People in Surrey are ignoring their gut feeling about their gut health

Over half of people in Surrey are ignoring their gut feeling about their gut health, according to new data.

As well as this one in five people have cancelled or avoided social activities over fears about gut health.

Dr Alan Desmond, who is a NHS Gut Health Doctor and General Physician, says it's a topic people shouldn't be shy about.

"30% of people are embarrassed to talk to their doctor about gut health, which is a shame, right?

I mean, the survey tells us that about 34% of people have had to cancel social plans due to digestive health issues but they don't want to go and talk to their doctor.

I just want to remind people that no one should be shy about seeing their doctor to discuss gut health."

Another key finding in the statistics is that seven out of ten people nationally don't have the knowledge to improve their gut health.

Alan set out five key points that people can target.

"One eat more plants, fibre rich foods, fruits, veggies, beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts and seeds. If you want a healthy gut, feed it more plants.

Secondly, getting some exercise. Now that might surprise people, but walking, cycling, yoga, physical movement help to keep your digestive system on track, but also to make your gut your gut microbiome even healthier

Number three, spend time in nature, ideally with other people. Our gut microbiome originates in natural environments. So step away from the so step away from the screen, get outdoors and spend time in natural environments.

Number four is managing stress. A stressed brain equals a stressed gut and can trigger gut health symptoms. So taking time out for yourself, mindfulness, meditation, these are actually evidence based interventions to improve your gut health.

And the final one, study after study shows us that taking unnecessary medications and supplements can negatively impact on our gut health. So if your doctor lets you know that you need a course of antibiotics or there's a certain important medication that you need, that's fine. But taking unnecessary medications and supplements can negatively impact your gut health."

Dr Alan Desmond says that if symptoms are ignored, there can be serious consequences down the line

"Some gut health symptoms, like a little bit of bloating or indigestion, may just be your body reminding you that you need to eat healthily. You need to take care of yourself, hydrate and exercise and get good sleep.

But it might be your body sending you a little warning signal that something isn't right. And if there is an underlying problem, like inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, or even a cancer diagnosis, then finding out about that early is really important.

My take home message to anyone listening is don't be a gut health ignorer. Build a healthy gut, build a gut healthy diet and lifestyle every day. And please do not be embarrassed to talk to your doctor if you have any gut health problems."