New research has shown that tummy trouble is costing the Irish economy a whopping €45million every year!

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.

Sound familiar?

One in five (21%) of those who work admitted to taking at least one day off in the last 12 months as a result.

On top of this, 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, visit www.allbran.ie.