‘Tis the season for sumptuous roasts, creamy desserts, and sparkling drinks – and while we absolutely love it, let’s be honest, all that richness can play havoc with our digestion especially if you suffer with IBS, bloating, coeliac disease or diverticular disease. The big feast day often brings joy, laughter and full plates, but also that uncomfortable feeling of ‘why is my tummy so swollen?’, ‘why do I feel so heavy?’ and ‘why do I feel so tired?!’
Rich foods, high fat content, alcohol, changed routines and even a bit more stress than usual can all combine to mean our gut takes a bit of a battering. For example, research from King Edward VII’s Hospital shows that around 67% of UK adults admit they suffer from gastric issues (acid-reflux, indigestion, diarrhoea) and 61% attribute their festive digestive issues to over-indulgence.
But there are ways you can enjoy your Christmas dinner (and all the festive bits that go around it) – and come through the other side without the dreaded bloating, sluggishness, constipation, nausea or digestive upset. Read on for our supplement recommendations and tips on how to keep the festive bloat under control.
Supplement-focused tips
- Support your gut microbiome with Live Bacteria – if you don’t already take a daily probiotic, now is the time to do so! Adding Live Bacteria to your routine, ideally ahead of your Christmas meal, can help keep things balanced before the rich food really ramps up, as well as support your immune system against bugs and viruses like norovirus that’s doing the rounds this winter.
- Give your digestion a helping hand with Digestive Enzymes – these tablets can offer support when you’re faced with heavier meals than usual, helping your system break things down more comfortably, reducing gassy bloating and biliousness.
- Show your liver some love with Milk Thistle – traditionally used to support liver and digestive function, these tablets come into their own when the food and fizz start stacking up. Very useful for helping to prevent hangovers.
- Sip some soothing Tummy Tea – our specially blended herbal tea is designed to calm and settle the stomach during the festive rush, especially good after big meals or long days.
- Have some activated Charcoal at the ready – these capsules can help reduce excessive gas and bloating when taken after eating, making them useful for indulgent meals; they are also a must-have for mild stomach upset episodes, as the charcoal can bind to substances in the gut and help eliminate them.
How to get the most from your festive feast (and minimise bloat)
- Eat slowly, chew well: Rich meals and large portions often slow digestion. Our Digestive Enzymes help break down fats and complex meals more efficiently. Take one tablet before meals.
- Mind your drink: Fizzy drinks, sugary cocktails and alcohol are common culprits for bloat and indigestion. Our Live Bacteria and liver-supporting Milk Thistle help your system cope with the extra work. Take a Live Bacteria capsule twice daily before meals and a Milk Thistle tablet before you begin drinking alcohol, one before bed and one with breakfast the following morning.
- Add fibre and colourful veg: Including fibre helps everything move along and prevent that sluggish, heavy feeling. Festive meals often skimp on this.
- Stay somewhat active: A gentle walk after dinner can help digestion, ease the fullness and reduce bloating.
- Rest and stress less: Christmas can be hectic. Stress impacts digestion. A calmer gut = easier digestion.
Imagine: you sit down to that gorgeous plate, you savour every bite, you maybe go back for seconds (or thirds!) – and afterwards you feel pretty good. Not stuffed, not bloated, not retreating for an emergency lie-down. That’s the goal.
If you have any questions about a digestive, gut or women’s health issue, or would like to know about our range of supplements, or you’re interested in a specific supplement protocol, please get in touch. We are here to help.
