Digestion: Simple fixes, common causes, and what your meds might be doing

Did you know your stomach troubles might come from a pill you take every day? Digestive symptoms—bloating, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation—often have simple causes: food, stress, or medicine. This page gives clear, usable steps to feel better and points you to helpful articles on Secure-Tab's Pharma Store.

Quick, practical fixes you can try today

Start with the basics: eat slowly, chew well, and avoid big meals late at night. Add fiber gradually (oats, beans, fruit), and drink water throughout the day. If you bloat, cut down on carbonated drinks, chewing gum, and large portions of beans or cruciferous veggies until you see what triggers you. For heartburn, try smaller meals, avoid spicy or fatty foods, and don't lie flat for two hours after eating.

If constipation is the issue, increase water, move more, and include fiber like prunes or psyllium. For occasional diarrhea, stay hydrated with an electrolyte drink and stick to bland foods for a day. Over-the-counter remedies can help short-term, but watch for repeating problems—those need a doctor.

How medicines affect digestion (and what to watch for)

Many common drugs upset the gut. Antibiotics can cause diarrhea by changing gut bacteria—sometimes you can prevent this with probiotics taken at the right time. Painkillers and some blood thinners can irritate the stomach lining and raise bleeding risk. If you take warfarin or Coumadin, be careful: changes in diet or gut issues can affect how the drug works. Read our piece "Coumadin: What You Must Know About Warfarin and Safe Blood Thinning" for more on food interactions and bleeding signs.

If you’ve been told to avoid sulfa drugs, or you need antibiotic choices that won’t cause certain side effects, see "Best Non-Sulfonamide Antibiotic Alternatives to Bactrim for Infections in 2025"—it lays out alternatives and when they make sense. And if you’re switching or trying a new drug for chronic conditions, check interactions with your stomach-friendly strategies before you start.

Don’t self-treat a long-standing problem. If symptoms last more than two weeks, get worse, or you see blood in stool or vomit, seek care. Also see a clinician for unexplained weight loss, severe pain, or signs of dehydration. For issues tied to other conditions—like heart or liver disease—ask your provider how digestion fits into your overall plan.

Want deeper reads? Browse related posts on this tag for specific topics: antibiotic choices, safe blood thinners, and medication guides. Use our search to find articles like "Best Non-Sulfonamide Antibiotic Alternatives to Bactrim" and the Coumadin guide to match your situation. If you’re unsure what to try first, take notes on your food, meds, and symptoms for your next appointment—good notes speed up answers.

Small changes often help fast. If they don’t, don’t wait—get medical advice so you can get back to feeling normal.