2023-06-03 06:29:00
Géraldine Zamansky, journalist for the Magazine de la Santé on France 5, returns today to a taboo subject that concerns many French people: constipation. After the experience last year of a
small vibrating capsule to swallow, to escape constipation, an original idea of a Chinese team, a new track is taking shape with an astonishing method.
franceinfo: Electrodes placed on the skin would stimulate transit that is too difficult?
Géraldine Zamansky : Absolutely, two electrodes stuck on the abdomen, and two on the lower back, one hour every day, for two months. They improved the quality of life of nearly 100 French people who participated in their evaluation for 8 weeks. They were all suffering from chronic constipation, for at least 6 months.
The coordinator of this study, Pr Véronique Vittona gastroenterologist at the Hôpital Nord in Marseille, explains that these electrodes sent current, known as interferential, on either side of the body.
At the “crossover” level, they would have several “normalizing” effects. First a stimulation of the muscles of the wall of the colon, which facilitate transit inside the digestive tract. And a relaxation of excessive contractions, which complicate the exit. As a result, the participants went to the toilet more easily than those who had the “placebo” device, with electrodes without current.
But are these currents painful?
No, everyone defines the intensity of their current themselves, to feel an effect without hurting. Just a little tingle. Nothing with regard to the benefit felt: less pain, therefore more physical and psychological comfort. Because chronic constipation can, let’s put it simply, ruin life. It would concern at least one in ten people, with varying levels of severity. When the evacuation is too difficult, it sometimes causes hemorrhoids, well known to be very painful.
So these electrodes might provide a real answer to these people?
Yes, this might be a new option. Even for patients relieved by conventional laxative treatments, but who would like a non-drug solution. The device is already available on medical prescription, and can be rented for just under 30 euros per month. A priori, its manufacturer will not apply for reimbursement by health insurance. It may come following a larger trial in the United States, since an American team has contacted Professor Vitton to help them prepare it.
But this specialist reminds us above all that a rare transit is not necessarily abnormal. If you eat a lot of rice for example, as it is very absorbed by digestion, this reduces the amount of stool. And it is not at all synonymous with constipation! Conversely, kiwis or prunes will be more productive. Walking, moving, can also be a good natural stimulation.
The study
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