The digestive system
How digestion works1
Each part of the digestive system plays a role in breaking down food and liquid into smaller parts and moving it through the GI tract. Nutrients are broken down into smaller parts that the body can absorb into the bloodstream and use throughout the body for energy, growth and cell repair.
Food and liquid move through the GI tract by a process called peristalsis. The hollow organs of the GI tract contain a layer of muscle that enables their walls to contract; this movement pushes food and liquid through the GI tract and mixes the contents within each organ. Digestive juices such as stomach acid, bile and enzymes also help to break food into smaller parts.
Digestion problems
As the digestive system is complex, a wide range of problems can occur if it isn’t functioning properly. Some people may be unsure of the difference between minor digestive problems that they can self-manage and more severe symptoms that they should seek medical advice for.2
Common digestion problems you may come across in the pharmacy include:3
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Changes in bowel habit such as constipation or diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Bloating
- Flatulence.
Many digestive problems can be associated with lifestyle, diet or everyday stressors. They can often be managed or prevented by customers making some lifestyle changes.
The table below outlines the symptoms of some common digestive conditions, and OTC products that may be appropriate for them.
Condition |
Symptoms |
OTC products |
|---|---|---|
| Constipation | Not passing stools as often as usual, having to strain when going to the toilet or hard/lumpy stools |
|
| Diarrhoea | An increase in bowel movement with loose or watery stools |
|
| Heartburn | A burning sensation usually felt in the throat or chest. Sometimes referred to as acid reflux |
|
| Indigestion | Usually felt lower down the GI tract than heartburn. Can cause stomach pain, bloating, nausea or flatulence |
|
| Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | Causes abdominal pain, diarrhoea and constipation. A customer should be diagnosed with IBS by their GP before using an OTC product |
|
When to refer customers
Customers should be advised to seek medical advice if they have:3
- A sudden, persistent change in their bowel habits
- Any bleeding from their bottom
- Worsening heartburn, indigestion or abdominal pain
- Lost weight unintentionally
- Difficulty swallowing
- Been using OTC products for two weeks with no improvement.
These symptoms could be a sign of a more serious digestive condition.
Supporting a healthy digestive system4,5
Eating a healthy and varied diet is important to obtain all the nutrients the body needs. Read the following to find out various ways customers can support their digestive system.
Fibre helps to keep the digestive system healthy, supports a healthy gut microbiota (the friendly bacteria that live in the large intestine) and helps to prevent constipation. Fibre bulks up stools, makes them softer and easier to pass, and helps the waste products from digestion move through the GI tract more quickly. Fibre can be obtained from various sources such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, brown rice and pulses. It is recommended that adults aim to eat 30g of fibre a day.
Fluid, particularly water, is important for digestion as it helps keep food moving through the intestines and helps to soften stools. Adults should aim to drink around two litres of fluid each day. Not drinking enough fluid can cause constipation. If there is not enough water in the body, the large intestine absorbs water from the food waste; this can make stools hard and difficult to pass.
Drinks containing caffeine can increase acid in the stomach, which may cause heartburn in some people. Fizzy drinks can cause bloating, which can also cause heartburn. You could advise your customers to choose non-fizzy drinks and caffiene-free drinks, such as water, milk, decaffeinated coffee or herbal teas.
Fatty foods tend to slow down the digestion process and can cause constipation. Some people may also find that eating fatty foods can cause heartburn or abdominal pain.
Some customers may find that certain foods trigger digestive symptoms. Some may find that acidic foods such as tomatoes, citrus fruits and fizzy drinks can cause heartburn; others find that wheat may trigger irritable bowel syndrome. If a customer has a lactose intolerance, they may develop flatulence or diarrhoea after drinking milk or eating dairy products. Keeping a food diary can help identify which foods may be causing their symptoms.
Customers should be able to obtain the nutrients they need from a healthy balanced diet. Some people may choose to take supplements containing live bacteria and yeasts that are found naturally in the digestive system; these are thought to help restore the natural balance of bacteria within the body. They are usually added to yoghurts or taken as food supplements and are often described as ‘good’ or ‘friendly’ bacteria.6