In order to help keep the bowels healthy, customers should:

• Eat a varied diet, that includes plenty of dietary fibre
• Keep to a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Be aware that certain medicines such as codeine may cause constipation. Changes to medication can be discussed with the pharmacist or a GP if this is an issue
• Drink plenty of water
• Not ignore the urge to go to the toilet
• Wash their hands thoroughly after going to the toilet
• Take precautions to reduce the risk of food poisoning when travelling.

If customers have diarrhoea caused by an infection, they should be advised to stay away from work or school for the duration of the symptoms and for two days afterwards. They should also avoid using swimming pools for two weeks after the symptoms clear up.