You can’t ignore your gut feelings
ALMOST two-thirds of Brits have suffered from a persistent gut or abdominal problem but only 29 per cent 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 per cent having experienced this. It was followed by diarrhoea at 43 per cent, heartburn at 39 per cent, bloating at 33 per cent and persistent stomach pain at 15 per cent.
Gut problems affect people in all areas of their life, with one in five (19 per cent) having to take a day off work due to their symptoms and more than a quarter (28 per cent) 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 that 32 per cent of women wouldn’t see their GP, compared to 26 per cent of men.
And 12 per cent admitted to feeling too embarrassed to talk to a medical professional, while 20 per cent of those seeking help waited six to 12 months to do so and 13 per cent 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.