The food

There are numerous foods that stimulate bowel movement. First of all yoghurt and fruit have a positive effect. It also helps to consume more fiber and avoid highly processed foods.

Classic high-fiber foods that have a positive effect on digestion are flea and flax seeds. They swell by absorbing water. They increase the size of the chyme and make it softer.

However, care must be taken to drink enough. Vegetables and wholemeal products also contain a lot of fiber. Foods with constipating effects should be avoided.

These include bananas, cocoa, white flour products, etc. Sweets, especially chocolate, should also not be eaten when constipated. The same applies to highly processed foods.

The medicines

There are numerous drugs on the market that can relieve constipation. They are offered in all kinds of different forms of administration. Laxatives can be divided into different groups.

On the one hand there are osmotic (water-absorbing) laxatives, such as lactulose, milk sugar or macrogel, which is the active ingredient of the frequently used Movicol. There are also salt-like laxatives. These include magnesium sulfate and sodium sulfate.

However, these laxatives cannot be taken for some diseases. With stimulant laxatives, there is an increased transfer of water and salts into the intestine, as they stimulate intestinal activity. This group includes bisacodyl, sennosides and sodium picosulfate, which is contained in laxoberal drops.

Prucolapride is a selective serotonin receptor antagonist. Serotonin is a tissue hormone that has many different functions. Among other things, it increases the intestinal movement and shortens the intestinal passage.It is prescribed by a doctor if the constipation cannot be treated sufficiently by other means. Laxatives should not be used for habitual use, but only if gentle methods are not sufficient. In case of recurring constipation problems, a change and adjustment of diet and lifestyle should be made or a doctor should be consulted for further clarification.

How to stimulate bowel movement after an operation

Especially after surgery in the abdominal cavity, the intestine only slowly regains momentum. This is normal, since the many medications, such as painkillers and anaesthetics, have a negative effect on the intestinal activity during an operation. However, it is very important that the intestine resumes its work after such operations.

Since there is a risk of a postoperative ileus forming. In the case of an ileus, the intestine is like paralyzed for several days and is not able to digest. Life threatening complications can arise.

Early mobilization after the operation, if possible and permitted by the doctor, has a positive effect on bowel activity. Interestingly, there are indications that chewing gum after an operation is supposed to promote bowel activity. As much chewing gum as possible should be chewed.

Chewing stimulates the flow of saliva, so the body thinks that food will soon be consumed, for which the gastrointestinal organs are stimulated. Otherwise, it is generally advisable to follow the doctor’s dietary recommendations and, if necessary, to follow a prescribed dietary regimen. It can help to avoid constipating foods such as chocolate and white flour products at the beginning of the diet.