IBS Sufferer Launches New Diary to Raise Awareness of Gut Health and Help Others
With gastrointestinal health often considered an embarrassing or awkward topic of discussion, one long term sufferer is setting out to raise awareness of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome by launching a new gut health diary which takes a 360° approach to wellness and encourages women to better understand their bodies and triggers. Lottie Drynan, the voice behind the popular Tummy Diaries – a ‘warts and all’ look at IBS and body image – has created My Tummy Diary; a vital resource for anyone struggling to manage symptoms.
The expert approved diary, which doubles as an essential guide to gastrointestinal health, provides a simple, straightforward way to track symptoms, note changes in physical and psychological health, and record possible triggers in an effort to learn more about individual health while also encouraging women to discuss ‘embarrassing’ conditions and integrate them into everyday life. Through an improved understanding of the connection between physiological and psychological wellbeing, Drynan hopes to help sufferers spot patterns and trends, reduce triggering behaviours, and facilitate a happy, healthy life.
Lottie Drynan, creator of The Tummy Diaries and founder of the You’ve Gut This online community said, “Living with IBS, or any chronic illness, isn’t fun and can often be isolating, confusing and frustrating. With all of our bodies being so unique, there isn’t one magic tablet or miracle answer; it’s all about listening to our bodies and learning about what really makes them happy.”
The launch of My Tummy Diary comes at a time when top experts in the field of gut health are beginning to move away from the concept that gastrointestinal health is impacted exclusively by diet, with research suggesting that numerous factors can play a significant role. Recent research shows that diet, stress, movement and sleep can all affect gut health, with Drynan herself crediting symptom tracking with her breakthrough moment identifying stress as a trigger for both her bloating and irritable bowel syndrome. “For me, stress is my biggest trigger and a stressful day at work could quite easily cause a flare-up, but there is simply not enough awareness of the gut-brain axis so many people don’t put two and two together”.
The innovative My Tummy Diary includes three months of undated diary pages and templates that encourage users to track key lifestyle areas to identify their own triggers. “I know firsthand how difficult it can be to get a handle on our triggers which is why I am so passionate about helping others do so and learn to truly understand and love their bodies,” continues Drynan.
In addition to three months of diary pages, My Tummy Diary users are also provided with a wide range of useful resources from leading dieticians and health professionals to help them manage their symptoms and live happier, healthier lives. Included in the diary is a happy gut, happy mind health assessment, mindfulness techniques, an exercise and meal planner, bloat-friendly fashion recommendations and fashion ideas, and much more.
Drynan has gained a strong following for her open, honest, and transparent discussions surrounding IBS and gut health. The keen foodie and fashionista has built two welcoming and inclusive online communities for fellow sufferers, The Tummy Diaries and You’ve Gut This, as well as launching a free Facebook support group where thousands of women have shared their stories, offered helpful tips, and supported each other. #mybloatedwardrobe, created by Drynan herself, has become the unofficial hashtag for social media IBS stories.
Available now, the A5 sized, 240-page My Tummy Diary can be purchased online with a cute blush or sophisticated sage faux leather cover for £25. Printed on FSC certified paper, the diary can be used to independently manage symptoms, or as a record keeper for use alongside the help of a registered professional. Most importantly, the diary has been carefully designed and created to raise awareness of gut health and eradicate the stigma.
To find out more about My Tummy Diary, or to order your copy, visit: