Tech & Innovation in Healthcare

Reader Questions:

Prescribe a Drug-Free Treatment for Constipation

Question: I’ve been a physician for several years, and I suggest traditional medicines when my patients are suffering from constipation. I know the side effects of these medications, and I wish I could offer alternatives to alleviate the patients’ condition.

Are there different treatment options available?

New Jersey Subscriber

Answer: There are numerous treatment options for constipation outside of traditional medications. In fact, here’s one that comes to mind:

Vibrant Gastro is a company whose Vibrant System offers a medication-free way to help alleviate chronic constipation. The Vibrant System is a capsule that is programmed to vibrate once it reaches the large intestine — between eight and 10 hours after the patient ingests the capsule.

The disposable pill’s vibrations stimulate the colon’s peristalsis to help reset the body structure. The company states that the vibrating capsule will help improve regular bowel movements between one to eight weeks of use.