Gastro ‘a Western world disease

Gastro ‘a Western world disease’ ONE in three Australians

Gastro ‘a Western world disease’ ONE in three Australians suffers heartburn or indigestion, with most blaming spicy or greasy food.A survey endorsed by The Gut Foundation found that Australia has one of the worst heartburn problems in the world, with men and older people hardest hit.Gastro-enterologist Jack Hansky said: “I think it’s a disease of our Western world.”We eat too much, drink too much alcohol, and tend to be overweight.”Associate Professor Hansky, of Monash University, is a councillor of The Gut Foundation, which is concerned about public health implications of an ageing population which suffers regular indigestion.In a report called The Fire Inside to be released today, the foundation estimates the annual cost of dyspepsia at $400 million, including medication and loss of earnings.A survey of 1200 people found people blamed their dyspepsia on the food they ate, including spicy foods (51%), greasy or rich food (46%) and over-eating (37%).It also found that 41% of men reported dyspepsia every four to six months, among women it was 33%.The survey found that 60% of sufferers used antacids, 19% used prescription medications and 18% did nothing.Antacids neutralised acid secreted by the stomach but other agents were available to attack the source of the problem, Professor Hansky said.(Source: AAP)