An NHS doctor has recommended a simple 6p sweet to help alleviate constipation and reduce bloating. Constipation can be an uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition, leading to infrequent bowel movements, straining on the toilet, and feelings of bloating and nausea over time.
It can stem from various factors including diet, lack of exercise, certain medications, and insufficient fluid intake. While addressing these underlying issues is important, sometimes an additional boost is needed to get things moving.
In this context, an expert has suggested a common sweet that could expedite the process.
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Dr Karan Rajan, who has gained popularity as Dr Raj online, suggested that chewing gum could be beneficial for treating constipation. Reacting to another content creator’s video about how confectionery helped her with post-C-section bowel movements, he elaborated further.
Addressing his over five million followers on TikTok, he commented: “If you’ve had any abdominal or gynaecological surgery, or you’re just disgustingly constipated, then chewing gum could help you in your quest to churn out fresh colon sausage. Sometimes after surgery or if you’ve been in hospital for a really long time your intestines go on strike, leaving you bloated and constipated.”, reports the Mirror.
Dr Raj has highlighted a simple trick that could get your digestive system back on track: chewing gum. “This is known as a paralytic ileus. The reason chewing gum can get your gut back on track is because the chewing gum tricks your body into thinking it’s eating,” he explained.
“It triggers the gastrocolic reflex where a bunch of gut hormones are released and the vagus nerve is stimulated. This results in more stomach and intestinal contractions and more movements.”
He also pointed out the added benefits of opting for sugar-free gum, saying, “For an even better outcome try sugar-free gum.”
Dr Raj elaborated: “This usually contains a common artificial sweetener like sorbitol, which works as an osmotic laxative. It draws water into the large intestine and increases gut motility.”
Bargain hunters can pick up sugar-free gum at Tesco, where a pack of 50 pieces is priced at £3, making it just 6p per piece.
Additionally, Dr Raj suggests trying black coffee. “Not only does the combination of polyphenols, fibre, and caffeine have a prokinetic effect and shorten intestinal transit time, just the smell of a strong brew activates that cephalo vagal reflex. This glitch means just the sight or smell of food causes the release of digestive juices and hormones.”
For those seeking health advice and wanting to stay informed about symptoms to watch out for, signing up for the free health newsletter from the Mirror is recommended.
The NHS advises consulting your GP if you experience certain symptoms, cautioning: “Speak to the GP before you stop taking any prescribed medicine.”