slow gut motility

Slow gut motility means food and waste move through your digestive tract more slowly than normal. It can show up as bloating, nausea, heartburn, hard stools, or a feeling of fullness after small meals. The exact problems and fixes depend on where the slowdown happens — the stomach, small intestine, or colon — so a clear diagnosis matters.

Common causes & symptoms

Causes range from medical conditions to medicines. Diabetes that’s poorly controlled can damage nerves and slow the stomach (gastroparesis). Hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s, and autoimmune conditions may slow the whole gut. Opioids, some antidepressants, and anticholinergics also reduce motility. Symptoms include persistent bloating, early fullness, nausea or vomiting (stomach), infrequent bowel movements or straining (colon), and abdominal discomfort.

Some people also have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) which can both cause and result from slow transit. If you see unintentional weight loss, severe pain, repeated vomiting, or blood in stool, get medical help fast.

How doctors check it

Doctors will review your meds, do a physical exam, and run simple blood tests (glucose, thyroid, electrolytes). Specific tests include a gastric emptying scan for suspected gastroparesis, breath tests for SIBO, colon transit studies for slow bowels, and endoscopy if obstruction is suspected. Sometimes anorectal manometry or pelvic floor testing helps if constipation is from a coordination problem rather than slow transit.

Treatment starts with treating the cause. If a medicine is the culprit, switching drugs often helps. For diabetes, better blood sugar control improves nerve function over time.

Diet and habits make a big difference. If the stomach empties slowly, eat smaller, more frequent meals, choose low-fat and low-fiber options (fiber can slow gastric emptying and form lumps). For slow colon transit, increase fiber slowly, drink more water, and get regular movement. Gentle walking after meals stimulates digestion.

Medications for motility include prokinetics (metoclopramide for short-term use, domperidone where available), erythromycin as a temporary option, and newer agents for chronic constipation like prucalopride. Osmotic laxatives (polyethylene glycol) and stimulant laxatives (bisacodyl) help with bowel movements. Drugs have side effects, so discuss risks and monitoring with your clinician.

Other helpful steps: establish a daily toilet routine, try pelvic floor physiotherapy if you strain, consider a trial for SIBO if symptoms fit, and avoid or reduce opioids when possible. For severe cases, gastroenterologists can offer more options, including feeding tube support or procedures in rare situations.

Want a simple plan to start? Review your medicines, increase daily water, add gentle exercise, and try smaller meals. If symptoms don’t improve in a few weeks or you have red flags like weight loss or vomiting, see a doctor. Slow gut motility is common and often manageable with the right tests and a focused plan.

Hyperthyroidism and Constipation: The Unexpected Gut Connection Explained

Hyperthyroidism and Constipation: The Unexpected Gut Connection Explained

Neville Tambe 26 Apr 12

Hyperthyroidism is known for revving up metabolism, so it's odd when constipation crashes the party. This article breaks down why an overactive thyroid doesn’t always mean your bowels keep up and shares what you can actually do about it. We go beyond the obvious—discussing hormones, gut motility, and daily habits. If your gut feels left behind by your speedy thyroid, here’s where the mystery unravels. You’ll pick up facts, practical tips, and see why this problem isn’t as rare as you might think.

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