Christmas and New Year will undoubtly be a time of parties and festivities. Here are some things to consider if you suffer from indigestion.
CHRISTMAS is a time of indulgence. Tempting and luxurious treats make indigestion a common cause over the festive period.
But you need not suffer from a bloated stomach this year. Holland & Barrett has devised the following tips for healthy digestion:
1. Aloe vera is said to soothe the digestive tract to reduce discomfort.
This is most commonly taken as a juice and is popular amongst those who suffer from irritable bowel-type symptoms.
2. Avoid bloating this Christmas by taking a bitter digestive stimulate.
The bitter compounds found in artichoke, dandelion, devil’s claw, goldenseal and juniper help stimulate digestion by increasing saliva production and promoting both stomach acid and digestive enzyme production.
3. Eat your Ps – Papain and bromelain found in papaya and pineapples, respectively, can be used as natural digestive enzymes.
Try taking a supplement containing these ingredients before meals. Do not eat pineapple after a meal as the fruit may ferment and cause indigestion.
4. Essential oils
“Aromatherapy massage sounds unlikely but it’s a great way to treat indigestion,” Heather Hill, an aromatherapist and owner of Euphoria holistic centre in Nottingham, said.
Chamomile, fennel and peppermint oils have calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix five drops of any combination with a base of 10ml sweet almond oil and massage this into your stomach. “Follow the movement of food through your digestive system by rubbing your stomach in a clockwise direction from your right hip upwards, to give general relief to the discomfort in your stomach,” Heather added.
5. Ginger – popular for its distinctive flavour in Oriental cooking, ginger’s various health benefits have been especially valued by the Chinese for many thousands of years.
Historically used to treat stomach complaints, clinical trials have revealed that the active constituents of ginger root may have anti-nausea and anti-vomiting effects, which help to re-balance the gastric juices, soothe the stomach and maintain a healthy digestive system.
6. Little, often and slowly
“Going for hours without eating and gorging on a big meal is a recipe for indigestion,” said Sarah Stanner, from the British Nutrition Foundation.
“Aim to eat smaller meals at regular intervals during the day to regulate your stomach acid and keep your digestion ticking over.” Chewing food thoroughly also helps your digestive enzymes work easily.
7. Liquorice sticks – the medicinal use of this perennial herb has a long and varied history. It remains one of the most important and widely used herbs in Chinese medicine.
Liquorice is believed to help protect the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract by increasing the production of mucin – a compound that protects against stomach acid.
8. Plan ahead
Fast-paced, modern lifestyles often mean we grab high-fat snacks and foods in a rush.
But Catherine Collins, a state-registered dietician with the British Dietetic Association, said: “Rich, fatty foods can play havoc with the muscle separating the oesophagus and your stomach.”
Pre-planning by making lunches that contain wholegrain sandwiches, cereal bars and fruit can lead to nutritional benefits, as these foods are believed to contain higher nutritional value than sweets and release energy slowly over a long period of time.
Related posts:
