Women 'should not put up with digestive problems'

A nutritionist has urged women who may be suffering from digestive problems to see a doctor and not to trivialise their ailments.

Fiona Hunter said that although problems such as bloating affect many women, they could signify underlying problems and even bowel cancer, which may become worse if left untreated.

"There are changes we can make to our diet and lifestyle that will help reduce the risk of digestive problems. Make those changes first and if the problem doesn't go away and you still feel uncomfortable and bloated after eating, that's the time to go and talk to your doctor," she said.

Ms Hunter added that women should make sure that the problem is taken seriously by their GP and to go back if it is not rectified.

Research conducted by Activia has found that the emotional effects of digestive problems are taking their toll on many women, with 54 per cent of respondents to a survey saying it made them feel sluggish and one in five resulting in a loss of confidence.

Singer Anastacia has fought a well-documented battle with Crohn's disease - a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract - since she was diagnosed at the age of 13.