Gemma has shared her experience with IBS (Image: Gut Wealth) Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter More Newsletters Subscribe Please enter a valid email Something went wrong, please try again later. More Newsletters We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show me See Our Privacy Notice See Our Privacy Notice × Group 28 Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign Up No thanks, close We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice A leading health expert who also suffers from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has urged people to discuss their toilet issues more during IBS Awareness Month. A new study by Gut Wealth , founded by lifelong IBS sufferer Gemma Stuart has revealed that more than eight in 10 people would prefer to debate politics or religion than admit to bowel problems . The study , which surveyed 550
UK adults, highlights the discomfort many feel when confronted with topics traditionally considered off-limits, including income, politics, religion, and family planning. Read More Related Articles Expert shares the exact temperature you should be washing your hair at Read More Related Articles Fitness expert shares 'worst' weight loss mistake people make that ruins progress However, even in a time where people are consistently disagreeing over these subjects, discussing things like toilet habits and bowel health have remained "a greater taboo" for the majority of people who took part in the study. The NHS estimates that as many as 13 million people in the UK suffer from IBS Gemma said: "Bowel movements might not be a natural dinner table conversation for most of us, but the reluctance to discuss matters related to bowel health reflects a broader cultural discomfort with acknowledging and addressing our bodies' natural functions. By shying away from these conversations, we perpetuate myths and misconceptions surrounding conditions like IBS, hindering both awareness and support for those affected." The expert herself once battled with IBS alone and dealt with excruciating pain as well as unpredictable toilet habits. She explained: "For years, I juggled my career while silently battling IBS. The stress made my symptoms worse, but I didn’t feel comfortable telling anyone about my painful bloating and dodgy guts. Top Health Stories Today Michael Mosley on intermittent fasting Nutrients to prevent eyesight loss
cancer symptom spotted after eating Condition that causes breathing problems "But navigating the healthcare system was frustrating. Even when I did speak about it, doctors dismissed my symptoms, suggesting a restrictive diet which was bland and beige and didn’t help my symptoms at all. It was isolating." Gemma decided to take matters into her own hands and studied IBS management at the University of Michigan as she explored beneficial bacteria and gut health solutions. She added: "The more I learned, and from meeting health & industry experts, the more I realised that my secret shame surrounding my digestive ill-health was making me sicker." So, during this IBS Awareness Month in the UK, what should you know about the condition and the symptoms that surround it? Read on below to find out more. What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? According to the NHS , irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects your digestive system. It is typically a lifelong issue can can be a very frustrating and impactful thing to deal with every day. What causes IBS? Severe abdominal pain can be a painful symptom (Image: Getty) The NHS states that the exact cause of IBS is "unknown" but has been linked to the following things: Food passing through your gut too quickly or slowly Oversensitive nerves in your gut Stress Family history of IBS Symptoms of IBS Website About IBS has listed some of the most common symptoms of the condition that people may experience concurrently or could also come and go at any time. These include the following: Pain or discomfort in the abdomen - described as a generalised ache or cramps Change in bowel habits such as frequency or consistency of the stool Bloating Urgency to have a bowel movement Mucus in the stool The feeling of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement Sharp, dull, gas-like or modest pains are also common The website also reads: "The IBS discomfort or pain usually feels better after a bowel movement. These symptoms can change over time. There may be periods when symptoms get worse as well as when symptoms lesson or disappear." Top Trending Stories Today
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Spain tourist taxi warning About IBS have also said that around 25 to 50 per cent of people report upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as the following: Heartburn Early feelings of fullness Nausea Abdominal fullness Bloating Non-GI symptoms can also occur, which include: Fatigue Muscle pain Sleep disturbances Sexual dysfunction Lower back pain Headaches How can I ease my symptoms of IBS? There are foods that can be helpful for your IBS (Image: Getty) According to the NHS : "There's no single diet or medicine that works for everyone with IBS. But there are lots of things that can help if you have been diagnosed with it." The NHS has shared some advice on what to do and what not to do when it comes to easing IBS symptoms: DO Cook homemade meals using fresh ingredients when you can Keep a diary of what you eat and any symptoms you get - try to avoid things that trigger your IBS Try to find ways to relax Get plenty of exercise Try probiotics for a month to see if they help DON'T Do not delay or skip meals Do no eat too quickly Do not eat lots of fatty, spicy or processed foods Do not eat more than three portions of fresh fruit a day Do not drink more than three cups of tea or coffee a day Do not drink lots of alcohol or fizzy drinks Join the Daily Record
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