Although alcohol and environmental pollutants have long been known to cause adverse health effects, new studies have sought to quantify the precise effects of these factors on gastrointestinal health.

The first of them, conducted by scientists from the University of Calgary, studied the link between air pollution and non-specific abdominal pain (NSAP).

The investigators determined that nearly two-thirds of visits to emergency rooms in Edmonton and Montreal for NSAP were by women, and the majority of those women were between the ages of 15 and 24. They were also more likely to present to emergency departments on days when indicators of air pollution were elevated.

Young women are among the most affected, the authors speculate, because they are at increased risk for functional motility disorders, such as the irritable bowel syndrome.

The second study, by UK scientists, used questionnaires to analyze the dietary habits of 25,639 men and women and followed them for a ten-year period.

Participants provided detailed information on their alcohol intake, and the researchers concluded that those who reported consuming two UK units of alcohol per day had a one-third reduction in their risk of developing gallstones. Each unit of alcohol consumed per week reduced the chances of gallstones by 3 percent.

Researchers emphasize their findings show the benefits of moderate alcohol intake but stress that excessive alcohol intake can cause health problems, including heart and liver disease.

Those who suffer from digestive disorders may benefit from nutritional supplements containing probiotics which have been known to promote good digestion.