Almost every one of us at least once in our life has encountered digestive problems. They can be caused by obvious reasons like plentiful feasts with a large number of dishes that combine completely
incompatible products. Therefore, it will be useful to get acquainted with enzyme preparations, the use of which helps to improve the digestive tract and normalize digestion processes.
Fundamentals of the basics: what is important to know about such medicines
Enzymatic drugs are those that regulate the digestive process. The main causes of gastrointestinal tract disorders are pancreatic diseases: pancreatitis, fibrosis and others. There are also so-called "secondary" digestive system problems, which are usually the result of excessive intake of fatty foods, as well as fruits and vegetables rich in fiber. In these cases, enzyme preparations correct the processes of digestion of food and regulate the functioning of the pancreas, in which the appetite normalizes and the abdominal pain stops. Some combination enzyme preparations, such as Festal, contain bile, which stimulates the motility of the gallbladder and intestines. The main property of such drugs is to help in the breakdown of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the small intestine, and an additional feature is the ability to normalize the intestinal microflora.
Description of the drug
The composition of "Festal" includes enzymes that aid digestion, and some other additives. As noted above, they contribute to the rapid absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates by the intestinal walls. Also included are hemicellulose and bile extract, which improve the absorption of fats specifically (it is from them that a feeling of nausea and heaviness in the stomach occurs ), contribute to their emulsification and better breakdown of fiber. “Festal” contributes to the development of its own enzymes in the stomach, pancreas and small intestine. Another plus of the medicine is the improvement and acceleration of the production of bile in those who use the Festal preparation, from which the best assimilation of food occurs. When using this tool, the general condition of the gastrointestinal tract improves, digestive processes return to normal.
Indications for use
Typically, “Festal” is used to treat chronic diseases of the stomach, liver, intestines, gall bladder, with pancreatitis, as well as to improve digestion of food. Doctors also prescribe the drug during the period of getting used to the artificial jaw, in the weeks of rehabilitation after a long illness and in preparation for an X-ray examination of the abdominal organs.
How to drink "Festal"
According to the attached instructions, the drug can be used if necessary with meals. The usual dosage is 1 capsule, but with severe ailments, it is allowed to use 2. An overdose occurs only with a single dose of very large doses of the drug. This medicine is quite safe, so if you do not produce enzymes at all, it can be used for many years in a row. The only, like any other, tool has its contraindications and features of use in certain categories of people, which will be discussed below.
When you can not take "Festal"
Contraindications to taking the drug may be intestinal obstruction, inflammation of the pancreas, obstructive jaundice and liver diseases, in which the level of bilirubin in the blood rises. Although the instructions for use of “Festal” do not say anything about its interaction with alcohol, each of us must understand that the combination of any drug with alcohol is often accompanied by adverse reactions or poor health. Also, in some cases, taking "Festal" can provoke allergic reactions that occur due to excessive sensitivity to the components of the drug. These can include redness, sneezing, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Can I take Festal during pregnancy?
Very often, pregnant women experience a lot of inconvenience caused by disturbances in the digestive system. A constant desire to eat something, a change in habits, when you want to eat a salty sweet, overeating, often causing increased gas formation, heaviness in the stomach ... How to avoid this? Very often, expectant mothers ask themselves what to do in such a situation and in general - is it possible for pregnant women to have Festal? Let's figure it out. We remember that this drug combines hemicelluloses and enzymes. It is quite effective and quickly helps to cope with indigestion, which is caused by overeating and a combination of not too compatible foods. The answer of doctors is as follows: "Festal" can be used during pregnancy and during breastfeeding (lactation). However, it should be remembered that frequent use of this drug is not always beneficial. So, it can cause some allergic reactions, which is harmful to both mom and baby. In addition, inflammation of the oral mucosa sometimes arises from the use of the drug "Festal", which may cause discomfort during pregnancy or some other complications.
How exactly does the medicine help pregnant women
Another problem that often arises in the process of carrying a baby is frequent constipation. In order to prevent this trouble, you should adhere to the same time going to the toilet and include foods rich in coarse fiber in your daily diet. It can be fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains. At the same time, you should not get involved in coffee and chocolate, eat less rice. Prunes and kefir will positively affect the intestines. However, if the above measures do not save the situation, then you should turn to enzyme preparations. How to take "Festal" during pregnancy? Be careful than usual. During all 9 months, it is allowed to take one dragee per day and it is necessary if necessary: only with severe indigestion and flatulence. Pregnant women should avoid overdose with this medicine. Please note that accepting the "Festal" is not allowed to all women "in position". Those who suffer from severe diseases of the gallbladder or liver should not take this medication. Anyway, it is not recommended to self-medicate during pregnancy, it is best to seek medical advice before taking the drug. Perhaps, to solve digestive problems, it will be enough for you to take a course of taking biologically active additives, the use of which is allowed and absolutely safe during pregnancy. After all, expectant mothers first of all need to think about the health of the child.
"Festal" when overeating
During the holidays and noisy gatherings, tables are often bursting with an abundance of tasty, but greasy or spicy food. Often, the abundance of such food leads to digestive upset, which is accompanied by heaviness and pain in the stomach, diarrhea and nausea. Therefore, during the holidays, as well as for several days after, it is recommended to use enzymes that help the entire digestive tract. "Festal" is the complex drug, which includes the components of the pancreas and bile. The content of the latter is one of the features of this drug. Bile affects the effectiveness of enzymes, regulates the entire intestine, thereby contributing to regular emptying and elimination of heaviness in the stomach. The process of splitting plant fiber is also stimulated by the drug "Festal", which facilitates the assimilation of products of plant origin, also eliminates gas formation and bloating. Festal tablets are coated with a special coating that prevents their absorption in the stomach. The medicine dissolves only when it enters the duodenum, which contributes to the rapid and complete digestion of food.
"Pancreatin", "Mezim" or "Festal" - what to choose?
Living in a modern rhythm - working until late at night and having snacks on the go, it is quite difficult to maintain proper nutrition. Typically, the day ends with a hearty dinner and heaviness in the stomach. Many people who suffer from overeating or problems with the gastrointestinal tract are interested in what to choose for treatment: “Festal” or “Pancreatin”, or maybe “Mezim” - which is better to help fast absorption of food? Firstly, all of these drugs are enzyme preparations that compensate for deficiencies in the activity of the secretory function of the pancreas and biliary - liver. Whether it is Mezim or Festal, pancreatin will always be the main active ingredient in the composition. This substance contains lipase, protease and amylase - enzymes that are necessary for normal digestion. They act, break down and process proteins, fats and carbohydrates. All drugs for this purpose contain pancreatin. Well, various additives serve as additional components. For example, bile powder is an additive in the Festal preparation, therefore processing of all food components is improved and lipase activity is increased. Well, in all other respects, such drugs are not much different from each other. Which medicine is more suitable and in what doses to use it is an individual question, and it is better to decide it with your doctor. You can pay attention to the price, although these drugs have a similar cost. The main indications for their use are bloating, overeating, decreased bowel movement, as well as chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or non-infectious diarrhea.
Contraindications to the use of Mezima and other similar drugs
However, it should be borne in mind that "Festal" and "Mezim" have similar contraindications for use. This can be called stagnation in the intestine, non-infectious hepatitis, empyema of the gall bladder , chronic pancreatic diseases, as well as liver diseases. At the same time, one should not forget about individual intolerance to the components that make up these drugs.
What you need to keep in mind when choosing drugs
Now you know how to use the Festal tablets, what they help from, their indications and contraindications for ordinary patients, as well as pregnant women. But it is worth considering that drug advertising campaigns often assure consumers that “Festal” and similar means will suit any person. We should not forget that in the first place - these are medicines. Therefore, consulting a doctor before using them is still necessary. After all, pain in the stomach can appear not only from an insufficient content of enzymes for digesting food, but also due to a serious illness. And the help of such drugs should not always be resorted to. Just carefully monitor your diet, do not overeat - and then you will no longer need to use any medications.