Nausea, acid reflux, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, constipation... We’ve all experienced these indigestion-related problems at one time or another. Here are a few tips to help you prevent and treat these digestive issues on a daily basis.

What are the most common symptoms of digestive troubles?

A few of the most common symptoms of digestive troubles include:

• Stomach aches;
• Cramping;
• Acid reflux and heartburn;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Bloating and flatulence;
• Diarrhea (including traveller's diarrhea);
• Constipation.

Symptoms like these can occur when you change your eating habits. However, whether they’re caused by eating habits, an infection or an illness, digestive problems are never fun, so you'll probably want relief as quickly as possible. And while they can happen at any time of the year, your digestive system can be under greater stress during certain periods, like the holiday season.

Intestinal diseases: a frequent cause of digestive troubles.

The intestine is the part of your digestive system, which, as the name suggests, digests food and absorbs nutrients. It’s made up of two parts: the small intestine and the large intestine (or colon), and it’s home to a multitude of micro-organisms that make up your intestinal flora, which are essential to keeping your digestive system functioning properly.

Thousands of Canadians live with intestinal diseases. As a result, their daily lives are often complicated by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation. Among the best-known and most widespread of these conditions are Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Pregnancy might also be an issue

To be sure, pregnancy is a source of immense joy and wonder, but it can also cause certain minor health problems, like digestive issues. Examples include morning sickness, which is sometimes accompanied by vomiting, acid reflux, heartburn and constipation.

Most of these issues are caused by hormonal changes and the numerous changes your body undergoes when preparing to welcome a baby. Feel free to ask your pharmacist for advice on minimizing these issues during pregnancy.

Digestion: a complex process

Acute or chronic digestive troubles can be caused by a wide variety of factors and diseases. Speak to your pharmacist for sound advice on how to prevent or treat digestive troubles, and for recommendations on over-the-counter medicines. If warranted, your pharmacist will refer you to your doctor.

Digestion is a complex process that ensures the proper absorption of nutrients from our food. It involves several organs throughout your body, including your esophagus, stomach, intestine, pancreas, gallbladder and liver. When your digestion is compromised, the entire balance of your body can be affected, and that, in turn, can have an impact on your overall sense of well-being.

Your affiliated pharmacists are specially trained to help people with occasional mild digestive problems. Feel free to speak to your pharmacist for the steps (medicinal or other) you can take to prevent or relieve your symptoms.

How to treat digestive troubles?

If you think you might be indulging in foods that could overwork your digestive system this holiday season, consider asking your pharmacist for advice. During the holidays, and throughout the year, try to eat healthier, more nutritious foods in reasonable amounts. Get as much physical activity as you can, and if you do experience digestive troubles, your pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter remedies like:

• antacids to relieve upset stomach and acid reflux;
• an anti-nauseant to relieve nausea or vomiting;
• the right anti-diarrheal to relieve diarrhea;
• an anti-flatulent to reduce gas and bloating;
• a mild laxative for constipation;
• rehydration salts in case you’ve become dehydrated.

What should you eat when you have a digestive trouble?

Choose simple meals with foods that are easy to digest and are gentle on your stomach. Examples include white rice, boiled potatoes, ripe bananas and toast. Clear broths and fruit compotes with no added sugar can also help facilitate your digestion.

If you’re having digestive issues, avoid alcohol or soft drinks, as well as very fatty, spicy, sweet or acidic foods. And ensure you stay hydrated, drinking water or herbal teas to help relieve discomfort and avoid poor digestion.

Good habits for avoiding digestive troubles

Here are a few good habits to adopt to help keep your digestive system healthy throughout the year, and especially during the holiday season, when large meals are common:

• Drink plenty of water and reduce your intake of carbonated, alcoholic or very sweet drinks, as well as citrus juices, tomato juice, coffee and tea, all of which can irritate your digestive system;
• Eat slowly and listen for bodily signs that your stomach is full; if your body tells you that it's no longer hungry, stop eating;
• Serve yourself smaller portions;
• Avoid lying down after you eat as it slows down the digestion process;
• Eat fatty, spicy or sweet foods in moderation;
• Add more fibre to your plate (salad, raw vegetables, fruit, etc.) to aid the intestinal flow;
• Develop healthy techniques for managing stress and anxiety, which can cause or aggravate digestive issues;
• Stay as physically active as you can, all year round, including during the holiday season.