| >> How to fight off digestive problems |
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It takes between 24 and 50 hours for food to pass through our body - the digestive system is a metre-long tube running from mouth to bowel. Indigestion may include bloating, wind, belching and nausea, and usually occurs after eating too much or too quickly, over-indulgence in alcohol, eating rich, spicy and oily foods, or use of aspirin-like drugs. Other causes can be inflammation of ulcers, gallstones or irritable bowel. If you suffer from indigestion follow this advice: Make it comfortable by asking your pharmacist for remedies like antacids; Eat small and regular portions of food; Stop smoking; Reduce stress; Reduce intake of fried and spicy food, tea, coffee and alcohol; It is a good idea to keep a diary to track what triggers indigestion. Food Poisoning - food containing harmful bacteria which are not destroyed by strong acid in stomach leads to food poisoning. Symptoms usually occur within one to 12 hours and include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Your pharmacist will be able to assess the situation and recommend suitable treatment. Some principles of basic food hygiene: Frozen poultry should always be completely thawed and well cooked; Rinse fruit and vegetables before eating and cooking; Keep food in fridge at a minimum of 5 degrees Centigrade and prevent cros- contamination by using separate knives and chopping boards for cooked and raw food. Always wash hands before handling food. Haemorrhoids (piles) - These are swollen veins in the lining of the anus and can be caused by constipation or even pregnancy because of the increased pressure in the veins of that area; Make it better by: Eating a high-fibre diet; Drinking fluids; Not ignoring the urge to go to the loo. Suppositories and creams from the pharmacy will be a help but if there is bleeding etc contact your doctor. A sensible diet with lots of fibre, eating slowly and chewing your food well, drinking about two litres of water (eight to 10 glasses), exercise and moderation in alcohol and good advice from your pharmacist will keep your digestion healthy. Constipation - This occurs when the colon absorbs too much water, making the stools solid, dry and hard to pass. Make it better by increasing: Fibre in diet Fluid intake Exercise Ask your pharmacist for laxatives for short-term use only. Diarrhoea - causes can be food poisoning, stress, alcohol, food, taking antibiotics or other medication. Your body loses a lot of fluid and essential nutrients during diarrhoea. Re-hydration supplements and medication from your pharmacist will help. If symptoms do not improve within 48 hours or there is blood-stained diarrhoea contact your doctor. Raj Aggarwal is a Cardiff-based community pharmacist and board member of the National Pharmaceutical Association Source:
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