Digestive Care

Digestive Care covers treatments for indigestion, heartburn, constipation, bloating, diarrhoea and general digestive discomfort — antacids, fibre supplements, probiotics and rehydration salts.

Oral Rehydration First

For diarrhoea, the single most important product in this category is the cheapest: oral rehydration salts. Dehydration is what makes diarrhoea dangerous, particularly in children and older people, and ORS is one of the most effective public health measures ever devised.

• Mix exactly as the sachet says. Too concentrated makes dehydration worse.

• Small sips, frequently, rather than a large glass at once.

• Keep giving fluids even if vomiting — small amounts often.

• Do not use anti-diarrhoeal medicines for a child, or for anyone with a fever or blood in the stool. Slowing the bowel keeps the infection in.

Heartburn and Indigestion

• Antacids neutralise acid immediately and are for occasional relief. Acid reducers work more slowly and last longer.

• Smaller meals, eaten more slowly, and not lying down within three hours of eating do more than most medication.

• Raise the head of the bed rather than piling up pillows, which bends you in the middle and makes reflux worse.

• Common triggers: spicy and fatty food, large late meals, caffeine, carbonated drinks, smoking and being overweight.

• Antacids interfere with other medicines. Leave two hours between an antacid and anything else you take.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor for difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, persistent vomiting, vomiting blood, black tarry stools, blood in the stool, severe or persistent abdominal pain, or heartburn needing treatment most days for more than a few weeks. Any of those needs diagnosis rather than another packet.

Dehydration signs needing urgent care: very little urine, sunken eyes, extreme drowsiness, or in a baby a sunken soft spot and no tears.

Storing It Properly

Bangladesh’s heat and humidity are harder on most products than anything else they will meet.

• Cool, dry and out of direct sunlight — not a sunny windowsill, and not the hottest corner of the bathroom.

• Keep the cap closed properly. Air and moisture do more damage over months than anything else.

• Do not decant into an unmarked container. Once the pack is gone, so are the batch number, the expiry date and the instructions.

• Keep it out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do probiotics work?

The evidence is reasonable for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and some cases of irritable bowel. It is much weaker for general “gut health”. Strains differ, so the specific product matters more than the word probiotic.

Can I take antacids every day?

Occasional use is fine. Needing them most days for weeks is a reason to see a doctor rather than to buy a bigger pack — persistent reflux can damage the oesophagus.

What should I eat during diarrhoea?

Fluids first and food as you can manage it — plain rice, bananas, toast, khichuri. Avoid very fatty or spicy food and caffeine until it settles.

How do I know the product is genuine?

Check the seal, the batch number and the expiry printed on the pack itself rather than on a sticker over it. Everything we sell is sourced to arrive sealed and within date, and if what you receive does not match the listing we will put it right.

How much shelf life will it have?

We stock to arrive well within date and do not knowingly ship anything close to expiry. If you need a specific minimum for a particular order, ask before placing it and we will check the batch.