As Christmas approaches, digestive health issues will become more common at the pharmacy counter
Digestive health is one of the cornerstones of our health and wellbeing. As well as helping with nutrient absorption, the immune system, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, a healthy gut can improve mental health and our overall sense of wellbeing. It is something to be cherished and maintained.
But modern life can upset it with factors such as a poor diet, stress, alcohol, smoking, antibiotics, travel, or shift work, all taking a toll. And unfortunately we all know when our digestive health is off. Diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and queasiness are all among the symptoms and they can all make us feel dreadful.
But simple changes to your lifestyle, such as eating well, staying active and hydrated, can make a big difference, and fortunately, there is advice and a plethora of over-the-counter products available at the local pharmacy to treat common digestive problems as well as maintain good digestive health.
Indigestion
One of the most common digestive complaints is indigestion. It is something most people will experience at some point, and is often caused by excess acid coming into contact with the sensitive, protective lining of the stomach or oesophagus.
Fortunately, there are numerous over the counter products to treat indigestion, and one of the most famous is Gaviscon. Available in liquid, sachets or tablet form, Gaviscon is a trusted product. One of its range is Gaviscon Liquid. An opaque, off-white to cream peppermint flavoured oral suspension, this medicine is used for the treatment of symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux such as acid regurgitation, heartburn and indigestion.
There is also the Rennie range of products. Rennie is an antacid which neutralises excess stomach acid by turning it into water and other natural substances, rather than masking it. It can be taken day or night for fast relief.
One of its products is Rennie Peppermint tablets. It contains two naturally-occurring antacids called calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. Another well-known product is Milk of Magnesia. This trusted product works to relieve the symptoms of indigestion and an upset stomach. It can also alleviate the symptoms of constipation.
Diarrhoea
Another of the most common digestive complaints is unfortunately diarrhoea, and it can affect infants, children and adults at any time. It can have numerous causes, such as E.coli, often picked up from contaminated food, and the norovirus, which is more commonly known as the winter vomiting bug. But it can also be the result of anxiety, a food allergy, medication, or a long-term condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Diarrhoea may be accompanied by stomach cramps, an elevated temperature, flu-like symptoms, vomiting and dehydration.
Patients, particularly children, should be advised to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. They should also stay at home until at least 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea to prevent spreading any infection to others. Fortunately, most cases of diarrhoea clear up after a few days without treatment.
As well as being a great source of advice, the community pharmacy can also dispense a range of trusted over-the-counter products to treat diarrhoea.
Imodium is one of these trusted brands. Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief is the only OTC anti-diarrhoea tablet that relieves diarrhoea along with the symptoms of gas, bloating, cramps and pressure. The combination of Loperamide plus Simethicone provides fast relief from acute diarrhoea and associated gas-related abdominal discomfort.
Another trusted brand is Enterosgel, which has a range of products. One of them is Enterosgel Kids. In a convenient 90g tube, this is a gentle solution for digestive comfort. This oral suspension is specifically formulated to alleviate symptoms associated with gastrointestinal issues in children, such as diarrhoea and indigestion. With its unique mechanism of action, Enterosgel Kids helps to bind and eliminate toxins from the gut, promoting overall digestive wellness.
There is also Enterosgel in sachets. These are ideal for an on-the-go solution for digestive health and alleviating IBS symptoms. It is ideal to use for diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating or urgency.
Arret is also used to treat sudden and acute episodes of diarrhoea. It stops diarrhoea fast, can be used alongside oral rehydration therapy, and comes in a capsule format. The capsules contain loperamide hydrochloride which helps reduce diarrhoea by slowing down an overactive bowel, helping the body to absorb water and salts from the bowel.
Nausea and constipation
Nausea and vomiting can also be a symptom of diarrhoea. One product that can help ease symptoms is Motilium. As an upset digestive system can also lead to pain, there are a range of over-the-counter pain medications available for use. In order to prevent dehydration during diarrhoea there is Dioralyte, which helps the body restore and maintain lost fluids and replace essential body salts. In a range of flavours, Dioralyte products contain the right balance of body salts to aid rehydration.
Constipation is also a common digestive condition for people of all ages. It is defined as not passing stools regularly or being unable to completely empty your bowel. It can also cause stools to be hard and lumpy, as well as unusually large or small. Older people and pregnant women are more likely to be affected by constipation.
A healthy, balanced diet, with plenty of fibre, is an important part of preventing constipation, but when it does occur there are numerous trusted and effective over the counter laxatives on the market. One of which is Dulcolax. Dulcolax Liquid brings gentle and fast relief to occasional constipation in as little as 30 minutes. It contains magnesium hydroxide, which works by drawing water into the colon, helping stool to pass. It works naturally with the body and is stimulant and gluten-free.
Dulcolax has a range of solutions to help you get back to yourself, such as a treatment which provides overnight relief for occasional constipation and irregularity. Another, Dulcolax Pink Laxative Tablets, is specifically designed for women. Dulcolax Stool Softener is a stimulant-free laxative that softens dry, hard stools. Dulcolax Medicated Laxative Suppositories can start to work within 15 to 60 minutes of use.
Senokot is also a trusted brand. It is made with natural senna and gives relief from occasional constipation. Among its products, there is Senokot Regular Strength tablets. These products work differently than other laxatives because they are made from the senna plant, a natural vegetable laxative ingredient. Senokot Regular Strength can be taken at bedtime and generally helps relieve constipation in 6-12 hours.
There is also Senokot Mixed Berry Flavoured Gummies. It provides gentle, dependable, and delicious relief from occasional constipation for children.
Another product in the range is Senokot Syrup. It naturally relieves symptoms of occasional constipation.
IBS
IBS is a common problem in Ireland and is thought to affect about one-in-five people. Its symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort. Other symptoms include muscle pain, backache, and needing to pass urine more frequently or urgently. A product which can help with this discomfort is Buscopan. An antispasmodic, it is available over the counter, and works by directly targeting and relieving the cause of abdominal pain. It is well tolerated and starts to work within 15 minutes of taking the first dose of tablets.
As well as treating the symptoms of digestive problems, there are also a range of probiotics which help the gut microbiome to maintain gut health. According to Healthy UCD, the gut microbiome includes more than 1,000 different species and trillions of micro-organisms, but it is also a delicate thing and many factors such as poor diet or health, antibiotics or simply the stresses and strains of modern living, can disturb it.
One of the most popular probiotic range is OptiBac Probiotics, which has a number of trusted products.
One of these is OptiBac Babies & Children Probiotics. Developed especially for babies, toddlers and children, this friendly bacteria supplement contains a unique blend of 3 of the most scientifically researched strains for children from 0 to 12 years, as well as FOS fibres and added vitamin D3 to help maintain immune health. OptiBac Kids Gummies are naturally delicious, and contain the scientifically proven friendly bacteria strain Bacillus coagulans unique IS-2 and FOS fibres. Combined with vitamin D and calcium, they support a child’s gut and immune health daily.
OptiBac Probiotics ‘For women’ is perfect for those seeking an expert friendly bacteria supplement. It contains the extensively researched strains of natural bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14. Suggested for daily use, each capsule provides 2.3 billion live micro-organisms. The two strains in this supplement have been clinically trialled by over 2,500 women around the world, and at different life stages.
There is also fabÜ Gut Culture. This supports a balanced gut microbiome and optimal digestive function. This blend of 9 live cultures, inulin from chicory root, and Chaga mushroom works together to feed the natural gut bacteria, helping you maintain a healthy, well-balanced digestive system.
There is also the Bio-Kult range of probiotics. Bio-Kult Everyday is scientifically developed to target the digestive system. Its advanced multi-strain formulation contains 14 live bacterial strains to complement your existing gut flora and make life a little more digestible. Bio-Kult 3-in-1 Biotic Blend Multivitamin Gummies for Kids are a great way to feel gut great every day.
Udo’s Choice Super 8 Immune is a trusted brand and helps to replenish the ‘friendly’ gut bacteria. In fact, it’s one of the most efficient probiotic supplements available. It contains bacteria strains that slow the growth of yeast, act as natural antibiotics, help with lactose tolerance, reduce cholesterol levels, and combat candida, thrush and diarrhoea. They also help relieve the inflammation of colitis and IBD.
Another trusted product is Alflorex. It is the only product in Ireland that contains the 35624 culture. This naturally occurring culture is part of the bifidobacteria family of bacteria, which is given by a mother to her baby at birth. It is a friendly bacteria that is naturally at home in the human gut.
Alflorex was discovered and developed by PrecisionBiotics, in partnership with experts in microbiome research at the APC Microbiome Institute, in UCC, Cork. PrecisionBiotics is an Irish company and Alflorex was discovered in Ireland. The 35624 culture in Alflorex has been shown in clinical trials and in scientific publications to transit through the digestive system and reach the bowel with its properties intact.
Another probiotic is Tumbiotix Gold, which can help relieve abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and irregular bowel habits such as alternating diarrhoea or constipation.
