New research has shown that tummy trouble is costing Irish businesses an incredible €45million every year.
Not only that, but according to the study, stomach complaints are responsible for women feeling self-conscious at the beach, missing family time and having to take off sick from work.
The study, carried out by All-Bran, surveyed 500 women aged between 18 and 60 and found that most women (89%) experience embarrassing stomach complaints, such as bloating or gas, at least once a week.
One in five (21%) of those who work admitted to taking at least one day off in the last 12 months as a result.
It is not just businesses counting the cost of poor digestive health, with one in five (21%) women who have taken time off for tummy woes worry that it has harmed their prospects of a promotion, pay rise or bonus.
13% of women fear it has negatively impacted their relationship with their boss, while a quarter (26%) admitted to avoiding the work toilet for fear of being shown up by their stomach.
More than half (60%) also said that the problems make them feel unproductive and unable to perform at their best at work.
Outside work, the impact can be just as hard to digest. 15% women have missed out on social events or family occasions due to the state of their stomach whilst almost half (49%) said tummy niggles make them feel self-conscious about showing off their body on holiday.
The research also found that almost one in five (18%) of women skip breakfast at least twice a week, which is one of the main causes of poor digestive health
In response, All-Bran is launching a new campaign - SOS: Save Our Stomachs - to encourage people to up their daily intake of fibre, which is scientifically proven to improve digestive health.
SOS spokesperson, Dr Ciara Kelly said, “Many women see stomach complaints as a normal part of everyday life – but, for the majority, it doesn’t have to be that way.
“Having a healthy diet which you like, by eating healthy foods that you enjoy is the first step towards better digestive health. Most of us could see a big improvement just by eating a high-fibre breakfast, like All-Bran, every morning.”
For tips on how to improve digestive health, and for more information on the variety of All-Bran foods available to help, visit www.allbran.ie.
