Brits share most embarrassing gut-related moments – like breaking wind in public

Brits have revealed their most red-faced gut-related moments – including publicly breaking wind, loud stomach gurgles in a job interview, and leaving a public toilet smelly. A poll of 2,000 adults found as many as 79 percent have experienced embarrassing stomach issues.

And almost three-quarters (73 percent) suffer from symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea at least one day a week – which is equivalent to seven weeks a year.

It emerged that over half (54 percent) find gut health confusing – whilst two-fifths (39 percent) don’t know what foods are good for their digestion, and 43 percent are clueless about the key role fibre plays.

In light of the lack of awareness around gut health, registered nutritionist, Rhiannon Lambert, working with California Almonds which commissioned the research, said: “Knowing the right foods is an easy first step to treating these awkward symptoms, and research reveals that fibre-rich foods like almonds can support a healthy gut.”

The research went on to find that, despite many being affected by digestive troubles, more than a third (38 percent) don’t know these can indicate poor gut health, and only one in five think symptoms cause health concerns.

Only three in ten would turn to a nutritionist, and just 27 percent would see a doctor after an embarrassing stomach incident.

Top excuses include gut health not being a big issue (51 percent), believing that their symptoms were normal (35 percent), and not wanting to waste doctors’ time (28 percent).

Instead, more than two-thirds (69 percent) would opt to self-medicate by changing their diet (56 percent), drinking more water (50 percent), and taking over-the-counter medicine (46 percent).

Popular TikTok “remedies”, which many are willing to try, include charcoal supplements, ginger shots, and lemon water, according to the stats via OnePoll.

Rhiannon Lambert added: “Our gut health is certainly something that we shouldn’t overlook – looking after it helps not just our digestion, but overall wellbeing, and can even prevent more serious diseases such as colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) later down the line.

“For most of us, the key to good gut health is ensuring we’re eating a varied and balanced diet that supports our gut microbiota.

“Adding almonds is a great option to do this – and the latest scientific research shows eating whole and ground almonds can increase the short chain fatty acid butyrate, which is associated with multiple health benefits, including better sleep, decreased inflammation, and decreased risk of colon cancer.”