5bofe thset of the best GUT PRODUCTS
Gut problems can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. Here, Dr Simon Smale, a consultant gastroenterologist at York teaching Hospital NHS Foundation trust, selects five of the best remedies.
FOR CONSTIPATION
Movicol Plain Powder sachets, £14 for 30 sachets, chemistdirect.co.uk THIS would be my first-line approach for constipation, as it has macrogol, which is an osmotic laxative — it works by causing water to be retained in the bowel for longer, allowing it to hydrate the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. It takes a day or two to take effect (if it makes no difference after three days, you should see your GP).
FOR EXCESS WIND
Alflorex PrecisionBiotics, £24.99 for 30 capsules, boots.com WE HAVE trillions of bacteria in our large bowel. When these are exposed to certain sugars, they ferment and produce gases. Alflorex is a good starting point for flatulence, as there is evidence it reduces sensitivity in the bowel, making us feel less windy.
FOR DIARRHOEA
Imodium Instants, £3.59 for six tablets, superdrug.com DIARRHOEA is often the result of a bowel infection caused by a virus or bacteria, when the regular movement, secretion and absorption of fluid in the intestines is disrupted and we have watery stools. These fast-dissolving tablets contain loperamide, which slows gut contractions and allows more fluid to be absorbed in the colon, thus making stools more normal. If diarrhoea lasts for more than seven days or blood is passed, see your GP.
FOR BLOATING
Buscopan Cramps, £4.89 for 20 tablets, boots.com BLOATING may be caused by excess gas or an oversensitivity to normal amounts of wind. Buscopan contains hyoscine butylbromide — an anti-spasmodic drug that relaxes the muscle in the bowel wall, to reduce bloating and cramps. It can cause the heart to beat faster, so people with palpitations should avoid it.
FOR CHILDREN & BABIES
OptiBac Live Cultures, £6.99 for ten sachets, optibac probiotics.co.uk THIS product specifically for babies and children says it contains three billion high-quality live ‘good’ bacteria in each sachet, which could boost the gut bacteria that contribute to a healthy immune system. It also contains fructooligosaccharides, which encourage the growth of a diverse range of bacteria, to help with digestion.