What does the digestive system do and how does it work?
The function of the digestive system is to turn food into essential nutrients for your body. A group of organs work together to do this. Understanding how the digestive system works could help you to spot potential problems early.
Here’s the typical process:
When your digestive system is in its normal rhythm, food and fluid pass regularly from the stomach into the small intestine.
Food is then broken down and nutrients are absorbed, along with most of the fluid.
The remaining waste and some water pass into the colon (large intestine), where more water is absorbed.
Finally, any waste is passed in the form of stools.
How do you get diarrhoea and what happens?
Diarrhoea can be a sign of digestive disruption. When your digestive system becomes irritated, the normally steady and regular movement of the gut can become overactive.
The result is that salts and fluid are moved through too quickly and less is absorbed by the body. The outcome? Loose or watery stools, otherwise known as diarrhoea .
Stomach bugs and food poisoning are common causes of diarrhoea. And it may take five to seven days for your diarrhoea to stop.
Learn more about diarrhoea causes
How does IMODIUM® help to stop diarrhoea?
IMODIUM® is a treatment for diarrhoea that you can find in many shops and pharmacies.
When you treat your diarrhoea with IMODIUM®, it works with your body by gently slowing down your digestion to alleviate your discomfort.
How does IMODIUM® work in the body?
IMODIUM® comes as a capsule or tablet. Here’s how IMODIUM® works after you take it:
IMODIUM® contains loperamide , an ingredient that helps to gently slow the digestive system into a natural rhythm.
Your body can then absorb more fluids, with less fluid in the intestines.
This can then lead to a normal stool consistency.
IMODIUM® Dual Action is also available. This contains the additional ingredient simethicone , which helps to alleviate other symptoms that can accompany diarrhoea, such as cramps , bloating , and wind.
How long does IMODIUM® take to work?
IMODIUM® 'can relieve diarrhoea within an hour based on treatment with 2 initial tablets, helping to restore the rhythm of your digestive system.
History of IMODIUM®
IMODIUM® was developed by Dr Paul Janssen and launched in 1973. He came up with the values that IMODIUM® is known to stand for today.
Dr Janssen wanted to:
Deliver effective relief to people suffering from diarrhoea.
Ease the disruption it can cause to people’s lives.
And we’ve now been doing just that for over 40 years globally.
