Medications for heavy digestion at Christmas

The General Council of Official Colleges of Pharmacists (@Pharmaceutics_) appeals to good use of medications for heavy digestion during this Christmasrespecting the indications and duration of treatment, in order to avoid the appearance of adverse reactions.

Thus, he gives an example omeprazolewhich is usually well tolerated, although its prolonged use (more than a year) or at high doses has been associated with decreased vitamin B12which can cause anemia, magnesiumwhich can cause muscle weakness and cramps, and calciumwhich could lead to osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures.

Pharmacists explain that for swellingabdominal distension, gas, belching or flatulence can be used monotherapy siliconessuch as simethicone, which reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles and facilitates their removal, silicones in associationsuch as dimethicone with pancreatic enzymes that help intestinal digestion, or activated carbonwhich adsorbs gas particles in the intestine.

In the case of constipationpoint out that, in general, Drugs should be used when hygienic-dietary measures do not work. Drugs for constipation are known as laxatives and produce an increase in colonic transit and/or softening of stools.

Regarding the reflux or heartburndepending on the specific symptomatology, there are four groups of drugs for dispensing under pharmaceutical advice: alginates, antacids, H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Lastly, for the cramping pain: “Always under pharmaceutical advice and for short periods of time, the use of butylscopolaminewhich reduces spasms in the gastrointestinal tract and, therefore, pain,” they indicate.

Plan menus

The General Council of Official Colleges of Pharmacists, through its National Food Committee, recommends to the population plan menus this Christmas; serve small portions on each of the plates, and take care of the rest of the meals on non-holiday days, opting for the usual and healthy foods, such as vegetables, fresh fruit and protein from eggs, fish, white meat and legumes.

These are the recommendations that the Council has published with the aim of control excesses and prevent digestive health from suffering this Christmas with the appearance of discomforts such as nausea, gastritis, reflux or constipation. Furthermore, he advises do not skip regular meals and even make a small intake of fresh fruit or a dairywith a satiating effect, before Christmas lunches and dinners.

Experts advise using healthy alternativessuch as low-fat mayonnaise or healthier versions, for example, using boiled egg, water and a small amount of oil. In addition, choosing lighter disheslike baked fish with lemon and herbs instead of meat in sauce.

In this context they are committed to incorporate salad and vegetable garnishes instead of fried foods. As well as, use culinary techniques such as roasting, steaming or grilling. In addition to avoiding excessive toasting due to the harmful compounds that are generated.

They also recommend always have on hand healthy optionssuch as fruits, nuts or vegetable sticks with hummus or guacamole, to snack between meals or as a starter, and use spices to flavor dishes and drinks without having to opt for fats, sugars or salt.