DIGESTIVE problems are one of the most common reasons people seek a pharmacist’s advice. From minor bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea and constipation that perhaps can be alleviated with over-the-counter medications, to persistent or chronic digestive conditions such as lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome, these are essentially killjoys. With few exceptions, the scourge of most digestive illness is directly related to the diet and lifestyle decisions we make on a daily basis.
An efficient digestive system is vital to overall health. Without proper digestion, vitamins, minerals, essential fats, carbohydrates and proteins cannot be absorbed for growth, repair and renewal of cells by the body. As there are more nerve endings located in our digestive system than in our spine, this explains why our emotions such as stress, fear, anxiety, disappointment and excitement influence our digestive health.