Self-care advice
Self-care advice
In order to help keep their bowels healthy, customers should:
- Eat a varied diet that includes plenty of dietary fibre
- Keep to a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Be aware that certain medicines, such as codeine, may cause constipation. Changes to medication can be discussed with the pharmacist or a GP if this is an issue
- Drink plenty of water
- Not ignore the urge to go to the toilet
- Wash their hands thoroughly after going to the toilet
- Take precautions to reduce their risk of food poisoning when travelling.
If someone has diarrhoea caused by an infection, they should be advised to stay away from work or school for the duration of symptoms and for two days afterwards. They should also avoid using swimming pools for two weeks after their symptoms clear up.
Pre, pro and synbiotics
Probiotics are considered ‘good’ microorganisms. They are intentionally added to some food products and are also available as dietary supplements. They can help to improve the balance of the gut flora, otherwise known as the gut microbiome.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible food substances that help to increase the numbers and activity of healthy gut microorganisms. These are also available in a variety of formats. Synbiotics contain a mixture of prebiotics and probiotics.
Taking an antibiotic to treat an infection can inadvertently impact the gut microbiome, which can cause diarrhoea – a well-known adverse effect. There is some scientific evidence that taking probiotics can help to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
Signposting
For more information, you can:
- Use your Counter Intelligence Plus training guide
- Read the NHS’s tips for a healthy tummy at: nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/digestive-health/five-lifestyle-tips-for-a-healthy-tummy
- Visit Guts UK: gutscharity.org.uk
- Join the Bladder & Bowel Community: bladderandbowel.org