Giving it all that he’s got on Saturday evenings, Jamie Laing first prepared for the competition by addressing his IBS. What is this condition? And what are the symptoms?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Consultant Gastroenterologist at Bupa Cromwell Hospital, Dr Lisa Das said IBS “is very common”.
“It affects the whole of your gut,” she continued, which can lead to the following symptoms:
- Generalised abdominal pain
- Pain related to meals
- Alternating diarrhoea or constipation
“The treatment for IBS is actually quite difficult,” confessed Dr Das.
Bupa states “an imbalance in the bacteria in your intestine” can contribute to the development of IBS.
To address this, “probiotics can help ease IBS symptoms” as they contain “helpful bacteria and yeast”.
“The microbes in your gut are part of [a] brain–gut connection,” it explained.
Studies have found that psychological issues, such as stress and anxiety, can lead to IBS symptoms.
Jamie chose to treat his symptoms of IBS with probiotics before he started his Strictly journey.
“I’ve been getting this probiotic… I’m doing a four-month course so my IBS will disappear,” he said.
Since then, the 32-year-old has been topping the leaderboard with his dance partner Karen Hauer.
On Saturday, November 28, the pair scored 24 dancing the Tango; the week prior, they were top of the leaderboard with an almost-perfect score of 29.
How did Jamie become a celebrity?
Jamie found fame on Channel 4’s Made In Chelsea, as he came from a wealthy background.
His great grandfather – Sir Alexander Grant – was the boss of McVitie’s, and developed its Digestive biscuit in the 19th century.
Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, Jamie is now a businessman of his own confectionary company Candy Kittens.
You can catch Jamie on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday, December5 at 7.15pm.