Young Brits are going to extreme lengths to avoid talking about their toilet habits with some bizarre DIY constipation remedies.
Constipation is a strain for young Brits who struggle to loosen up when talking about bowel habits, according to new research.
Bowel movements are causing young faces to flush as over two thirds (73%) of Gen Z and millennials (18-34) find poo a taboo topic of conversation – compared to half of over-55s (52%).
A survey of 2,000 adults even revealed the desperate things they’d do to avoid the doctors – from guzzling olive oil to having a cigarette and eating only fruit.
Despite being the most likely group to have suffered from constipation in the last six months, embarrassment has prevented two thirds of 18–34-year-old constipation sufferers from seeking help – with a sixth (16%) admitting they’d rather discuss their sex life over their toilet habits.
“Pooing is a key element of a healthy daily routine, but, of course, occasional constipation is completely normal,” said Dr Maura Corsetti.
“In fact, the NHS estimates that around 9.5 million adults in the UK are constipated at any given time. Yet, it remains one of the most embarrassing topics to speak about openly.”
When it comes to finding relief, the most popular remedies are drinking water (65%), taking laxatives (33%), and drinking coffee (24%).
The findings, from research carried out by laxatives brands DulcoLax, follows World Toilet Day, which every year pays tribute to a universal necessity often taken for granted - the toilet. The #TalkingPoopIsGood social media campaign aims to get people about their bowel health and seek help if needed.
Three quarters (77%) of its study respondents agreed that seeing more references to infrequent or irregular bowel habits in popular culture would make them feel less embarrassed.
Constipation is characterised as pooing less than three times per week, and symptoms include fewer trips to the bathroom, feeling bloated, excessive straining, abdominal discomfort and struggling to feel empty.
To help relieve constipation, healthcare professionals recommend eating a high-fibre diet, drinking plenty of water, regular exercise, not holding back bowel movements and, if diet and lifestyle changes fail to be effective, occasional constipation may be resolved by using laxatives.
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