Need help resetting your digestive system?
When your guts don’t feel right, you don’t feel right. Whether things aren’t moving at all or they’re moving far too much, it’s important to take steps to reset things. Here’s your introduction to gastro and constipation.
Oh no, gastro!
Gastro. A tiny word that brings a lot of dread.
Here’s what to know:
Signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis:
These usually last 1-2 days and include nausea, no appetite, cramping, pain, diarrhoea and vomiting.
Treatment includes:
Rest, rehydration with water and electrolyte-containing fluids. Depending on the cause, your doctor may prescribe medications like antibiotics to kill parasites or the source of infection.
Visit your doctor if:
- The patient is under six months old
- Children cannot keep down fluids, have not urinated for over 6 hours or are lethargic
- Symptoms include fever, severe pain, dehydration or blood in diarrhoea (particularly for adults/older children)
Tips for prevention:
- Frequent handwashing
- Using disposable paper towels while sick
- Disinfecting high-touch areas
- Stay home until 48 hours after symptoms subside
I’m constipated. Help!
Constipation is not fun at all. Hard, dry poo is difficult to move and can come with other unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, gas and abdominal pain.
Did you know that the consistency of our poo is more important to consider than how often we go? Need help resetting your digestion?
Here are 9 tips.
1. Need to go? Don't wait
When we hang on, our poo sits longer in the bowel. In that time, more water is removed from the poo which makes it more difficult to pass later. Plus! Getting into the habit of ignoring the urge means these cues weaken over time.
2. Don’t rush
Use a seated squat, leaning forward slightly with feet apart, a straight back and forearms on the thighs. This helps relax your pelvic floor.
3. Prepare for changes to routine
Shiftwork and travel can upset our internal body clock; while illness and stress can impact our routines too.
4. Some medications can slow movements
Examples include antidepressants, some iron supplements, some blood pressure medications, non-magnesium antacids, codeine and some cancer treatments.
5. Laxatives
Laxatives are for short-term use, as they can interfere with nerve cells and our natural muscle contractions. Ask your Pharmacist about other over-the-counter products, such as bulking agents and stool softeners.
6. Pregnancy
Constipation during pregnancy is thanks to hormones, pressure within the abdomen and reduced activity. Incorporate gentle exercise, drink plenty of water and eat digestion-friendly foods.
7. Go slow on alcohol
Alcohol contributes to dehydration, which in turn can make poo hard and more difficult to pass.
8. Limit processed foods
Similarly, processed foods pass slowly through our intestines, letting more water escape in the process.
9. Eat well
Fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and other fibre-rich foods are key. Remember: reducing food intake does not “clean” your colon.
Whatever the cause, if you are experiencing gastroenteritis or constipation talk to your Pharmacist about solutions to suit you and reset your digestive system.
Sources:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/gastroenteritis
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gastroenteritis
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/constipation
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/constipation-what-not-to-do