shower or dousing with cold water followed by intensive rubbing with a terry towel also has a beneficial effect on the body.

A necessary and effective method of treating the disease is to follow a diet based on the inclusion of plant fiber in the diet and reducing the consumption of high-calorie carbohydrate foods.

Basic rules for impaired dysfunction:

• It is better to eat more than 3 times a day (4-5) in small portions. Food must be chewed thoroughly;
• drink enough fluid (at the rate of 30 ml per 1 kg of weight in the absence of kidney problems). Get into the habit of drinking a glass of water at room temperature in the morning: this method will help the intestines start working;
• exclude from the menu foods rich in simple carbohydrates (sweets, especially chocolate, flour, fast food), starch (potatoes, rice, semolina), as well as irritating mucous membranes (carbonated drinks, fatty and fried foods, pickles, smoked foods, canned foods, sour fruits);
• use butter, boiled eggs, and legumes with caution, which increase gas formation;
• you will have to limit the intake of strong tea and coffee, hot drinks;
• to enhance motor skills, fresh vegetables (cabbage, carrots, beets) and fruits (green apples, apricots, plums), bran, cereals, flax seeds, oatmeal and buckwheat porridge, herbs, berries are shown;
• for cooking, use vegetable oils (preferably cold pressed): olive, linseed;
• freshly squeezed juices (especially carrot, cabbage and beetroot, as well as berries), compotes, fermented milk products, dried fruits are useful;
• If possible, eat more seafood and seaweed.

• pureed soups;
• porridge from barley, rice, semolina;
• dishes from lean meats, eggs;
• vegetable purees;
• astringent fruits and berries (quince, pear, bird cherry, chokeberry).

In any case, you will have to give up cigarettes and alcohol.

Traditional medicine

Non-traditional methods can effectively complement the main treatment: cleanse the clogged intestines, restore its motor function, stimulate the healing of damaged tissues and get rid of pathogenic bacteria.

Before using folk remedies, you need to consult a specialist!

Recipes for constipation:

• bran, fiber, which can be eaten separately or added to various dishes (salads, soups, cereals, jelly) 1-2 tablespoons per day;
• beet salad with prunes or garlic;
• a mixture of prunes and dried apricots. Grind 400 grams of seedless dried fruits in a meat grinder, adding 2 tbsp. propolis tinctures, senna leaves (1 pack) and 200 ml of fresh, not candied honey. All ingredients must be mixed thoroughly. Take 2 tsp. at night, with water at room temperature;
• A decoction of buckthorn bark is drunk instead of tea;
• crushed plantain seeds: 1 tsp. before eating.

Disease prevention

Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Therefore, following these recommendations will make a significant contribution to the health of your intestines:

• adhere to the basics of a balanced diet: the diet should be varied, including plant fiber and protein. Do not allow yourself to overeat, excessive indulgence in sweets, flour products, smoked, salty and fatty foods;
• keep your body in good shape: do morning exercises, walk in the fresh air, ride a bike and ski, swim in open reservoirs or a pool;
• maintain a work and rest schedule: sleep 7-9 hours, avoid psychological stress and negative emotions;
• Visit a gastroenterologist regularly (1-2 times a year) for preventive examinations and timely detection of abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.

Paying close attention to your body will help you avoid many troubles. Be healthy!

Normally, with constant accumulation of intestines, its wave-like contractions are always replaced by periods of rest. Entering the intestines, food irritates interoreceptors, resulting in increased peristalsis. Contractions of the walls move the contents (chyme) into the large intestine and relieve the small intestine from excessive irritation and distension. When there is no content in the intestines (for example, during complete fasting), peristalsis slows down or stops altogether.

However, in some cases, significant irritation of the intestinal mucosa is observed. Increased peristalsis is caused by reflexes involving the brain stem and autonomic nervous system, as well as reflex activation of the myenteric plexus in the digestive tube. The stool becomes more liquid because, with rapid movement, some of the contents do not have time to be absorbed into the blood. A painful condition in which frequent and liquid stool appears is called diarrhea (diarrhea).

Reasons for increased intestinal motility

Increased peristalsis is observed in some intestinal diseases, due to acute intestinal infections, with exacerbations of chronic gastrointestinal diseases, with the digestive system, with intestinal dysbiosis. Enhanced fermentation processes lead to increased formation of gases and the appearance of flatulence. Distension of the intestines causes colicky pain. In the lumen of the large intestine, when fatty acids combine with magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium salts, soaps are formed, which are present in the feces in the form of white lumps.

Diarrhea can develop even with completely healthy intestinal walls, arising from nervous conditions. In some cases, as a result of excessive anxiety or fear, mental (cortical) effects on the intestines increase its peristalsis and cause diarrhea (the so-called “bear disease”). Diarrhea also appears as a result of stimulation of intestinal peristalsis by coarse plant foods that produce a lot of undigested residues (fruits, vegetables, bread with bran), fatty, difficult-to-digest foods. Sometimes it is a protective-adaptive reaction, with the help of which products that are harmful to the body are eliminated.

Intestinal peristalsis may increase as a result of exposure to poorly digested food in the stomach. Such diarrhea is called gastrogenic. Increased peristalsis and increased frequency of stools (up to 6-8 times a day) leads to the loss of salts, liquid, and food breakdown products. Simple dyspeptic disorder must be distinguished from infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. For this purpose, bacteriological and scatological studies are carried out.

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, absorption of nutrients and timely emptying occur. There are situations when this function is disrupted 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. If the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted, 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 as various symptoms (constipation, flatulence, abdominal pain) to the formation of serious diseases, including benign and malignant neoplasms.

In case of intestinal motility disorders, it is usually enough to adjust the diet and select 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, which represents a slow but constant poisoning of the body. Mechanical retention of feces leads to the formation of stones that injure the inner lining of the intestine. 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 effects of taking medications (including antibiotics).

Increased intestinal peristalsis is manifested by symptoms of diarrhea: acute abdominal pain, 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 that indicate 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 of varying intensity can 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 a gradual increase in body weight;
• the patient becomes irritable, lethargic, constantly feels weak and stops getting enough sleep;
• with severe constipation, headaches, loss of appetite, and general weakness occur, which is the result of severe intoxication;
• Skin diseases and allergic reactions may occur.

The overall well-being and health of a person largely depends on the proper functioning of the intestines.

Determining such symptoms in yourself or your loved ones is a direct indication for going to the clinic in order to identify a diagnosis and prescribe full-fledged treatment.

Treatment

How to improve intestinal motility depends on the form and cause of the disease. Dysfunction of motor function requires an integrated approach to therapy. Basic principles of restoring motor function: selection of diet, methods of physical therapy and drug correction. The importance of natural pharmacy products in the form of decoctions of various herbs cannot be ruled out.

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 of adequate nutrition that affects 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);
• high fiber vegetables 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 and chokeberry fruits and compotes from them.

Knowing the effect of various foods on the motor function of intestinal smooth muscles, you can influence its work by changing the diet as necessary. For minor disorders, proper nutrition can restore intestinal function, but in old age and situations of long-term impairment this will not 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.

For treatment, you can use special exercises or simple warm-ups in the form of morning exercises or yoga.

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 fitness and both with 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 in a good mood. Any contraction of the abdominal muscles leads to increased bowel function.

Drug therapy

The 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.

• Wheat bran can be used to treat constipation. Which should be steamed with boiling water or consumed raw in a volume of 2 tablespoons 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, one should take into account the cause of the pathological process and one’s own tolerance to the various components. If after using any product for more than 3 days there is no improvement, it does not work and requires replacement.

Increased intestinal motility occurs for many reasons. According to statistics, every second inhabitant of our planet has problems with the digestive system. When exposed to provoking factors, it is the intestines that are the first to lose their functions, which contributes to the development of metabolic disorders and chronic diseases. A person’s normal well-being and ability to work depend on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The slightest disruptions in the functioning of the digestive system have a negative impact on the general condition of the body and create the preconditions for a weakened immune system.

What is peristalsis?

This term refers to the rhythmic contractions of the muscular walls of the intestine, which promote the movement of food masses from the thin to the thick section. This factor plays an important role in the processes of absorption of nutrients and removal of waste products from the body.

Peristaltic contractions involve smooth muscle fibers that are present in the intestinal walls. One layer is located longitudinally, the other - transversely. Coordinated contractions contribute to the creation of waves, the frequency of which is different in different parts of the organ. Several types of contractile movements spread throughout the small intestine, which differ in speed. They can be slow, medium and fast. Often several types of waves appear simultaneously.

Food masses move slowly through the large intestine; peristaltic waves in this section have the lowest speed. 1–2 times a day, rapid contractions occur in the organ, promoting the movement of feces towards the anus. Peristalsis of the colon is based on a reflex that occurs when food enters the stomach. The normal frequency of contractions of the duodenum is 10 times per minute, small - 9-12 and large - 3-4. At the moment food moves towards the anus, the frequency indicator increases to 12.

Weak peristalsis slows down the absorption of nutrients and makes it difficult to move feces towards the rectum. Remains of undigested food, feces and toxins linger in the body, gradually poisoning it and creating ideal conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.

Impaired intestinal motility is the cause of most pathologies of the digestive system, characterized by constipation and diarrhea, abdominal pain, ulcers and benign neoplasms.

What causes peristalsis to be disrupted?

The causes of poor peristalsis may be:

• unhealthy diet with a predominance of high-calorie foods;
• chronic diseases of the digestive system;
• benign and cancerous intestinal tumors;
• complications after abdominal surgery;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• elderly age;
• genetic predisposition;
• neurological disorders;
• constant stress;
• taking medications that impair intestinal motility.

Improper nutrition becomes the main cause of intestinal motility disorders. Modern people are accustomed to snacking on the go, refusing a full hot lunch. Excess starch, fat and sugar contribute to fermentation processes in the intestines.

Toxins penetrate through the intestinal walls into the abdominal cavity, poisoning the blood and internal organs. By the age of 35, the intestines become so clogged that the fecal stones formed in it injure the mucous membranes. The patient begins to feel that the intestines are not working. Lack of peristalsis leads to fecal retention, stagnation of blood in the abdominal cavity, hemorrhoids, and the formation of benign and malignant tumors. For normal intestinal function and the functioning of beneficial bacteria, a slightly acidic environment and a large amount of fiber, which is found in fresh vegetables and fruits, are required.

You need to start restoring intestinal motility with lifestyle changes. Most diseases of the digestive system develop against the background of physical inactivity, sedentary work and prolonged bed rest. Moderate physical activity is the most effective stimulator of intestinal motility. To do this, you need to allocate at least 10–15 minutes to perform the exercises. Daily walks in the fresh air are especially beneficial.

The reasons for poor bowel function in old age are considered to be: the development of concomitant pathologies, hormonal disorders, muscle weakness and damage to the nerve endings that control the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Increased intestinal peristalsis is observed in chronic pathologies of the stomach, gallbladder and pancreas. Malignant neoplasms, stress, infectious diseases and poisoning can contribute to organ dysfunction. Enhances peristalsis and long-term use of certain medications. However, the majority of digestive problems are caused by poor diet, consumption of fast food and processed foods. Increased peristalsis leads to flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. This is due to the course of decay processes.

How are peristalsis disorders manifested?

The main symptom of dyskinesia is pain of varying intensity and localization. The severity of discomfort varies from minor discomfort to severe cramps. The pain disappears after defecation or release of gas. Their intensity decreases in the evening and at night. Unpleasant symptoms return after the morning meal. Enhanced gas formation is facilitated by the fermentation process. Chronic constipation gives way to diarrhea. In the future, the intestine begins to empty only after taking a laxative or giving an enema. Weakened peristalsis promotes the formation of fatty deposits.

The patient’s well-being worsens: he experiences weakness, sleeps poorly, and becomes irritable. Symptoms of intoxication increase - skin rashes, acne, headaches. With increased intestinal peristalsis, body temperature often rises and persistent diarrhea appears. Absorption of insufficient nutrients contributes to weight loss. In such situations, you need to know exactly how to restore intestinal motility.

Treatment options

Restoring the digestive system requires an integrated approach. The therapeutic course includes taking medications, performing special exercises, and creating a balanced diet. Decoctions of medicinal plants that can increase intestinal motility are highly effective. The stimulant drug should be prescribed by your doctor; you should not choose it yourself.

You can increase intestinal contractility using a laxative. Currently, there are a large number of drugs that affect certain parts of the digestive system. Glauber's salt stimulates peristalsis of the entire intestine. This is the most effective and fast-acting drug. Taking it increases osmotic pressure, which slows down fluid absorption. Defecation occurs 1–2 hours after taking the tablet.

A laxative that increases contractions of the small intestine, facilitating the movement of digested food towards the anus. The effect is observed 5–6 hours after consuming the drug. Drugs that improve the functioning of the large intestine can be produced on the basis of plant and chemical components. They increase the tone of the organ and accelerate the excretion of feces. To treat dyskinesia in adults, antidepressants, tranquilizers and antipsychotics can be used. How to strengthen intestinal motility with diet?

All foods are divided into 2 groups: those that strengthen contractions and those that weaken them. The latter include: chocolate, coffee, strong tea, baked goods, jelly, rice porridge, pears, apples, chicken eggs, butter. Acceleration of intestinal peristalsis occurs when consuming berry fruit drinks, kvass, white wine, mineral water, kefir, fresh vegetables, and dried fruits. You can normalize the functioning of the digestive system with the help of freshly squeezed juices of carrots, beets and cabbage. These same vegetables can be used to make salads. You need to eat as often as possible, portions should be small. It is necessary to exclude fatty and fried foods, sausages, canned food, and confectionery products from the diet. Drinking a glass of water before meals helps relieve constipation. You must consume at least 2 liters of fluid per day. The doctor will advise you on how to improve your bowel function using traditional methods.

Alternative medicine

To restore the functions of the digestive system, there is a recipe that increases peristalsis. To prepare you need to take 1 tbsp. l. sprouted wheat grains, 2 tbsp. l. oatmeal, 2 medium apples, 1 small lemon and 1 tbsp. l. honey Apples are grated and mixed with the rest of the ingredients and warm water. The drug is used in any quantity throughout the week. A mixture of dried fruits has a laxative effect. 0.5 kg of prunes and dried apricots are passed through a meat grinder and mixed with 50 g of propolis, 200 g of senna and 200 ml of fresh honey. The medicine is taken 2 tsp. before going to bed with a glass of cool water.

Buckthorn decoction has a pronounced laxative effect. 1 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water, infused for 3 hours and consumed instead of tea. Plantain seeds increase in size after entering the intestines, which promotes the rapid elimination of digestive products. Crushed seeds take 1 tsp before meals. Wheat bran is eaten with warm water. They are necessary for the formation of a sufficient amount of feces. Fruit and vegetable juices, cabbage pickle, apple and cherry compote have a mild laxative effect.

The course of treatment should be accompanied by an increase in physical activity. You should not lie down immediately after eating; it is recommended to take walks or just walk around the house. Active sports - swimming, running, aerobics - restore the functioning of the digestive system. Light abdominal massage, hardening, and special exercises are helpful. They are performed in a supine position. The legs are bent at the knees and raised, making circular movements. This increases the strength of the abdominal muscles, restores blood supply to organs, and improves peristalsis. Improved intestinal tone is the best prevention of diseases of the digestive system.