Yes it’s that time of year again when our lives are full of excitement and planning. Our hectic schedule is filled with lots of shopping, attending functions and overindulgence. Our pockets suddenly become empty, our waist line starts to expand and our social commitments are constant.

Generally at the end of this chaotic time we are so burnt out and exhausted that for many of us it takes a long time to recover. Returning to routine can be difficult and we may be left with digestive upset, irritability and a feeling of complete sluggishness.

The over abundance of food and alcohol during the festivities can cause multiple digestive complaints such as; bloating, indigestion, reflux, belching, abdominal distension, constipation and flatulence. We may even experience lower bowel cramping, nausea and diarrhoea. There are many strategies to help us stay healthy during the ‘silly season’ that can prevent depletion of our energy and keep digestive function optimal.

Helpful tips:
• Avoid over-eating, especially high fat and sugary foods.
• Eat smaller meals more frequently. This will increase your metabolism.
• Try eating vegetables and salads first, this will fill you up and prevent you from eating too much. Vegetables are high in fibre and play an important role in keeping our digestive tracts healthy.
• Drink plenty of water. This can help prevent you from over-eating and prevents constipation.
• When drinking alcohol, have a glass of water after each drink. Another alternative is to fill half your beverage with sparkling water and the other half with alcohol.
• After drinking alcohol have a big glass of water and an electrolyte supplement. Electrolytes are chemicals such as salts and minerals needed for various functions in the body. They enhance energy; prevent dehydration and relief muscular spasms.
• Digestive enzymes can help alleviate digestive symptoms and provide better absorption of nutrients.
• Herbs such as St Mary’s Thistle, Scisandra, Dandelion root and Globe Artichoke may improve liver function and alleviate digestive complaints (constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, belching and fat intolerance).
• Supplementing with a Vitamin B Complex helps reduce stress, assist brain function (behaviour, memory and concentration), improve energy production as well as aid digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.
• Keep active doing things you enjoy such as swimming or a game of cricket. A half hour brisk walk can reduce digestive problems significantly as it stimulates peristalsis in the gut to get things moving.

Be safe and happy over the upcoming month; take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Merry Christmas!
Written by Vanessa Laird Naturopath