Soaring stress levels lead to 80% suffering digestive problems

SOARING stress levels are leading to more than 80% of the population experiencing digestive problems, a new survey has found.

The issues are most prevalent among adults – 81% report occasional or regular occurrences, with 30% of adults reporting high stress levels, rising to 45% among people aged between 25 and 34 .

The vast majority of the adults surveyed experience digestive problems at least some of the time, with more than 25% reporting such issues regularly.

Denis O’Driscoll, of Lloyds Pharmacy, which ordered the survey, said: ‘This pervasiveness is particularly concerning among younger adults and women.’

The digestive system plays a central role in the absorption of nutrients, providing essential fuel for our bodies to function.

Mr O’Driscoll said: ‘There have been such high stress levels since the Covid pandemic, along with other factors, and as a result they are not eating well and their digestive systems are suffering.

‘People are more sensitive to foods like never before. People need to go back to basics and start all over again by introducing foods to help their digestive systems get back on track.

‘When this intricate system malfunctions, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable and potentially serious health issues.

‘The high prevalence of digestive issues among adults is a cause for concern, especially in the younger population,’ he added.

The findings show that almost half of 18- to 24-year-olds regularly experience digestive problems.

This may indicate that digestive problems may be developing earlier in life and becoming more common in younger generations.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of gut health and the vital role it plays in maintaining overall health.

‘Research has shown that a healthy gut microbiome – the community of bacteria that reside in the digestive system – may influence a wide range of factors, including mood, immunity, and metabolism,’ Mr O’Driscoll said.

The survey also shows that 30% of all adults rated their stress levels as quite high in their daily lives, rising to 45% among the 25-34 age group.

Females were more stressed than males. People living in Leinster reported higher stress then people living in other parts of the country. But in good news for retirees, people aged 65-plus were the least stressed overall.

The research uncovered a preference for prioritising sleep over exercise, with 70% of adults opting for sleep.

This sentiment was particularly strong among women (77%) compared to men (64%).

Among adults over 65, 80% also chose sleep over exercise while those aged 18 to 34 seemed less inclined to prioritise sleep, with 60% choosing it over exercise. Mr O’Driscoll said: ‘Sleep quality and hygiene are so much more important than the quantity you get. This data suggests a growing awareness among individuals of the profound impact of sleep on both physical and mental health.

‘Sleep deprivation has been linked to many health issues, including impaired cognitive function, increased risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease and heightened stress levels.

‘The findings also highlight the gender difference when it comes to sleep prioritisation, with women placing a higher value on this essential health practice.’