Seven reasons you might have tummy troubles

OUR stomachs are surely one of the most troublesome parts of our bodies - at any point anyone can be suffering from tummy ache, bloating, wind and cramps. 
 
Whether you've been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes cramps, diarrhoea and constipation, or you just have an upset stomach from time to time, the number of people affected by gut problems is on the rise. In fact, 41% of Aussie children are now diagnosed with bowel troubles.

Dr Anton Emmanuel, consultant gastroenterologist at London's University College Hospital and medical director at gut health charity Core, blames "excess hygiene in childhood lowering gut immunity, stressful modern lifestyles, erratic eating patterns and our greater intake of processed food". Better diagnostic methods and awareness of gut issues also mean more people are seeing their doctors to be diagnosed.

Many people with tummy troubles are careful with what they eat, yet find symptoms remain. "I often see patients who are unwittingly making their tummy symptoms worse," says Dr Emmanuel.
Here, we talk to leading digestive experts about how we could be unintentionally upsetting our gut. You should, however, always consult your GP if you experience severe problems.

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