Once you know what’s troubling your digestion, you can improve your health from the inside out
WORDS: ALI HORSFALL.
What’s your
There’s a direct link between your stomach and how good you feel – excess wind, cramps and bouts of bloating can have a huge impact on your wellbeing. On the flipside, a healthy gut will give you bucketloads of energy, aid your immune system and help brain function. But how in tune are you with your tum? Discover if your digestion department is all out of whack with our quiz, and get the expert tips that will give your belly a boost.
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Choose the answer that applies to you...
1WHAT BEST DESCRIBES YOUR EATING HABITS?
■ You’re so busy that you skip meals and eat processed food.
◆ You stick to plain foods – anything else can upset your stomach.
▼ You’ve gained weight in recent years so are forever counting calories.
● You have a healthy diet with lots of varied fruit and veg.
2HOW ARE YOUR BOWEL MOVEMENTS?
● Regular, like clockwork.
■ Often a little loose.
▼ You’re often constipated.
◆ Random and sometimes explosive!
3WHICH OF THESE PROBLEMS PLAGUES YOU THE MOST?
▼ Low mood or anxiety.
● Insomnia.
◆ Stomach pain or cramps.
■ Coughs and colds.
4DOES A HOLIDAY OR TRIP DISRUPT YOUR TUM?
■ You don’t notice a difference.
● Your stomach suffers when you change your routine and have a blowout.
▼ You eat more and are permanently bloated.
◆ You don’t risk travelling abroad due to your stomach issues.
5HOW ARE YOUR ENERGY LEVELS MOST DAYS?
◆ You’re exhausted, even after a good night’s sleep.
▼ You switch between running on nervous energy and just wanting to nap.
■ You’re tired, but pep yourself up with lots of caffeine and sugary treats.
● You’re raring to go with more energy than you’ve had in years.
How did you score?
MOSTLY ◆
TIME TO TAKE ACTION You’re blighted by tummy troubles and plan your life around your unpredictable belly, so don’t suffer in silence. Stomach discomfort, changes in bowel movements and excessive bloating are all symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but see your doctor, as a confirmed diagnosis will rule out other conditions, such as coeliac or inflammatory bowel dis
