What's your gut TRYING TO TELL YOU?

If your tummy's not feeling quite right, check your symptoms so you can find a fix

Bloating, stomach cramps and excess wind are clear signs your tummy needs TLC, but the impact of a dodgy gut goes much further. In fact, research shows that there's a complex connection between our digestive system and overall health, and scientists now know that a happy tum improves wellbeing. Surprisingly, as much as 70% of our immunity is located in the gut and 90% of our 'feel-good hormone' serotonin is produced there too. Things not great in the digestion department? Find out what's going on down there - and more importantly, how to sort it.

Is it... FOOD INTOLERANCE OR ALLERGY? 

For some people, certain foods can lead to food hypersensitivity.

'These reactions either involve the immune system, which is a "food allergy" or, where it doesn't, it's called a "food intolerance"," explains nutritionist Emma Williams.

Your symptoms

• You get pain or nausea
• Certain foods are a trigger
• You've had an extreme reaction after eating, such as vomiting and diarrhoea or a rash

How to sort it

FOOD ALLERGY: Immediate reactions usually take place within two hours of eating, with symptoms like itchy rash, swelling, vomiting and diarrhoea.

'These can lead to serious problems, so seek urgent medical advice,' says Emma.