Listen: Worrying Stats on IBS and IBD Revealled

Here’s something you may not know: 

Approx. 620,000 people in the UK currently suffer from IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and 2 in 10 suffer from IBS (irritable bowel system) they are one of the most common diagnosis made by gastroenterologists worldwide. However, a lack of awareness surrounding what constitutes as normal and limited education on symptoms means patients may not know when or where to seek help for digestion complaints.

Research conducted by YouGov found that whilst the majority (80%) of people could confidently identify the key components of the digestive system, many could not determine between minor and major gastrointestinal issues. 

Almost half (43%) of the public have experienced digestive discomfort and as many as 41% of them have never visited a doctor about it.

In the current climate, as many as 4 in 10 of us are opting not to visit our GP for fear of ‘burdening’ the NHS. However, one in five doctors’ visits are a result of misunderstood digestive symptoms, much of which can be easily managed at home.

With the right information consumers can be empowered to take charge of their own gut health.

As we recognise world IBD day, I was joined by Alex Manos an ‘Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner’ with the message ‘test don’t guess’…