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Digestive Health
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Support Your Gut, Support Your Well-being
Your digestive health plays a powerful role in how you feel every day. When your gut’s in good shape, you feel energised and balanced. But when it’s off, you may face discomforts that impact everything from focus to mood.
Our gut and emotions are closely connected – stress and anxiety can often show up as physical issues like stomach aches, bloating, or indigestion. In fact, around 40% of people experience at least one digestive issue, such as indigestion, at any given time. Prioritising your gut health can be a game-changer for both body and mind.
At Holland & Barrett, we’re here to support your gut health with an extensive range of products, including Live Friendly Bacteria, known for helping maintain a healthy, balanced digestive system. From daily supplements like Digestive Health Supplements to specialised solutions such as Psyllium Husks Fibre, our products are crafted to help relieve discomfort, promote gut flora balance, and support overall wellness.
Whether you’re looking to ease digestive issues with Oil of Peppermint or simply boost your everyday health with Bio Balance Gummies, you’ll find everything you need to keep your gut – and your entire well-being – in harmony.
FAQs
What is the function of the digestive system?
The human digestive system processes the food we eat and breaks down proteins into amino acids, fats into fatty acids, and carbohydrates into simple sugars. It also absorbs minerals, vitamins and other essential nutrients.
The whole process requires the cooperation of several organs which form a complex network to break down food into various compounds and then pass out what’s not needed as excreta. The process of digestion takes 6 hours on average but can take up to one day for heavier meals.
Our emotions are closely linked to the digestive system. It actually has over 100,000 nerve cells, which is why we may feel butterflies or suffer stomach issues when we feel stressed or nervous.
What do the organs in the digestive system do?
The mouth: Your teeth break down food into small pieces, while the sight and aromas of tasty food kicks the saliva glands into action. Saliva continues to break down food with the help of the enzyme amylase, which starts the process of turning carbohydrates into sugars.
However, if you talk while you eat or rush your meal, you can end up swallowing air, which can lead to bloating, flatulence or burping.
The oesophagus: When swallowed, food travels down the oesophagus to your stomach by automatic waves or contractions, also known as peristalsis.
The stomach: As food travels down the oesophagus, a signal is sent to the valve at the top of your stomach to open. When food reaches the stomach, gastric juices that contain stomach acid and enzymes that break down proteins transform it into a liquid called chyme. Chyme is then moved into your small intestine by peristalsis.
The small intestine: Also known as the duodenum or small bowel, the small intestine is where most nutrients are absorbed into your bloodstream. This process is carried out by minute, finger-like structures called villi, which line the small intestine walls.
The liver, gallbladder and pancreas: Bile is made in the liver, stored in your gallbladder and released into your small intestine so it can break down fats. At the same time, your pancreas creates enzymes that help the digestive system to break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates into small particles that can be absorbed into your bloodstream.
What does indigestion feel like?
One of the most common symptoms of indigestion is heartburn: chest pain from indigestion which creates an unpleasant burning sensation. This is caused by stomach acid travelling back up into your oesophagus. Smoking, stress, obesity and some medicines and foods can make heartburn more likely.
How to relieve indigestion?
There are a few simple things that you can do to help relieve the symptoms of indigestion. One is making sure you keep well hydrated and another is making sure you fit some physical activity into your daily routine – exercise in general helps to increase friendly gut bacteria.
