A new independent survey of Irish adults commissioned by Alflorex® illustrates the troubling impact that impaired digestion is having on adults across the country.
While most of us are aware of the physical misery that digestive problems can cause, this attitudinal survey sheds new light on the surprisingly heavy toll that impaired digestion can also have on our emotional well-being.
The survey shows that 81% of Irish adults who suffer from digestive problems say that the chronic nature of digestive problems can lead to low mood and even depression.
Part of this problem is caused by the fact that as many as 51% are putting up and shutting up, living with the misery of digestive problems such as diarrhea, gas, constipation, bloating and abdominal pain simply because they are too self-conscious or embarrassed to seek help.
The Alflorex survey showed that when it comes to the worst symptoms of digestive impairment, surprisingly for 81% of men and women, it is bloating or a distended stomach.
This is the symptom that impacts on self-image and well-being most. Generally caused by eating certain foods, this post meal pot-belly makes adults feel extremely self-conscious, less sexy and even ashamed.
