5 lifestyle tips for a healthy tummy
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5 lifestyle tips for getting rid of digestive problems. Includes advice on beating stress, eating better, losing weight, stopping smoking and binge drinking.
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nhs.uk
Beat stress to ease tummy troubles

You may have noticed a feeling of unease in your stomach during times of stress. That's because anxiety and worry can upset the delicate balance of digestion.

In some people, stress slows down digestion, causing bloating, pain and constipation, while in others it speeds it up, causing diarrhoea and frequent trips to the loo. Some people lose their appetite completely.

Stress can also worsen digestive conditions like stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.

Managing and reducing stress can help with your digestion.

Get tips on managing stress

Stop smoking to prevent reflux

Smoking can weaken the muscle that controls the lower end of the food pipe and allow acid from the stomach to travel in the wrong direction back up, a process known as reflux.

Reflux causes the symptoms of heartburn, and can bring on or aggravate stomach ulcers and inflammatory conditions of the bowel.

Smoking is also an important risk factor for stomach cancer.

Find out how to stop smoking