Alexandra Burke (pictured above)
In my 20s, I was all about work and living my best life. I never really took in everything that was happening in my body. It took a long time for me to get help (for IBS).
While I was going through irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, I knew I wasn’t feeling myself but didn’t know what it was. I was going on stage and skipping meals because I thought eating too soon before a show might be causing the pain, bloating and cramping. It was hard to deal with but life was busy.
Anxiety and symptoms of IBS
I tried every, single thing to work out what was causing the pain. I noticed a link between anxiety and IBS as I had suffered from anxiety for many years. Lately, it’s gotten better through therapy but it still took a long time before I was diagnosed.
I’d seek holistic help from a doctor in New York. They gave me essential oils and ways to deal with anxiety. I also tried cutting things out — gluten, meat — to see if that would help. Eventually, I found the courage to speak to family; but I was in my 20s, thinking: ‘It’s fine; I’m dealing with it; It’s been like this for years’ — and not taking any advice.
It has been life-changing, and I only
recommend something when I know
first-hand that something works.
Seeking support from a GP and speaking up
Finally, I got to a point where after back-to-back tours I was about to start as the Narrator in Joseph at The London Palladium and thought I can’t do another show while feeling like this. I decided to see my GP. She recommended this probiotic supplement, Symprove. But I already tried various probiotics before, and they didn’t work.
After researching I now never go a day without taking it and haven’t experienced any IBS symptoms since. It has been life-changing, and I only recommend something when I know first-hand that something works.
My mum always taught me that if you have a platform, make sure you use it for the greater good. For mental health; gut health; whatever it may be, people should use their platform to talk about it.
To help ease pain and cramping, speak to your GP. I can’t stress enough that people need to speak up. I want to encourage others to make sure they don’t suffer in silence.
