TRICKS TO CALM YOUR DODGY TUMMY

A FIFTH of Britons suffer regular problems going to the toilet – either they’re bunged up or rushing back and forth.

But many cases of constipation (going fewer than three times a week) and diarrhoea (going several times daily) can be easily resolved, says gastroenterologist Dr Rehan Haidry, a consultant at The London Clinic.

He adds: ‘Constipation is usually caused by dehydration and not eating enough fibre. Or not enough exercise, which helps food move through the digestive system. Medication containing codeine, antidepressants and iron supplements, are culprits too.’

He suggests trying a natural laxative, such as senna.

As for diarrhoea, one cause often goes unnoticed.

‘Up to a quarter of patients have bile malabsorption – where there’s too much stomach bile in the gut, causing watery stools and bloating,’ says Dr Haidry. ‘It is often branded IBS, so patients miss out on an effective treatment.’

If the problem doesn’t go away, see a doctor.

‘Changes in bowel habit signal a range of serious conditions that need treating early,’ he warns. ‘Diarrhoea can be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis. And, rarely, a bowel cancer is the cause of the problem, especially if there’s blood in the stools.’