Forgive us for stating the obvious - but if you want to steer clear of indigestion, try to avoid overindulging in the first place. Want specifics? 'Go easy on acidic fruit juices, coffee and, of course, alcohol as these are the most common culprits for triggering symptoms,' says nutritional therapist Dr Sarah Brewer, author of 'Eat Well, Stay Well'. 'In fact, try not to drink with meals at all, as fluids dilute digestive juices. Water or milk are OK if you suffer from reflux, though. Also, try not to eat heavy meals late at night.'
Too late for all that? Don't despair. Try one of these great remedies instead...
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Specifically for short-lived bouts of diarrhoea, these melt-on-the-tongue tablets will take effect within an hour, so they're ideal when you're on the go. The active ingredient is a drug called Loperamide, which works by slowing down movements and reducing the loss of salt and fluids to restore your body's natural balance. Not sure what's causing your diarrhoea? MyRhythm by Imodium is a brand new tool that helps you privately track your digestive health to identify the culprits.
Imodium Instants, £3.45 for six tablets from chemists nationwide, www.imodium.co.uk
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The trick here is to chew one or two tablets during your meal to ensure everything goes down smoothly afterwards. So how does it work? This specially formulated vegan product provides all three of the major enzyme groups to help digest fat, protein and carbohydrate - as well as natural bacteria acidophilus and peppermint to boost digestive efficiency.
Veganicity Digest-ase, £6.75 for 60 tablets from health stores nationwide, www.veganicity.com
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If you're feeling sick as well as suffering from stomach gripes, ginger could ease your woes. Dr Sarah Brewer explains: 'Ginger is mainly used to reduce nausea, but it can also ease indigestion by stimulating stomach contractions and accelerating gastric emptying.' For best results, aim to take one or two tablets daily, and never on an empty stomach. (Yes, we know you can only dream of having an empty stomach right now.)
Healthspan Ginger Extract Capsules, £10.95 for 120 capsules, Healthspan www.healthspan.co.uk
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Right, it's time to stop feeling sorry for yourself and put the kettle on. But leave the PG Tips in the cupboard and reach for a herbal tea instead. Peppermint tea is ideal for aiding digestion after a heavy meal. Alternatively, fennel tea is a refreshing natural 'digestive': it has a light aniseed flavour, and helps soothe and settle unhappy stomachs.
Essential Organic Peppermint Tea, £1.40 for 20 tea bags, Ethically Essential, www.ethicallyessential.coop
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This lovely little remedy contains a mixture of natural plant extracts to help tackle nausea and stomach gripes. Ingredients include calming lemon balm, nutmeg to combat wind and digestive stimulants cinnamon and clove. Simply add 10 to 20 drops to a dash of hot or cold water then gulp it down.
Weleda Digestion Calming Drops, £7.95 for 25ml from health stores and chemists nationwide, www.weleda.co.uk
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Here's another remedy that's best taken with food - or, to put it another way, when you're mid- rather than post-indulgence. The capsules boast five plant oils to maintain the health and motility of the digestive tract: antispasmodic chamomile and cardamom; peppermint and fennel to relax the stomach muscles; and soothing ginger. Take one capsule with each meal to ensure long-term healthy digestion.
Biocare Peppermint Complex, £14.70 for 90 capsules, Biocare, www.biocare.co.uk
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These peppermint-flavoured tablets contain calcium carbonate, an antacid that works by alleviating excess stomach acids. It's effective in the treatment of indigestion, heartburn, acidity and wind - so it's a reliable remedy to have on stand-by in the bathroom cabinet. Suck or chew one or two tablets as required - but don't take more than 16 in 24 hours.
Indigestion Relief Capsules, £2.49 for 48 tablets, Boots, www.boots.com
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Also known by the not-so-catchy full name, deglycyrrhinised liquorice, these chewable tablets help repair the mucus lining of the stomach and can relieve heartburn. The chewing process helps stimulate saliva production, which in turn washes away stomach acid. The dosage? Ideally, you should take one tablet, twice daily, 20 minutes before a meal.
Good 'N Natural DGL Chewable Liquorice, £11.05 for 100 tablets, Holland & Barrett, www.hollandandbarrett.com
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You've used it in beauty products. Now let aloe vera help ease your stomach woes! A known digestive aid, it can specifically be taken to soothe an irritated oesophagus, which occurs when the contents of the stomach flow back the way they've come, causing heartburn. Take 1tbsp one to three times daily, as required.
Aloe Vera Juice, £6.69 for 473ml, Holland & Barrett, www.hollandandbarrett.com
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Brand new on the market, this is another digestive health remedy that's best taken every day to ensure long-term digestive health. So what exactly is it? Developed by expert herbal and Ayurverdic doctors in India, D'Mix contains a blend of eight herbs and seeds that's been specially formulated to aid digestion. It works by promoting healthy chewing habits, improving food absorption and elimination and strengthening the stomach muscles. Shake well and chew ½tsp (25 to 30 times) after every meal.
D'Mix, £19.99 for 90 servings, Conscious Food, www.consciousfood.co.uk
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Posted by 11280Adrienne Wyper
Posted by 11320Carol Muskoron