Survey reveals glaring need for open discussion, IBS-friendly foods and symptom relief
MONTREAL, March 7, 2019 /CNW/ -- Fody™ Food Co., the leading low FODMAP food company bringing back the joy in eating to IBS sufferers, today announced results from its "IT'S TIME TO TALK S---" survey focused on the experiences of people suffering from IBS or other digestive discomforts. The results were startling: 72 percent are struggling through everyday routines and 76 percent want more open discussions about their issues. But there is good news, too: three in four respondents report the low FODMAP diet to be extremely or very helpful for them. The low FODMAP diet limits foods that are high in a group of sugars called FODMAPs that have been shown to aggravate the gut and trigger IBS symptoms like bloating, gas, and pain.
More than 45 million Americans currently suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – roughly the same number of Americans who use online dating websites or hold student loans. For those with IBS, their gastrointestinal issues are often a chronic condition, with symptoms varying day-to-day. This unpredictability can impact everything – and everyone. One in three survey respondents admitted having been late to work to deal with a symptom. Almost 80 percent have missed hanging out with friends and family events due to digestive discomfort, and 27 percent had to skip a vacation.
Yet talking about IBS and other gastrointestinal issues is often considered taboo, resulting in untreated conditions and prolonged discomfort. Despite three out of four survey respondents wanting people to be more open about talking about poo, the majority (58 percent) waited at least a year or more to seek help, and half still haven't openly shared their difficulties because they're embarrassed.
"People should not have to be ashamed to talk about their issues or miss out on what makes life worth living, like weddings and other special occasions, and eating delicious food," says Steven J. Singer, founder and CEO of Fody Foods. "We now know there are hundreds of millions of people suffering from digestive discomfort worldwide, and it is our goal at Fody to help them get symptom relief and enjoy life to the fullest."
Fody is well on its way to doing just that, currently delivering a portfolio of more than 20 low FODMAP, gluten-free, dairy-free and non-GMO products like snacks, condiments, sauces, and other kitchen staples. Between January and February 2019 alone, the company added more than 500 additional doors to its retail footprint, making Fody products accessible to shoppers in more than 2,500 retailers across North America. Beyond retail, the brand offers resources, recipes and more on its website and social channels to help IBS sufferers and anyone challenged with digestive discomfort.
Fody is also launching a new outreach campaign, "IT'S TIME TO TALK S---", to encourage open discussion about IBS and other digestive issues. "If you haven't experienced digestive distress on some level, it's really hard to understand how debilitating it can be for someone who has," says Singer. "Our goal at Fody is to talk s--- with the kindest of intentions – and bring the digestive distress discussion out of the bathroom and into the open so that no one feels embarrassed, but rather feels empowered to find solutions for their discomfort."
Survey results are based on responses from more than 1,500 people who identify with suffering from IBS or another digestive discomfort. Nearly 80 percent received a diagnosis from a medical professional, 18 percent received help from a medical professional but no diagnosis, and roughly three percent have not sought help for their digestive discomfort.
For more information on the survey, and to read its accompanying white paper, please visit https://www.fodyfoods.com/pages/ibssurvey2019.
About Fody Food Co.
Fody™ Food Co. is committed to bringing back the joy in eating for the more than 45 million people suffering with IBS and other digestive discomforts. Fody is a one-stop shop for delicious, low FODMAP, gut-friendly products in a variety of categories including salsas, snack bars, trail mixes, sauces, condiments, dressings and seasonings. To purchase products and for tips and recipes for living a low FODMAP lifestyle, visit fodyfoods.com.
SOURCE Fody Food Co.
Katie Volney, [email protected], D: 651-789-1268, https://www.fodyfoods.com
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