Get checked out if any tummy troubles persist

FROM cramps to constipation, tummy troubles are very common — but knowing what’s causing them isn’t always clear.

Whether it’s warming up with stodgy comfort food, or carb-loading for extra winter fuel, it’s not unusual for appetites to increase at this time of year.

But this can be troublesome for sensitive digestive systems. Even healthy seeming foods, like broccoli and lentils, can cause havoc if you’re prone to bloating. Gut issues are common and happen often — whether due to a serious, underlying condition like Crohn’s or coeliac disease, or a minor intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — the symptoms can be very similar, and sometimes very distressing.

Dr Ayesha Akbar, a consultant gastroenterologist, says: “You should never ignore any continuing or persistent stomach problems — especially if they get worse, you have an alteration in your bowel movements, or it is waking you up in the night.

“If you find blood in your faeces, you should get checked by your GP straight away, as this could be a sign of bowel cancer. Weight loss, loss of appetite, or a family history of bowel cancer should all be reasons to seek medical advice.”

Most of the time, your symptoms won’t be due to anything serious but it’s always best to get things checked sooner rather than later — so if there is something going on, it can be addressed and treated as necessary.

Also, peace of mind can make a huge difference — especially as stress is known to exacerbate gut symptoms.