Heartburn and indigestion

Digestive problems such as heartburn, indigestion, and flatulence are very common. These can usually be cured by making lifestyle changes and with over-the-counter medicines.

Self-care tips:

Your pharmacist may recommend taking antacid medications to neutralize the acid in the stomach or alginates to protect the esophagus from acid. Weight loss – Being overweight can also cause heartburn. Avoid smoking or alcohol or consume in limited quantities. Have food at least three hours before sleeping at night. Elevate your bed a few inches towards your head, raising your head using a pillow is not very effective. Make a list of foods and drinks that cause severe indigestion. Then avoid consuming them.  If abdominal pain and bloating persist, see a doctor

Constipation

If you are constipated (trouble to have a bowel movement), changing your diet can help relieve this problem.

Self-care tips:

If constipation is causing you pain, take a pain reliever like Paracetamol.

Include more fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, wholemeal pasta, wholemeal bread, seeds, walnuts, and oats in your diet. You can take any of these things for up to four weeks. They are effective in relieving constipation.

If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and become constipated, you should consume more soluble fiber. Oats, barley, bananas, apples, carrots, potatoes, and flaxseeds are sources of soluble fiber.

Drink plenty of water - read about water, beverages, and your health.

Regular exercise reduces the risk of constipation. If dietary and lifestyle changes do not help, use a laxative that is available over-the-counter at a medical store. Consult your pharmacist and read the directions on the packet carefully.

See your doctor if over-the-counter laxatives do not help

Acne

Acne usually comes out most on the face. But they can also appear on the back, shoulders, and hips.

Self-care tips:

Do not press or break the pimple as this can leave scars.

Buy a mild face wash from the pharmacy and wash your face with lukewarm water. Do not use face wash more than twice a day to avoid excessive scrubbing of the face.

Always use oil-free or water-based makeup. Choose a product that is non-comedogenic (does not remove blackheads or whiteheads) or non-acnegenic.

There is no evidence that eating fried foods or chocolate increases acne.

There is no evidence that sunlight helps cure acne.

Mild acne can be cured by using a gel or cream such as benzoyl peroxide. Consult your pharmacist about this.

If over-the-counter treatment does not provide relief, contact your doctor for treatment.