In the UK, 43% of people are thought to have experienced digestive discomfort at some point in their lives, although this number may be a lot higher due to the embarrassment that many sufferers feel in discussing their condition. With so many people suffering from digestive disorders, it’s important that people know how to combat their symptoms and have their conditions treated where possible. Whether you’re dealing with acid reflux, constipation or any of the other unpleasant symptoms that go hand in hand with a digestive disorder, there are ways in which you can fight them and free yourself from the restrictive and nasty symptoms that affect so many.
Chew Gum for Heartburn
Heartburn can be a particularly unpleasant side effect of many digestive disorders, and can leave you feeling frustrated. When you chew gum, it encourages the production of saliva which neutralises acid. This means that gum is a great heartburn killer; but make sure to steer clear of the peppermint flavours as this can irritate heartburn.
Watch Your Weight
Being overweight can lead to a whole host of unpleasant health problems – and many of these are linked to the digestive system. If you’re suffering with gas and heartburn, losing just a few pounds can go a long way to beating these symptoms.
Try Relaxation Techniques
Your digestive system is connected to your brain. This means that when you’re stressed out, your digestive health is likely to suffer, especially if you already have a pre-existing condition. Find a way to keep yourself relaxed to improve your digestive health – perhaps yoga, meditation or going for a walk will help you to relax.
Beat Constipation with Fluids
Constipation can be very uncomfortable, and for those that regularly suffer with it, it can be exhausting. Make sure that you get plenty of fluids to allow your body to flush itself of waste and alleviate constipation. Drink water and juices but try to avoid fizzy and highly caffeinated drinks which can irritate other digestive problems.
Quit Bad Habits to Ease Heartburn
We all know that smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can be bad for us, but you might not know that these habits can irritate heartburn. Quitting smoking and drinking won’t just improve your overall health, but may also free you from the grips of heartburn.
Cut Down on Salt to Alleviate Bloating
Bloating can be a particularly embarrassing problem for some people as it’s visible to others. One of the key causes of bloating is too much salt as it encourages the body to retain water. Cut down on salt and eat foods that are high in potassium such as bananas, carrots and raisins to ease the symptoms.
Seek Treatment
There is no reason why you should suffer in silence. Many digestive disorders can be treated by a professional, meaning that you can lead a normal life. If you’re suffering with heartburn, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating or any other digestive problem, this could be an indicator of a more serious issue which is why we would suggest you seek treatment.
Here at the London Gastroenterology Centre, we offer a number of tried and tested treatments and diagnostic procedures, from photodynamic therapy to endoscopy in London, that are carried out by our excellent team of professionals. We understand that digestive disorders can be embarrassing, uncomfortable and unpleasant, so don’t suffer alone. If you would like to book an appointment or simply speak with one of our doctors, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today by calling 020 7183 7965 to speak to a member of our friendly and expert team.
