The human gut is super important. It's the largest endocrine organ and a key part of our digestive system, affecting our brain, heart, liver, and immune health. As we dive into a new financial year with plans to travel, achieve career or business success, and make the most of the year, it's crucial to take care of our gut health. So, how do we do that in our fast-paced lives?

Traveling can upset our gut balance. Changes in schedule, unfamiliar food or water, and limited options for managing digestive issues can make us uncomfortable and impact our overall health.

A superpower that resides within us

Why is gut health so important? 

Our gut is connected to our overall health in more ways than one. A clean and healthy gut microbiome — the ecosystem of microorganisms in our intestines — is associated with a stronger immune system, better sleep and improved mental and physical wellbeing.

The gut and digestive environment is also linked to cardiovascular health — the compounds produced when the bacteria in our digestive tract break down food, help to regulate blood pressure, control blood sugar and body weight, and reduce inflammation.

Constipation (difficulty in clearing the gut), a common complaint among people in India, can be aggravated during the holidays or travel. Acidity, too, is a common digestive issue, especially among older adults and seniors. Irregular meal times, fatty or fried food, and large meals can trigger acid reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — a condition in which acid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus, inflaming it and causing a burning sensation, stomach pain, heartburn or chest pain.  A hectic schedule could cause these symptoms to worsen.

‘Eating right is a good place to start’.

Our grandmoms were onto something! Staying hydrated and eating a fiber-rich diet can help prevent constipation. Dietary fiber, found in fruits, vegetables, beans, and oats, helps clean out our digestive system by collecting and eliminating waste. It also helps our body absorb nutrients better. When you're on the move, it's best to stick to a fiber-rich diet and avoid high-fat foods like oil, butter, and cheese.

A quick fix to regain balance

Acid reflux remains the most commonly faced condition, especially with travel, long commutes, or schedule disruptions. We all know that it’s not always possible to maintain a proper schedule; a spicy meal, meal disruptions with late-night flights, an extra-large coffee to accompany an early morning meeting — we’ve been there and are familiar with the discomfort that may follow.

Antacids neutralize excess acidity in the stomach, curb irritation and help to quickly alleviate acidity, gas, heartburn, bloating, gastrointestinal pain and uneasiness.

Sometimes, it's just not practical to take medicine, whether it's a powder or a bottle, especially when you're traveling or commuting. You might not have water handy, or you might feel awkward about it.

That's where a fast-acting antacid comes in. It's a quick and effective way to calm your gut and bring relief.

Advanced antacid formulations are gel-based, compactly packed and easy to carry — they can be consumed directly from the packet, without requiring to be mixed with water. The latest antacids in varied flavours make them a convenient and palatable alternative, with the guidance of a physician.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.