This Vibrating Capsule is The New Alternative Treatment for Constipation

A medical device maker from Israel has proposed, what it has called a "revolutionary, chemical-free vibrating capsule" for the treatment of chronic constipation.  Pretty amazing, isn't it? 

The way it is supposed to work is this.  It vibrates inside your body and therefore stimulates digestion.  Thus, we may have a new treatment for chronic constipation and can possibly say goodbye to laxatives.  The company reported "minimal side effects" from the capsule use, but those were not specified. 

According to Vibrant's press release, the capsule has benefited 26 people in clinical trials.  These patients were suffering from idiopathic constipation (CIC) and constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome (C-IBS).  They took the vibrating capsule twice a week and regularly recorded their inner feelings as well as the effectiveness of the medication. 

They didn't use any laxatives during that period and the treatment somehow worked.  Vibrant calls this an alternative and chemical-free treatment for chronic constipation. 

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As was expected in the pilot study, the vibrating capsule increased the intensity of the movement in the gut.  Volunteers had a spontaneous bowel movement without any difficulty an average of three to four times a week. 

How does the capsule vibrate inside the body? 

Inside the capsule there is a small engine.  The engine is programmed to vibrate for six to eight hours after it is swallowed.  The vibration causes contractions in the intestine (peristalsis), allowing stool to move and to exit the body. 

Normally fiber is used for the treatment of chronic constipation because constipation is most often caused by a low-fiber diet and lack of exercise.  Medications designed to treat constipation are widely used, but according to Yishai Ron, MD, lead researcher for the study and director of Neurogastroenterology and Motility at Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center's Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology "nearly 50 percent of patients are unsatisfied with the treatment either because of side effects, safety concerns about long-term use, or the fact that it simply doesn't work. 

The press release didn't specify what happens to the small engine that enters the body.  We assume that it just leaves it with the stool. 

Nearly fifteen percent of US population (this is 47 million people) are affected by the symptoms of chronic constipation.  The signs of this problem can be burdensome and can potentially reduce a person's quality of life.  While the company points to this treatment as "alternative, non-pharmacological therapy," here are 12 natural ways to treat constipation naturally.  Also please beware that constipation is a growing problem in children.  Parents should watch their children's diet and fitness habits. 

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