6 Products to Treat Occasional Digestive Problems
There are a host of factors that can interfere with digestion. Fortunately, most digestive problems are minor, and can be resolved with a few simple measures or by taking over-the-counter medication.Laxatives: For occasional constipation
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Advantage: For gentle relief of occasional constipation |
What causes constipation?
A change in diet, decreased physical activity, illness, or a new medication are all common causes of an occasional bout of constipation.
How can I relieve occasional constipation?
Here are a few tips to help prevent or relieve constipation:
- Drink plenty of fluids (you can tell you’re drinking enough if your urine is a pale-yellow colour)
- Eat foods that are rich in fibre
- Get regular exercise
If constipation is causing you discomfort, you may find relief by taking a fibre-based (bulk-forming) laxative with enough water, or a polyethylene glycol (PEG) laxative. These laxatives offer the advantage of not triggering a sudden urge to defecate.
Tip: If you are taking medication, always check with your health professional that it will not interact with the laxative.
Antacids: For occasional acid reflux
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Advantage: For rapid relief of occasional acid reflux |
What causes acid reflux?
Occasional acid reflux is often associated with dietary choices. Various foods can trigger acid reflux, including citrus fruit, tomatoes, very spicy foods, alcohol, coffee and other caffeinated beverages, as well as very fatty foods, e.g., those that have been deep fried.
Being overweight as well as certain lifestyle habits, like smoking, can also trigger or worsen acid reflux.
How can I relieve acid reflux?
If you experience occasional acid reflux, an antacid can provide relief within minutes. Calcium-based antacids can interact with certain medications, so always check with your health professional whether antacids are the right choice for you.
Tip: If acid reflux is causing you considerable discomfort or if it occurs more than twice a week on a regular basis, consult a health professional. You may require an alternate treatment.
Probiotics: For occasional diarrhea
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Advantages: May help prevent or relieve certain types of occasional diarrhea |
What causes diarrhea?
Stress or a change in diet are two common causes of diarrhea. Diarrhea can also be a symptom of illness or infection, e.g., gastro-enteritis, or be caused by a medication you are taking.
What can I do to relieve occasional diarrhea?
While a bout of diarrhea is never fun, it generally clears up on its own within a couple of days. Provided diarrhea doesn’t interfere with your day-to-day activities, it likely doesn’t require treatment. However, make sure to drink lots of fluids to replace those you’ve lost.
If the diarrhea is caused by an antibiotic treatment, it may be helpful to take probiotics. However, keep in mind that probiotics may not be recommended for certain people whose health is more fragile, e.g., those with a weakened immune system. Talk to your health professional. They can help you determine whether probiotics are a good option for you.
Tip: Before taking any anti-diarrheal medicines, especially if you are running a fever or if you have bloody stools, talk to your health professional.
Ginger: For occasional nausea
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Advantage: Relieves nausea without causing drowsiness |
What causes nausea?
Nausea can be a symptom of a health problem, for example migraines or gastro-enteritis (stomach flu). It can also be associated with a new medication, pregnancy or motion sickness.
How can I relieve nausea?
The treatment for nausea depends on the cause. Certain kinds of nausea respond well to over-the-counter medication while others require a prescription from your doctor. Sometimes, no medication is required at all. Your health professional can help you determine whether an anti-nausea medication is appropriate for you.
If you’re pregnant, avoid taking any over-the-counter medication to relieve nausea (or any other pregnancy-related discomfort) without consulting your health professional first.
Tip: Some anti-nausea medication can cause drowsiness. If you prefer to avoid this side effect, opt for a ginger-based product.
Medication and gastro-intestinal problems: Talk to your health professional!
Sometimes, starting on a new medication can lead to gastro-intestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. In most cases, the situation clears up within a few days on its own. However, if your symptoms persist beyond that time or are very bothersome, talk to your health professional. He or she will assess the situation and recommend the appropriate measures.
The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Uniprix. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy.