It’s vital for overall wellbeing to maintain good digestive health at any age in life
Digestive health is one of the cornerstones of our health and wellbeing, and there are many ways that it can be cherished and maintained, such as eating well, staying active and remaining hydrated.
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. Products such as green tea can help protect digestive health. The respected brand Pukka has a range of digestive teas, from the cooling sensation of peppermint, the zesty flavours of ginger, and the aromatic aroma of fennel, to support digestion after mealtimes.
Hydration is very important and numerous products, such as Dioralyte Sachets, can help restore a person’s natural fluid and body salt balance.
There is also Electrosal Blackcurrant from Clonmel Healthcare, which helps replace electrolytes. ORS Hydration Tablets in a variety of flavours are another trusted product. These effervescent tablets are designed to help replenish electrolytes and fluids lost through dehydration, ensuring optimal hydration whether a person is working out, traveling, or recovering from illness.
There is also the ViDrate range. These provide a zero-sugar, completely natural way to improve hydration in a delicious selection of fruit flavours. Containing added minerals, vitamin C & B12, ViDrate supports a healthy immune system, contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, psychological function, and helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and queasiness are all among the symptoms that can affect us when our digestive health is off. One of the most common digestive complaints is indigestion. It 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 liquid, it is used for the treatment of 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, calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. Another well-known product is Milk of Magnesia, which works to relieve the symptoms of indigestion and an upset stomach. It can also alleviate the symptoms of constipation.
Another of the most common digestive complaints is diarrhoea. It can have numerous causes, such as E.coli, often picked up from contaminated food, and 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.
Customers, 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, in the community pharmacy you can also dispense a range of trusted over-the-counter products to treat diarrhoea.
In the community pharmacy, you can also dispense a range of trusted over-the-counter products to treat diarrhoea
Imodium is one of these 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 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.
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 the stool to pass. It works naturally with the body and is stimulant- and gluten-free.
Diarrhoea in babies and children can be distressing for the baby and their parents. The two main types of diarrhoea, acute and chronic, can also result in dehydration and the longer the diarrhoea continues, the more significant and disruptive the problem is. An effective and evidence-based treatment for diarrhoea in infants is Tasectan Advanced Formula Diarrhoea Treatment for Babies and Children 16 Pack. This therapy treats diarrhoea in babies and children and rehydrates them. Tasectan reduces both the both frequency and severity of diarrhoea, helping with a quicker recovery. It also has a probiotic effect to maintain healthy gut flora, and it restores gut barrier function while being gentle on a baby’s stomach. If the diarrhoea symptoms persist for more than 24-to-36 hours, parents should consult a doctor.
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 six-to-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 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.
IBS is a common problem in Ireland and is thought to affect about one-in-five people
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 three 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 effective 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 nine 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.
Alflorex is another trusted product. 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.
