Do you often find that your meals seem to pass through your system too quickly, leaving you with cramping, gas, or diarrhea? This rapid transit can disrupt your digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to discomfort and potential health issues.
Gastrointestinal hypermotility refers to abnormally increased movement of the digestive tract, leading to increased passage of food and waste. This condition can result in symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, frequent bowel movements, and malabsorption of nutrients. According to research published in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, stress-induced changes in the enteric nervous system can significantly contribute to colonic hypermotility, particularly in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Causes of hyper motility:
Multiple studies suggest that several factors can lead to episodes of gastrointestinal hypermotility. These include:
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Dietary choices: Consumption of certain foods and beverages, such as caffeine, alcohol, and high-fat items, can stimulate increased gut motility.
Stress: Emotional stress activates the body's stress response, which can alter gut motility patterns.
Infections: Gastrointestinal infections can irritate the digestive tract, leading to temporary increases in motility.
Medications: Some drugs, including certain antibiotics and laxatives, may have side effects that enhance intestinal movement.
Underlying health conditions: Disorders such as hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) are associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, including hypermotility.
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Hypermotility prevention:
To manage and prevent hypermotility, consider the following strategies:
Identify and manage food intolerances: Conditions like lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, and intolerance to FODMAPs can mimic hypermotility symptoms. Consulting a healthcare professional to identify and manage these intolerances can alleviate symptoms.
Monitor fibre intake: While fibre is essential for digestion, certain types can exacerbate hypermotility. Soluble fibre, found in foods like oats, barley, and the flesh of fruits, is generally more tolerable and can help regulate bowel movements.
Be mindful of fluid consumption during meals: Drinking large amounts of fluids with meals may speed up intestinal transit. Opt to drink fluids between meals to aid digestion without accelerating transit time.
Avoid known dietary triggers: Foods and substances such as caffeine, alcohol, greasy foods, chocolate, sorbitol (found in sugarless gums and mints), and high-fructose foods can increase intestinal motility. Limiting or avoiding these can help manage symptoms.
Adopt dietary practices beneficial for digestive health: Eating small, frequent meals and focusing on high-protein, low simple sugar foods can aid in slowing down intestinal transit. Foods like unripe bananas, oatmeal, rice, tapioca, applesauce, and yogurt are known to help control diarrhea and support digestive health.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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