Australian owned complementary medicine and medical device brand, BioRevive, in partnership with Pureprofile, has released new research highlighting the hidden and distressing impacts of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
IBS is one of the most common functional gut disorders in Australia, affecting 1 in 5 people. And a further 1 in 5 exasperated Aussies say they’ve tried every treatment to no avail, and feel there’s no solution.
The research was commissioned as BioRevive launches SilicolGel On-The-Go Sachets – designed to ease the most common symptoms of the condition including cramping, flatulence, gas and diarrhoea, anywhere, anytime. But based on the stories and experiences of 1,000 Aussie IBS sufferers, this study reveals that the true impact of the condition stretches far beyond physical symptoms.
Catherine Jones, from BioRevive explains: “We’re on a mission to help normalise IBS and also make clear that there are new and innovative symptom relief products available. The goal of this study is to shed light on the hidden impacts of the condition; IBS has a significant impact on the mental health of those affected, with a sobering 91% of respondents experiencing anxiety and depression as a result. This is largely due to the impact physical symptoms have on an IBS sufferer’s quality of life.”
These impacted areas of life include;
Social life: The unpredictability of flare-ups means sufferers struggle to participate in social activities and maintain friendships. In fact, it was found that 7 in 10 avoid leaving the house because of their symptoms, losing up to a week or more per year of their social life. Respondents reported feeling increased levels of anxiety as a result.
Self-esteem: Over 50% of respondents stated that they experience self-confidence issues. This is often a result of bodily changes (such as bloating and weight fluctuations) and feelings of embarrassment and shame due to the nature of symptoms. This was also shown to have a domino effect on dating and relationships, with 2 in 5 young Aussies admitting that IBS affects their sex lives.
Career: When it comes to work life, 1 in 5 respondents said they have missed 7 or more days of work per year, with 1 in 10 having to use 10 or more days of sick leave a year due to symptom flare ups.
The solution?
The study shows that 60% of Australian IBS sufferers are feeling uncertain or pessimistic when it comes to managing symptoms. What’s more, 6 in 10 say they would go as far as giving up sex and social media to be IBS symptom free for a month.
Accredited Practising Dietitian, Melissa D’Elia details the importance of sufferers finding a workable, personal solution.
“As an individual who personally experiences the challenges of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, I can empathise with the significant toll it can take on one’s life, not only in terms of physical discomfort but also the social and emotional challenges that can arise as a result.
I often see clients struggling to manage their IBS symptoms. It’s important for individuals to know that there are practical and effective strategies that can help ease their discomfort. Fortunately, there are now more options than ever before to help manage IBS symptoms.
In addition to implementing dietary modifications, such as adopting a low FODMAP diet, over-the-counter products such as gastro gels may provide effective relief for individuals experiencing discomfort. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.”
