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These health complaints don't just affect us physically. 44% of
British women experience digestive discomfort say it makes them feel
uncomfortable in their clothes or skin; 23% feel bad tempered and 1
in 5 suffer from a loss of confidence. This is true reflection that
British women are suffering in silence with a condition that can be
improved with very easy steps.
What became evident from the survey
was that areas reporting the lowest levels of bloating, the highest
consumption of probiotic yogurt was reported. Highest yoghurt
consumption was evident in the South West, Greater London and the
East of England - all areas that correlate to comparatively low
bloating levels.
Conversely, the survey's findings
also showed that those women who report the worst digestive
discomfort also consume too many foods that could aggravate
digestive health. Fried/fatty foods being consumed at least two to
three times a week by 25%of British women - highest in the West
Midlands (31%). Women in the South West are also drinking too much
alcohol - an incredible 22% drinking it 4-5 times per week or more!
The World Gastroenterology
Organisation (WGO) offer the following tips to reduce the likelihood
of suffering from bloating:
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Eat slowly - of those who
experience digestive discomfort, only 15% take more time to eat
meals
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Avoid eating copious meals - 7
in 10 women questioned made no change to their portion sizes or
amount they ate, despite suffering from digestive discomfort
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Restrict your intake of pulses,
cabbage, cola, soft drinks and chewing gum, particularly
sugar-free
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Consume fermented dairy products
and probiotics with proven benefits on digestive health - such
as Activia
Nutritionist Fiona Hunter says:
"Digestive health is an excellent indicator of our overall health.
Discomfort isn't just something women get from time to time. It
really is something that shouldn't be ignored. If things don't
improve, talk to your local practice nurse or GP."
For more information visit
www.activedigestivehealth.co.uk
Peterborough UK Community Website
- June 2008
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