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Home » 7 Tell-Tale Signs You Have an Unhappy Gut

7 Tell-Tale Signs You Have an Unhappy Gut

Home » 7 Tell-Tale Signs You Have an Unhappy Gut

Read time: xxx
Posted: 19/04/2022

New research[1] by Superdrug has revealed the severe impact gut health problems are having on Brits’ sex lives, confidence levels and career opportunities.

– A fifth of people suffering from gut health issues avoid having sex due to their symptoms

– 28% of people with gut health issues have to plan when they’re able to be intimate

– Over a quarter of people(26%)  experiencing gut health issues say it has affected their confidence

– 10% of people believe their gut health issues have had a negative impact on their career opportunities and income

The research commissioned by Superdrug and Healthily TM [2] also reveals just how commonplace gut health issues are, with 1 in 4 people struggling with gut problems on a daily basis. Significantly, one third are too embarrassed by their symptoms and three out of ten say that their gut health issues stop them from doing things that they want to do in their lives.

Dr Sara Kayat, Superdrug’s medical ambassador comments, “Gut health is determined by the balance and diversity of “good” bacteria in our digestive tract. A healthy gut has an impact on our whole well-being, including our immunity, mental health and even our weight.”

Michael Henry, Superdrug’s Healthcare Director comments, “Gut health is one of our fastest growing retail categories and it’s easy to see why. Gut health issues are commonplace and as the research reveals, impacts not only your health, but also your overall sense of wellbeing. We offer one of the most comprehensive gut health product categories on the high street to ensure people can quickly and easily find a product that works for them.”

[1] Survey of 1,000 men and women between the ages of 25 and 55 across the UK,  March 2022

[2] Healthily is a health empowerment website and app with taboo-busting information and an AI-driven symptom tracker

unhappy gut

They say that gut health is the gateway to good health, but what if your gut is not feeling its best right now? Don’t worry! Chances are it just needs a bit of TLC. Take a look at our eight tell-tale signs of an unhappy gut and you’ll be feeling fabulous from the inside out in no time.

1. Low mood

As well as the very physical symptoms of gut health, over a quarter of men and women in the survey said they are also struggling with the emotional impact of poor gut health on their lives – with 27% saying it has negatively affected their mental health.

Nearly a quarter of people asked said they are too embarrassed to talk about gut health problems and over 41% say they must fit their life around their condition and avoid things like long dinner dates. Over a third (34%) feel many feel too embarrassed to even talk about certain symptoms such as constipation.

Known as the ‘second brain’, our gut has a surprising amount to say about how we feel. We’ve all experienced that post-roast sluggishness but did you know that good bacterian the gut, which can be aided by taking Promovita Digestive Supplement, can actually produce serotonin? An extra dose of happiness anyone? Yes please!

A diet high in fibre is essential to promote good gut health as it cleanses your digestive tract. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, tempeh and miso are also great additions as they provide the gut with healthy, living microorganisms. Regularly treating your gut microbiome to its favourite wholesome foods will not only improve your physical health, it may also brighten your mood.

2. Bloating

Nearly half of the 1,000 men and women surveyed said they struggle with a gut condition such as IBS, constipation, diarrhoea or bloating. Over two thirds (67%) of the women questioned said bloating was a problem and that they found they went up a dress size because of their condition – and a quarter of women (25%) said it impacted their daily decision around what to wear.

But what if you’ve been adding sauerkraut to your sandwiches for months and still feel like there’s a monster thrashing around in your abdomen? Unfortunately, when it comes to your gut, there isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ diet. The foods listed above may work for one person’s gut, while irritating another’s. This is often the case for sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS can cause chronic abdominal pain, cramping or bloating. If you recognise these symptoms, you should go and see your doctor or pharmacist to discuss your options. After your initial appointment, if you continue to experience discomfort, they may suggest you try something like Colpermin IBS Relief Capsules or our own IBS Relief Capsules for targeted relief of painful bloating.

3. Trapped/excessive wind

Bloating’s accomplice in the crime against feeling wonderful is dreaded wind. Don’t worry though, much like bloating, it can be quickly and easily remedied with one of our Wind Relief Capsules that help relieve the pressure and discomfort. You can also try taking Alflorex once a day. It’s a food supplement containing a live bacterium that occurs naturally in the human gut that has been shown to help manage symptoms including abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, passage of gas and changes in bowel habit.

Thoughtful woman looking out of the window

4. Heartburn

Most of us have been afflicted by it at some point, but luckily heartburn is one of the easier problems to cure. Just taking a couple of Indigestion Tablets such as Rennie a heavy meal might do the trick. If heartburn persists, try chewing more slowly as this will help your gut break food down. Eating mindfully is also a great way to reduce food cravings, which might help you stick to those gut-health promoting foods mentioned earlier.

5. Constipation

It’s not just what you eat which can affect gut health, it’s also what you drink, or rather, what you don’t drink. Not drinking enough water can cause all that fibre you’ve been eating to stay trapped in your digestive tract. Always keep a bottle of water to hand and aim to drink a pint of water before each meal. For those occasions when nothing’s budging, it’s useful to have some of our Constipation Relief Tablets or Senokot Max Strength Constipation Relief Tablets in the medicine cabinet too.

6. Colds and viruses

We’ve seen that poor gut health can cause low mood, but did you know it can also lead to an increased susceptibility to colds and viruses? Take a look at our Top Tips on How to Fight a Cold and take special note of points two and four. Your gut will thank you.

Blonde female blowing her nose

7. UTIs and Thrush

Symptoms of an unhealthy gut can be felt all over the body, not just the digestive tract. If you frequently suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs) or thrush, it could be an indication that there is an overgrowth of bad bacteria in your gut. But don’t fear because once again the cure can be ingested. Try taking a daily dose of Cranberry Extract or get yourself our Cystitis Relief Sachets for effective relief.  Other ways to manage the bad bacteria in your gut is by drinking cranberry juice or eating probiotic yoghurts.

Research tells us cranberries work by preventing E. coli from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract. So, it’s not just an old wives’ tale!

There you have it.  Now you can take back control of your gut health and start feeling like a better you in no time – but be sure if you are taking any medication to help, always read the label first! But in the meantime, more sauerkraut anyone?

Shop Gut Health at Superdrug

For further information or expert comments please contact: superdrug@itsmaven.com

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