For many, the beginning of the new year is a period of more conscious attention to their health. According to a recent domestic research* however, a significant number of Hungarians are at a loss when it comes to improving their digestive well-being, despite the fact that every fourth person wants to change this.
Every fourth Hungarian (26%) wants to improve their digestive well-being, but they lack the necessary knowledge to do so, according to recent research conducted by the NMS Market Research Agency* on behalf of Danone, with the professional support and guidance of the National Association of Hungarian Dietitians. The results of the research show that although 60% of Hungarians regularly think about their general physical well-being, and 54% about their mental well-being, there is still considerable lack of information regarding digestive well-being. Questionnaire of the Digestive Wellbeing Program (www.emesztesijollet.hu) is now helping anyone take the first steps with personalized support.
Frequent digestive complaints
According to representative research, two-thirds of Hungarians regularly experience some digestive problem, 24% of them experience these symptoms on a weekly basis. Bloating is by far the most common of digestive disorders, and more than half of those affected suffer from several problems at the same time. These symptoms occur more often in women, especially in the 35-44 age group, as well as in those who experience stress on a daily basis or have poor sleep quality.
Lack of awareness
Despite the fact that the majority of Hungarians make conscious decisions during their dietary choices, only 35% of them consider aspects of digestive well-being. 50% of those surveyed also revealed that they regularly buy the same ingredients, and therefore follow a similar diet week after week.
Although, according to the research, 75% correctly identified at least one well-balanced, digestive-supportive snack (yogurt**, berries and seeds), the majority were still at a loss as to how they could improve the health of their digestive system. This uncertainty is even more pronounced among 18-34 year olds.
The role of stress and the effect of lifestyle
The research highlighted the role of stress and sleep quality in digestive well-being. As a result of everyday stress, digestive problems appear more often. Using electronic devices at night, which 70% of respondents regularly do, can make the situation worse.
Stress-reducing hobbies can have a positive effect on digestion, but only 31% of respondents regularly engage in such activities. This rate is slightly higher in the 35-54 age group (36%). Hobbies such as singing or cycling can help you deal with stress and improve digestive well-being.
The role of physical activity
The research also pointed out that 59% of Hungarians are aware of the positive relationship between yoga and digestive well-being. Although 82% of those surveyed regularly exercise, only 33% exercise outdoors on a weekly basis, which can have additional benefits in terms of digestion.
Improving digestive well-being
The Digestive Well-being program does not diagnose, but is meant to support users in improving their lifestyle habits. In addition to dietary choices, stress-reducing activities and regular outdoor exercise also play an important role in achieving digestive well-being. After filling out the questionnaire, the respondents also receive recommendations for each activity affecting well-being (diet, sleep, stress, sports habits).
Completing the digestive well-being questionnaire – which we would like to encourage as many people as possible – is another milestone on the way, which, after trying it, will make it easier to understand the questions related to our digestion. The purpose of the questionnaire is to help provide consumers with relevant information on this specific topic, in direct response to consumer needs, and to provide simple but personalized suggestions that everyone can do to support the health of their inner balance – so vital to everyone’s overall well-being / in terms of its condition.
– said Zsuzsanna Szűcs, president of MDOSZ.
The Questionnaire of the Digestive Wellbeing Program is available here: www.emesztesijollet.hu
*Online survey conducted by NMS market research agency in 2024. The research represents the Internet-using population between the ages of 18 and 70 in terms of age and region. ** If the calcium content of the yogurt reaches or exceeds the daily intake reference value of 15%, as calcium contributes to the normal functioning of digestive enzymes.
Source: Danone
Source: www.patikamagazin.hu
