Three clever products to help treat gastrointestinal disorders and stop you feeling bloated
Gastrointestinal disorders account for 25 percent of GP visits, but new research shows acid reflux medication could increase the risk of dementia by up to a third.
The study investigated Drugs They cited proton pump inhibitors and found that people who took them for more than four and a half years had a higher risk of dementia.
3
PPIs can lower vitamin B12 levels, which can affect the brain.
Today Jane Atkinson looks at the healthier alternatives.
Digestive gel
SILICOLGEL is a gel for the treatment of stomach pain, abdominal discomfort, flatulence, reflux, nausea and heartburn.
The new sachets are portable and can be taken without water (but be warned, they are very chalky and dilute much easier).
It is essentially a gel made of silicon and oxygen that coats the stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract with a protective layer that then attracts and binds irritants, toxins and pathogens.
When the stomach empties naturally, these unwanted molecules are passed through the body.
The gel can also bind gases and reduce excess acid, which can help reduce bloating.
Ideal to pack in your bag and take with you on vacation after too much rich food and alcohol.
£10.95 for 12 bags, silicol.co.uk
3
Enzymes
VIRIDIAN High Potency Digestive Aid contains broad-spectrum digestive enzymes that play a key role in breaking down the food you eat.
Your saliva naturally contains digestive enzymes that speed up chemical reactions that convert nutrients into substances your digestive tract can absorb.
Viridian pills also contain betaine hydrochloride, a vitamin-like substance for people with poor stomach acid production – which decreases with age – as well as peppermint and ginger to aid digestion.
I love that Viridian doesn’t use any fillers or preservatives.
These are a little smelly, but if you take a tablet three times a day, 30 minutes before eating, the ingredients are activated in your stomach.
These are great. I found they really helped relieve bloating.
90 capsules, £21.25, viridian-nutrition.com
3
Artichoke extract
ARTICHOKE leaves are believed to protect the liver from damage and promote the growth of new tissue. It also increases bile secretion to aid in the digestion of dietary fats.
It also contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that stimulates the growth of “friendly” probiotic bacteria in the gut.
A study found that taking artichokes three times a day with meals can relieve symptoms of gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation.
This is what the process found out Advantages were noticed by 84 percent of participants within ten days.
It also promotes the production of “good” HDL cholesterol while lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Healthspan Artichoke contains 360 mg artichoke extract and 7.2 mg active ingredient cynarin.
120 tablets £11.45, Healthspan.co.uk