Health Digestion


Tame your


tummy troubles


Problems with your digestive system may be common but they can make you feel really under the weather


It’s no fun having an upset stomach. But the good news is most tummy upsets aren’t serious, and in many cases they’re easily treated. Here’s what you should know about three of the most common digestive complaints.


Indigestion Also known as dyspepsia, indigestion describes an uncomfortable feeling in your chest or stomach, usually after eating or drinking. It can also cause heartburn, nausea and belching.


Treat it Ask your Pharmacist about over-the-counter indigestion remedies such as antacids. These work by neutralising the excess acid formed in your stomach that causes indigestion. Your Pharmacist can also advise you about other indigestion medicines. Meanwhile if you have indigestion regularly, see your GP for advice.


Constipation Anyone can have constipation, but it’s more common in women than men and in older people than younger adults. To avoid constipation aim to eat plenty of fibre a day. A high-fibre


diet keeps your bowel healthy and allows waste products to pass out of your body. It also helps if you drink lots of fluids and take regular exercise.


Treat it If you’ve made changes to your lifestyle but are still affected by constipation, your Pharmacist can recommend some effective remedies.


Diarrhoea This affects most people at one time or another and has a number of causes, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, food poisoning, certain medicines and conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.


Treat it Keep drinking fluids and eat small solid foods when you can. Most cases of diarrhoea clear up after a few days. Your Pharmacist can also recommend medicines that may help you control your symptoms quickly.


See your GP if your symptoms don’t go away, if


you feel very sick and keep vomiting or if you have no appetite and you’re losing weight.


The team at your local LloydsPharmacy can offer expert advice about treating digestive upsets. Find your nearest LloydsPharmacy by using the online Store Locator at LloydsPharmacy.com.


Boost your


digestive health Try these tips from our Pharmacist Anshu Bhimbat:


1. Stop smoking and drink in moderation.


2. Exercise for at least 150 minutes a week (about 30 minutes a day) to boost digestion and metabolism (moderate- intensity activity).


3. Eat meals and snacks at regular intervals about the same time each day to maintain digestive regularity.


4. Manage and reduce stress.


5. Eat a balanced diet that’s high in fibre and low in saturated fats. Avoid processed meat, chocolate, crisps and spicy foods and replace with greens, fruits and vegetable. Choose lean meats and reduce red meat consumption to once a week.


6. Consider ‘friendly’ bacteria yoghurts or probiotic supplements to support the balance of natural bacteria in the gut.


All About You 27


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