HEALTH

Almost two-thirds of Brits have suffered from a persistent gut or abdominal problem but only 29% saw their GP or pharmacist about it.

The gut is the largest component of the body’s immune system and a key indicator for wider health issues. Now an alliance of digestive health charities and organisations have launched the Love Your Gut campaign to encourage us not to ignore our gut feelings.

The most common persistent problem was constipation with 44% having experienced this. It was followed by diarrhoea at 43%, heartburn at 39%, bloating at 33% and persistent stomach pain at 15%.

Gut problems affect people in all areas of their life with one in five (19%) having to take a day off work due to their symptoms and over a quarter (28%) avoiding going out.

One in 10 have suffered depression as a result. Dr Joan Ransley, nutritionist for the Love Your Gut campaign, said: “This research shows that significant numbers of people experience problems with their gut. “Love your Gut aims to raise awareness of the importance of good gut health and encourage people not to brush these issues under the carpet.” It was found 32% of women wouldn’t see their GP, compared to 26% of men.

And 12% admitted to feeling too embarrassed to talk to a medical professional, and 20% of those seeking help waited 6-12 months to do so and 13% left it for more than a year.

Advice from the campaign is to see a doctor if the following symptoms persist for more than a few days. They include abdominal pain before or after meals, feelings of fullness, bloating or flatulence, nausea or vomiting and heartburn or regurgitation.

Visit www.loveyourgut.com for symptoms to look out for.

MARTIN BAGOT is the Mirror’s Health Correspondent