Exact number of days a month Brits feel their best revealed – as sore throats & lack of sleep hit

Brits only feel at their very best for 13 days a month, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed they feel in good health for less than half the time (42 per cent)  – the equivalent of only 152 days a year.

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The rest of the time is spent with various ailments including colds, poor sleep, stress and digestive issues.

During the winter months, 31 per cent constantly feel run down with sniffles, coughs and sore throats.

And 40 per cent feel the effects of hayfever starting as early as April. 

It also emerged 31 per cent were unaware of the link between good gut health and their immune system.

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Gut microbiologist Dr Kate Steed from Optibac Probiotics, the friendly bacteria brand which commissioned the study, said: "It is extremely hard to feel 100 per cent at all times with so many bugs going round.

“Colds, cough and contagious bugs can hit at any time but are rife during the winter months, and then in the spring and summer hayfever comes along.

“Then there's a whole range of digestive ailments that aren’t seasonal, like upset stomachs, bloating or trapped wind that can crop up regularly and often when you would least like them to."

With so many health complaints, it's no surprise 72 per cent are interested in boosting their immune system, so they can live life to the fullest (60 per cent), to be in good health for the family (44 per cent) and because they have simply had enough of catching coughs and colds (26 per cent).

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The research found 69 per cent struggle with gastric issues, such as constipation (22 per cent), acid reflux (22 per cent) and stomach ache (22 per cent).

And 39 per cent of those deal with these symptoms as often as once a week.

But 76 per cent claim people who don’t have digestive issues don’t know how debilitating they can be, according to the OnePoll stats.

Dr Kate Steed added: “Digestive issues can really reduce quality of life, impacting social activities, relationships and even productivity at work.

“Having one less thing to worry about can be life changing.

"Studies indicate that maintaining a healthy gut plays a key role in overall wellness.

"Probiotics, known to benefit gut health, can be particularly effective when they contain carefully researched strains of beneficial bacteria.

"Those looking to try them should opt for strains backed by scientific evidence."