Irish Summer of celebrations puts a strain on our gut

Gut Week Survey Reveals Despite the Guilt Waterford Will Party On Regardless

A recent survey by Yakult, to mark national Gut Week, June 25th – July 1st, has revealed that in Waterford, 67% of respondents feel guilty about what they consume after a night of celebrations. And yet despite feeling sluggish and suffering with abdominal discomfort, they party on regardless. Yakult's survey revealed that 72% of Waterford respondents do not give much thought to what they eat or drink when celebrating, despite the guilt we experience alongside our hangover.

With the nation gearing up for the Olympic Games and a whole host of festivals and events planned for the coming months, Yakult commissioned their Gut Week survey to see exactly how the nation plans to enjoy the fun and games and the resulting effect that this might have on our digestive health. Gut Week aims to raise awareness of good gut health and educate the nation on loving their gut to improve their overall well-being.

Yakult's Gut Week survey revealed a third of Waterford respondents felt they knew which foods to eliminate from their diet if they have digestive health problems, and a similar number said they were aware of the beneficial effects of certain foods on their digestive systems. Despite this, it seems the majority will be turning a blind eye to digestive health as this summer's celebrations get into full swing. Nearly three quarters of Waterford respondents don't give much thought to what they consume when celebrating, and 63% confess to a more laidback approach throughout the summer holidays in general, admitting to being more relaxed about diet and less concerned about keeping fit.

Despite our unpredictable summer weather, the research also found the barbeque is the county's favourite way to celebrate with friends in summer with 76% of the vote. While the nation overindulges at celebratory events, the barbeque is where we really put pressure on our gut, piling our plates high with chargrilled protein. For a quarter of us, a barbeque meal will consist of at least one hamburger, two sausages, chicken wings or chicken legs, steak and white bread rolls, garnished with coleslaw, topped off with dessert and washed down with at least four or more beers.

Almost all of those surveyed in Waterrford (97%) felt undercooked food was the biggest health risk associated with barbeques but according to Dr. Eva Orsmond, Ireland's leading expert in weight management and nutrition, it is the quantity and types of food we are consuming that prove to be our biggest health risk. "I find it alarming that a quarter of us are eating more than our daily allowance for calories in one sitting at a typical barbeque, mostly in the form of processed meats. We not only run the risk of excess weight gain by eating too much of the wrong foods regularly, but there are the internal effects to consider also, including digestive problems, type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease."

Yakult's survey reveals that our choice of celebrations for this summer's major televised events will have a significant impact on our digestive health. A total of 60% of Waterford respondents opted for the calorie laden barbeque while a third (31%) chose watching the event at home with takeaway and carryout from the off licence. The remainder chose to celebrate with drinks at the pub and fast food on the way home. "We all know that alcohol equals empty calories, but binge drinking coupled with poor eating habits places an excessive demand on our gut and plays havoc with our overall health," adds Dr. Orsmond. "Many chronic complaints can be addressed by loving your gut rather than treating it badly with over processed junk and foods with little or no nutritional value. Planning ahead means you can still enjoy the fun and celebrations without the guilt, abdominal discomfort and bad hangover."

With so many reasons to celebrate this summer, Yakult believes that by being better prepared, choosing healthier options where possible and making small changes for the better, we can all enjoy summer's celebrations and ensure good gut health. Now in its 7th year and supported by a number of celebrities such as ITV's resident chef, Phil Vickery, Gut Week promotes good gut health to the nation. Speaking about his involvement, Phil Vickery said "As a chef, I've always been passionate about a healthy balanced diet, so whether people are attending one of the celebrations or just planning a party at home, I wanted to get involved to help people enjoy the action packed summer, whilst still looking after their diet. Making some simple food swaps can make a huge difference to your diet and keep your gut happy pre and post festivities!"

Gut Week runs from June 25th to July 1st in association with Yakult. Each bottle of Yakult contains at least 6.5 billion live cells of the unique Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain of bacteria, which reaches the intestines alive. Available nationwide, Yakult retails from €3.59 for a pack of seven bottles, one for every day of the week. For practical advice and information on how to maintain gut health, seek help and support, in addition to Phil's healthy food swaps and more information on gut and digestive health, visit http://www.gutweek.ie.