Irish People Feel The Link Between Tension And Tummy Problems

The recession may have more effects on your life than just your finances, a new study has revealed.

The study stresses the link between tension and tummy problems and how it can affect us as our pocket strings are tightened.

The survey found that 60 per cent of people who claim they are always stressed believe their digestive health is affected by their stress levels.

And 62 per cent of stressed-out people spend 15 minutes or less eating their main meal, which can have negative effects on the digestive system.

Respondents who claim they were “stressed all or most of the time” described a range of symptoms they believe are as a result of the tension.

The poll was carried out by yogurt-drink company Danone and found that 48 per cent of people claim stress caused stomach pain or spasms.

Some 38 per cent claim it caused bloating and another 36 per cent had flatulence.

A total of 35 per cent even felt stress had given diarrhoea.

“Irish people understand that stress and digestive health are connected,” Danone nutritionist Kellie O’Connor told the Irish Daily Star.

“When they’re suffering from digestive discomfort, they recognise the effect it has on their stress levels.”

O’Connor advised that taking your time to enjoy every bite and chewing slowly will improve digestion and stress levels.

Jill McCarron, director of health affairs at Danone, told the paper the survey shows Irish people are under a lot of pressure, and this can affect their gut system.

The World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) is taking the link so seriously it has launched a global campaign called ‘Love Your Tummy’.

The campaign includes tips like;

1. Eat less, but often

2. Don’t miss breakfast

3. Eat your five portions of fruit and veg a day

4. Drink two litres of water every day

5. Don’t rush meals, chew your food slowly and well