Nearly 90 percent of women have had tummy trouble in the past 12 months – with stress the main culprit, research revealed yesterday. Doctors warn that mental wellbeing is directly linked to digestive problems, with growing evidence of ‘cross-talk’ between the gut and the brain. Stress can also lead to indirect effects, with a lack of sleep and a poor diet also having an impact on women’s health. Research by consumer analysts Mintel found 88 percent of women suffered from a gastrointestinal ailment in the past year, compared with 83 percent of men. The study found that upsets were rarely caused by an intolerance, infection or virus. Instead, 30 percent of adults who have had stomach problems blamed stress. Coming a close second was a poor diet, at 26 percent, followed by lack of sleep, at 17 percent. Viruses were the cause of 14 percent of complaints, and alcohol was responsible for another 14 percent. A study by Cambridge University this month found women were twice as likely to have severe stress and anxiety as men. The researchers, whose findings were published in the journal Brain & Behaviour, put this difference down to social changes. In the past, women tended to stay at home and be responsible for the family, but they are now more likely to hold down a job while bringing up children as well, the researchers said. This upheaval is exacerbated by psychological differences between men and women. Olivia Remes, who led the Cambridge study, said, “When women are subjected to stress they are more likely to internalise it and develop anxiety. They tend to ruminate about what has gone wrong – whereas men externalise, they react.” Senior Mintel analyst Jack Duckett added, “The spike in stomach ailments amongst women can be partly attributed to their experience of menstrual cycle-related symptoms. However, it is also linked to women largely remaining the main care providers for children, with the increased exposure to children consequently rendering women more susceptible to germs they may be carrying.” Dr Bernard Corfe, of Sheffield University’s molecular gastroenterology research group, said, “Stress has been well established as a contributor or cause of gastrointestinal problems – tummy upsets – and recent research is highlighting the links. However, stress can also cause us to change our diets and sleeping patterns, which can alter gut function.” Mintel, which based its findings on the responses of 2,000 British adults, found that 45 percent of those who had experienced problems had tried a natural remedy, such as drinking ginger tea. Only 34 percent sought an over-the-counter or prescription cure. But many forego treatment altogether, with 40 percent saying that when they experience wind, bloating or flatulence, they do nothing and let it run its course naturally. Jack Duckett said, “As people have become increasingly conscious of what they eat, an opportunity has arisen for health brands to blur the lines between diet and gastrointestinal remedies. This could see inspiration from vitamins, where brands have introduced powdered supplements to sprinkle on food or drink to bolster their health properties. Brands can also explore natural remedies, such as activated charcoal, which is used medically in the emergency treatment of certain types of poison.” But Dr Corfe said, “When managing symptoms it is important to be cautious about health claims around natural products, and ultimately it’s important to manage stress.”