Small everyday habits make a real difference to most digestive complaints.
Eat regular meals and take your time. Large, late, very oily or spicy meals worsen reflux and bloating for many people
Include fibre every day: vegetables, fruit, pulses and whole grains
Drink enough water through the day
Stay active. A 30-minute daily walk helps digestion, weight and mood
Avoid smoking. Limit sugary drinks and heavily processed food
Use painkillers such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or aspirin only when needed. They can irritate the stomach and cause ulcers and bleeding
Wash hands, and use clean, safe drinking water and properly cooked food to reduce stomach infections, typhoid and hepatitis A
Living with acid reflux
Reflux is common and usually manageable. These steps help many people.
Have smaller meals and finish eating 2 to 3 hours before lying down
Raise the head end of your bed with blocks under the bedposts. Extra pillows only bend the neck
Lose weight if you are overweight, as this often reduces symptoms
Note which foods or drinks set off your symptoms, such as very spicy or fatty meals, tea, coffee or fizzy drinks, and reduce those
Stop smoking
See a doctor for difficulty swallowing, weight loss, vomiting, black stools or if symptoms are frequent or not improving
Looking after a fatty liver
Fatty liver is very common and often reversible in its early stages, but it should not be ignored.
If you are overweight, aim to lose 5 to 10% of your body weight gradually. Crash diets are not helpful
Move for at least 150 minutes a week: brisk walking, cycling or swimming. Add muscle-strengthening activity if you can
Eat more vegetables, pulses, whole grains, nuts and fish. Cut down on sugary drinks, sweets, bakery items, fried and processed food
Keep diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol well controlled, and take prescribed medicines regularly
Avoid alcohol
Be wary of “liver detox” products and herbal remedies. Check with a doctor first
Ask about a check for liver scarring (for example blood scores or elastography), and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if you are not immune
Hepatitis B and C: prevention and testing
Both viruses can silently damage the liver for years, which is why testing matters.
Get tested if you have never been screened, have a family member with hepatitis, have had many injections, surgery, dental procedures or blood transfusion, or are pregnant
Hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccination, which is safe and effective for babies, children and adults. Newborns of infected mothers need prompt vaccination
Insist on a new, sealed syringe for every injection, and sterilised instruments for dental work, barbers, piercing and tattoos
Do not share razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers
Hepatitis C can now be cured in the great majority of people with a course of tablets, once the doctor has checked your liver
Hepatitis B is usually controlled rather than cured, and needs regular monitoring. Do not stop treatment without advice
Constipation and irritable bowel syndrome
These common problems often improve with steady routine changes.
Increase fibre slowly over a few weeks to avoid gas and bloating, and drink more fluids as you do
Sit on the toilet at a regular time, ideally after breakfast, and do not strain or delay
Keep a simple food and symptom diary to spot triggers
Exercise, sleep and stress reduction help IBS more than most people expect
Take laxatives only as advised, and review long-term use with your doctor
See a doctor for blood in the stool, weight loss, anaemia, night-time symptoms or new bowel changes in older age
H. pylori: finishing treatment properly
H. pylori treatment works best when every dose is taken exactly as prescribed.
Take all the tablets for the full course, even if you feel better
Tell the doctor about any allergy to antibiotics
Side effects such as a metallic taste, loose stools or nausea are common. Ask before stopping
After treatment, a repeat test (usually at least 4 weeks later) shows whether the infection has cleared
Avoid alcohol while on some antibiotic combinations and follow the pharmacist’s advice
Preparing for endoscopy and colonoscopy
Good preparation makes the test safer and more accurate.
Follow the written fasting and bowel-preparation instructions exactly
Tell the team about all medicines, allergies and medical conditions. Never stop blood thinners or diabetes medicines on your own
Arrange for an adult to accompany you if you will be sedated, and do not drive that day
Bring earlier reports and a list of your medicines
Ask any questions about benefits and risks before you sign consent
Medicines, herbal products and your liver
Many medicines and supplements are processed by the liver, and some can harm it.
Always tell your doctor about every medicine, herbal remedy, bodybuilding product and supplement you take
Do not exceed the stated dose of paracetamol (acetaminophen). If you have liver disease, ask what dose is safe for you
People with cirrhosis should avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers (ibuprofen, diclofenac) unless a doctor agrees
Stop and seek advice if you develop yellow eyes, dark urine, itching or severe tiredness after starting any new product
Fasting and digestive or liver conditions
Many people with stable conditions can fast, but some should not, and medicine timings often need to change.
Speak to your doctor before Ramadan if you have an ulcer, reflux, cirrhosis, hepatitis, diabetes or take regular medicines
Do not stop or skip medicines on your own. Ask how to time them between iftar and suhoor
At iftar, break the fast gently and avoid very fried, oily or sugary meals
Break the fast and seek medical help if you feel unwell, vomit blood, pass black stools or develop severe pain
New: read our patient articles on high SGPT, fatty liver and cirrhosis diets, ascites, jaundice and blood in stool.
