Tummy troubles

Bloating

This is caused by excessive gas, but if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), even a normal amount of gas can be a trigger.

What can you do? ‘Try to relax - stress exacerbates IBS,' says Professor Alastair Forbes of Core, the Digestive Disorders Foundation. ‘Avoid gassy drinks and rich meals. Talk to your GP about activated charcoal, which absorbs gas, or defoaming agents, which break up bubbles.'

When to worry ‘Bloating can sometimes be due to Crohn's disease or a bowel tumour,' says Alastair. ‘These also cause weight loss, pain and diarrhoea, and need prompt investigation.'

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