Christmas is coming! It may still be a few weeks away, but I’m sure I’m not the only one who has started on the mince pies! Well, it’s that time of year, isn’t it? The season when we find the perfect excuse to eat and drink whatever takes our fancy.
The festive season means parties with family and friends, big dinners and lots of indulgences along the way – and all that rich excess food can wreak havoc on the digestive system and leave us with upset tummies. Not the makings of a happy Christmas.
Indigestion, constipation, gas and bloating are common effects of the festive over-indulgences. So, as ‘just one more (mince pie / chocolate truffle / add name of festive treat of your choice here)’ and ‘It would be rude not to’ become your go-to phrases over the coming weeks, here are a few tips to help with a smoother digestive transition, and limit the damage to your tummy.
Take a digestive enzyme supplement The Just For Tummies Digestive Enzymes are a must-have for surviving the onslaught of heavy meals and the digestive discomfort that overindulging can bring.
Containing betaine, amylase, papain and lipase enzymes which help the body to digest carbohydrates, proteins and fats – essential for the over 50s (whose digestive systems are more likely to need a helping hand), and equally important for those who eat while stressed, late at night, or on the go, as well as those with IBS symptoms, Digestive Enzymes support the digestive system, promote regular bowel movements – thanks to their mild natural laxative properties – and take the stress off a tummy that may be filling up on more than it bargained for!
Hit the veggies
Reach for the fibre-rich appetisers and nibbles, as they will help you feel full and absorb excess liquid in your body. Fibre also normalises the rate at which food moves through the digestive tract. Fresh veggies, fruit platters and salsa are healthy choices that will help you feel full and make you less likely to overindulge on complex carbohydrates and fatty foods that are often difficult to digest.
Drink water
With all the glasses of mulled wine and ‘festive fizz’ on tap, it’s easy to neglect drinking plenty of water each day. While at a party, alternate alcohol with water to cut calories and keep your digestive system hydrated.
Don’t skip a meal to ‘save calories’
Rather than skipping lunch, choose a light salad or a healthy bowl of soup. The added fibre will help keep you regular and you will be less likely to overindulge later.
Get some exercise
Exercise can help you manage the stress of the season and keep your digestion system active. If you can’t make it to the gym, have a snowball fight, or join in the office party dancing!
A little bit of (festive) food for thought…
On Christmas Day alone, on average, we consume around 6,000 calories! Many people feel bloated after eating a ‘regular’ meal, so the approach to Christmas can be fraught with regular episodes of bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion, unpleasant gas, and embarrassing dashes to the loo due to uncontrollable bowel movements. And let’s not forget the weight gain due to the lack of stomach acid and enzymes of our own to break down all that extra alcohol and food – we all know where it goes instead (thighs, bum and belly!) Now, where are those Digestive Enzymes?
Here’s what two Just For Tummies customers had to say about Digestive Enzymes (and Live Bacteria!)
“Since taking the Just For Tummies Digestive Enzymes and Live Bacteria probiotics, I am so much less bloated and much more comfortable for the first time in years.”
Fiona
“At last I seem to have some relief from my IBS (C) symptoms and I have tested out a lot of products. When I started taking the Just for Tummies Digestive Enzymes along with the Live Bacteria a week ago, I started to notice a difference. My stomach is already less bloated, I have less pain and I am regularly going for a bowel movement –which for me is such a massive thing! I know that anyone who has constipation will appreciate this. So thank you, Linda for supplying me with these great supplements.”
Lorna
