Benefits of food supplements for treating difficult digestion

Although no one is completely immune to these unpleasant symptoms, it is noted that nearly 40% of adults over the age of 50 experience episodes of digestive discomfort each year.

Problems can appear chronically or occasionally (who has never succumbed to a second slice of the pie ... or more?), But the same observation is often necessary: over time, we digest less quickly and less well.

The feeling of discomfort after meals is the lot of many French people. Often benign, these disorders can be treated by modifying their lifestyle. And his plate.

How digestion works

Good digestion can happen on its own when our digestive tract is functioning normally or when the meal is very light. But it often happens that difficult digestion takes over. So for the good balance of our body, we opt for tablets adapted to our lifestyle, our expectations and the needs of our body.

To relieve the daily discomfort of the digestive system and for a good intestinal transit , we trust food supplements. Indeed, some people need a boost to help the liver, help the microbiota, help the pancreas or even help the large intestine. The supplement relieves, provided it meets the gastrointestinal needs of the body.

The intestines are complex. They may not tolerate dairy products, raw vegetables, foods high in fat, carbonated drinks and thus cause stomach pain immediately. To avoid colic or each abdominal pain, physical activity, coupled with a balanced diet, is essential.

What are the symptoms of difficult digestion

Functional intestinal disorders or TFI, irritable bowel syndrome, digestive disorders, spasmodic colitis: these many names actually constitute the same health phenomenon: functional digestive disorders, which affect more than 60% of the French population. These common phenomena are located in our intestines and result in the occasional or recurrent appearance of multiple symptoms which vary in intensity according to each one.

The most common symptoms of difficult digestion are a feeling of heaviness, a feeling of fullness after eating little, bloating , belching, heartburn , nausea, stomach pain and sometimes headaches.

If the digestion problems occurred at the same time as taking a new treatment, or if the measures taken to improve digestion remain ineffective beyond 48 hours, it is better to consult your doctor.

When the symptoms of difficult digestion last more than 6 months, including 3 consecutive months of uninterrupted symptoms, it is called functional dyspepsia.

Serious causes of digestive disorders

Digestive disorders are sometimes a sign of serious digestive illnesses. Among these serious causes are:

inflammation of the esophagus and stomach (gastroesophageal reflux disease, duodenal ulcer, gastritis);
gastrointestinal or pancreatic disease;
bile duct stones;
a gastrointestinal, liver, or bile duct tumor.

When digestion problems are accompanied by black stools, profuse vomiting, fever or weight loss, medical consultation is required.

How to choose your food supplement for difficult digestion

In the form of ampoules, capsules, sachets, tablets, chewing gum or a bottle, the supplement should be taken as a cure. For people prone to digestive discomfort, you can combine your cures with herbal medicine, vegetable oils, herbal teas or essential oils.

Food supplements intended to relieve digestive disorders may contain:

enzymes, papain or bromelain, for example;
plants known to calm nausea, such as turmeric, ginger or fenugreek;
substances and plants believed to stimulate the secretion of bile, such as betaine, artichoke or black radish;
ingredients supposed to protect the lining of the stomach like algae, or supposed to enrich the intestinal flora like probiotics.

Precaution for use with the food supplement for difficult digestion

Read the instructions carefully before using food supplements to facilitate digestion

Papain is not recommended for pregnant women because it could cause contractions. Bromelain could interact with blood thinning drugs and certain antibiotics such as amoxicillin and cyclins. It is best not to take betaine if there is a burn or stomach ulcer , at the risk of these symptoms getting worse. Finally, excessive consumption of seaweed can cause iodine overload and lead to thyroid problems.

Some plants present the risk of interacting with several families of drugs; this is the case with peppermint, dandelion, milk thistle or fennel. Medical advice is required before use. Since ginger and boldo have possible interactions with blood thinning drugs and plants with anticoagulant properties such as ginkgo or sweet clover, medical advice is required.

Caution with medication: Some medications can make dyspepsia worse. This is particularly the case with aspirin and all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They irritate the digestive wall and can therefore increase symptoms. In the event of pain (osteoarthritis, headache, etc.), prefer paracetamol.

Taking Medication : Many medications taken by adults of a certain age have a tendency to cause digestive problems. For example, if you take narcotics to relieve post-surgical pain, drugs to lower blood pressure, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat arthritis, you are at high risk of developing constipation or even ulcers. . In fact, narcotics can have a direct effect on how quickly and efficiently the gut breaks down food, and reduce the number of contractions.

If you're having trouble figuring out what's causing the daily acidity or spasms, consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional.