The trouble often starts with an upset stomach. One wakes up one morning and has to deal with repeated trips to the toilet throughout the day. When family members or friends find out, they freely offer “advice” that can range from the benign (“eat a banana”) to the extreme (“take this antibiotic, it worked for me”).
The latter is a dangerous if conducted unsupervised because antibiotics that might have worked for some might not deliver the same results for all. This is because gut microbiomes are not identical. While antibiotics work by killing bacteria making them effective for treating illnesses, they do not distinguish between the good and bad gut bacteria.
If upset stomach continues beyond one or two days, it’s best to consult with à licensed doctor or dietitian who can prescribe a mode of treatment should they deem it necessary.
Keep it healthy
The human microbiome consists of trillions of living microbes that thrive and help regulate the digestive system. These microbes function at their best when long‑established health habits are followed: eating vegetables, especially green and leafy ones; limiting sugar intake, particularly fast‑digesting sugars or monosaccharides; consuming less red meat, as livestock are often raised with antibiotics; engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate to strenuous exercise daily; and getting sufficient restorative sleep, ideally seven to eight hours each night.
Medical professionals have since identified other ways to maintain or improve gut health. One can start by introducing fermented food like unsweetened Greek yogurt, pickles, kimchi and kefir.
Recognizing the need to help more Filipinos better understand digestive health, Watsons recently launched its Build Better Gut Health campaign by bringing together trusted products, pharmacist guidance, expert education and accessible healthcare services.
The health and wellness chain carries a range of products that can help support one’s microbiome. Aside from eating fermented food, one can introduce probiotic supplements that contain live bacteria, the good ones. Consultation with a doctor or registered dietitian is recommended to determine which strains or cultures are most appropriate for individual needs.
Building microbial defenses
A word of caution: many probiotic products claim to contain live cultures but do not so some some research is needed before stocking up. Prebiotics also benefit the microbiome. These can be found in whole grains, nuts, lentils, beans, apples, bananas and root vegetables.
“At Watsons, we want to empower Filipinos to take charge of their well-being before everyday concerns become bigger problems,” said Danilo Chiong, Managing Director of Watsons Philippines.
He said that the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to making trusted healthcare advice and a wide range of quality products more accessible.
“This is so that customers can make informed decisions that support their long-term wellness. We believe that better outcomes start with better understanding, and we’re here to guide our customers every step of the way,” Chiong added.
The campaign launch brought together healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, brand partners, media, influencers and Watsons Club Members to encourage a more holistic approach to digestive wellness.
Guests explored product displays where they spotted solutions for common digestive concerns, consulted Watsons pharmacists and participating brand specialists, and availed themselves of free liver screening.
Watsons’ Build Better Gut Health campaign will be rolled out to participating stores nationwide through in-store activations, educational initiatives, expert consultations and health services.
The event also featured some of the country’s leading health and wellness brands, each emphasizing that caring for the gut requires more than treating occasional symptoms. Flotera, Pure Form, Opella, and Watsons Generics introduced solutions for different digestive care needs while educating customers on choosing the right products for their concerns.
