MEDICAL experts are urging people in Dorset not to ignore their gut.

The warning comes after new research has revealed that 59 per cent of people in the South West have experienced a persistent gut or abdominal problem or symptom, but 31 per cent have not sought professional medical help.

The research, which was conducted for Love Your Gut Week, an initiative from a group of digestive health charities and organisations, showed that the most common gut problems experienced were diarrhoea, constipation, heart burn, bloating and blood in stools.

Almost one in ten of people in the South West have also experienced persistent stomach pain. Yet, a third of people didn’t realise you should seek medical advice if you have blood in your stools and 42 per cent didn’t know you should see a doctor if you have black, tarry stools.

Visit loveyourgut.com for more information.