Combat bloating and discomfort

More northern women feel bloating and gurgling than their southern counterparts with up to 70 per cent of them likely to experience it at any one time, according to a TNS survey commissioned by Danone.

However, 61 per cent of British women experience feeling bloated, with 85 per cent believing they have a healthy digestive system.

Two thirds of women haven't consulted a doctor or nurse about these feelings - younger women especially, aged 16 - 34, generally do not do anything about these feelings of digestive discomfort.

On World Digestive Health Day, the World Gastroenterology Organisation Foundation and Danone have joined forces to call for improved education in digestive health in the UK.

According to Professor Eamonn Quigley, President, World Gastroenterology Organisation, "This year, we celebrate our 50th anniversary and have chosen to highlight the crucial topic of nutrition and digestive health. Digestive disorders affect a significant percent of the population and can lead to serious conditions such as colon cancer. We believe that nutrition is integral to digestive health - and overall health - and within nutrition, proven probiotics can play a major role in improving digestive health."

44 per cent of British women who experience digestive discomfort say it makes them feel uncomfortable in their clothes or skin; 23 per cent feel bad tempered and one in five feel less confident. This is a true reflection that British women could take better care of their digestive health, something that can be improved with very easy steps.

Not surprisingly, the survey's findings also showed that in the areas where most women reported feeling digestive discomfort, they also reported eating more fried and fatty foods.

Interestingly, in the areas where women reported the lowest levels of feeling bloated, the highest consumption of probiotic yogurt was reported.

Probiotic yogurt consumption was also found to be highest in UK women aged 55
- 64, the age group least likely to report feeling bloated.

Fiona Hunter, independent nutritionist, said: "Digestive health is an excellent indicator of our overall health. Discomfort isn't just something women get from time to time and it really isn't something that should be ignored. If you do experience it, first check your diet - eat lots of fruit and veg and try a probiotic yogurt that has scientifically proven benefits.
Also, try to eat more slowly, make sure you drink plenty of fluids and try and do regular exercise. If things don't improve, talk to your local practice nurse or GP."

Worryingly, the survey also showed that a fifth of British women are skipping breakfast, the most important meal for jumpstarting the day's digestive process. Within the 16-24 year category, this figure increases to an incredible third of young women.

Daily probiotics can play a major role in supporting digestive health.
Activia contains the unique culture Bifidus Actiregularis(TM), which increases your good bacteria. It helps regulate support your digestive system by improving slower digestive transit when at least one pot is eaten everyday for two weeks as part of a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle.

For more information, please visit http://www.activedigestivehealth.com

(Back to news)