Doctor's ready meals warning as he says they can ‘increase’ negative gut symptom

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A medical expert has cautioned that consuming ready meals may exacerbate a common gut issue affecting nearly half of the British population at some point in their lives.

According to reports from The Mail on Sunday, approximately one in eight GP visits nationwide last year were related to gut problems, with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's on the rise.

A recent study also revealed that one in two Brits have experienced acid reflux symptoms after eating, including a burning sensation in the chest, sour taste in the mouth, bloating, nausea, hoarse voice, and dry cough.

Dr. Simon Smale, a consultant gastroenterologist at Manchester Royal Infirmary, suggests that the increasing cases of acid reflux may be linked to the widespread consumption of ready meals. He told The Mail: "Some processed foods, such as ready meals containing complex carbohydrates, can increase symptoms such as bloating because they're harder to digest."

"Sensitivity hasn't gone up it's that people are eating more of them. Reflux is also more common and that may reflect the type of foods people are eating and the increase in weight, too.", reports Gloucestershire Live.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ana Wilson, a consultant gastroenterologist at St Mark's Hospital, warns that processed foods could be an indicator of bowel cancer. Individuals experiencing persistent acid reflux are advised to consult their doctor, as reported by The Mail.

While most gut symptoms are usually not indicative of anything overly serious, medical professionals warn that some could be a red flag for more severe conditions. This includes new gastrointestinal symptoms persisting for over three months in individuals aged 50 and above.

Doctors also highlight that blood in your stool can be a warning sign of poor gut health. The NHS advises seeking medical consultation if you notice blood in your stool for three weeks or longer.

Additionally, those experiencing heartburn or indigestion for three months should consult their GP. However, the NHS notes that mild acid reflux can be managed with the help of a pharmacist.

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels back up the oesophagus due to a malfunctioning valve that prevents stomach content from moving upwards.

This condition can lead to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which can be triggered by factors such as pregnancy, obesity, and smoking. It's estimated that GORD affects up to 150,000 Brits, with potentially half a million cases undiagnosed.

For more information about acid reflux, visit the NHS website .

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