After the festive season’s delightful indulgence in rich and savoury feasts, many of us find ourselves in need of a reset when it comes to our digestive health. Those scrumptious holiday meals and treats often leave us feeling a bit sluggish and bloated. However, worry not, for there are several simple yet effective strategies to help us regain balance and promote a healthy digestive system.
In this regard, Dr. Hari Kishan, who is a Senior General Physician, at Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, Hyderabad said, “During the festive season, it is important to prioritize your digestive health to fully enjoy the celebrations. One useful tip is to stay hydrated. With the abundance of rich and often salty foods at festive gatherings, it is easy to become dehydrated, which can slow down digestion and lead to discomfort. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to aid digestion, maintain regular bowel movements, and help your body process the festive treats more effectively. This simple habit can go a long way in supporting your digestive well-being during the holiday season.”
Ayurvedic Remedies For Digestive Health
Dr. Kriti Soni, who is the Head of R&D, at Kapiva said, “Mindful eating practices, timely meals, and the avoidance of overindulgence are advocated to ensure optimal digestion. Complementing these dietary principles are lifestyle practices, such as post-meal strolls to aid digestion, hydration with warm water, and stress management through meditation and yoga.”
Here are some herbal remedies listed by her:
Triphala:
- Uses: A mix of three fruits—Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki—Triphala is known to balance all three doshas and acts as a mild laxative.
- How to Use: 1/2 teaspoon of Triphala powder can be mixed with warm water and consumed before bed.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale):
- Uses: It’s used to boost digestion and to treat nausea and indigestion.
- How to Use: Fresh ginger slices can be chewed before meals or ginger powder/tea can be consumed.
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum):
- Uses: Commonly used to treat digestive disorders like bloating and indigestion.
- How to Use: Cumin tea can be made by boiling seeds in water and consumed
after meals.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare):
- Uses: Helpful in treating gas, cramping, and bloating.
- How to Use: Fennel seeds can be chewed after meals, or a tea can be prepared
by boiling the seeds in water.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita):
- Uses: It has a cooling effect and helps alleviate indigestion.
- How to Use: Peppermint tea can be consumed after meals.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum):
- Uses: Used for treating indigestion and stomach upset.
- How to Use: Seeds can be boiled to make tea or used as a spice in meals.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra):
- Uses: It helps soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
- How to Use: A small amount of licorice root can be chewed or used to prepare
Tea.
Fitness Tips After Festive Indulgence
Sanjay Goyal, who is the MD of Powermax said, “The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence. From sumptuous feasts to delectable sweets, it’s easy to get carried away and lose track of your fitness goals. But fear not, because getting back on track after festive indulgence is entirely possible. Here are some fitness tips to help you regain your momentum and embrace a healthier lifestyle.”
Mindful Eating: Following several weeks of excessive celebration, it’s essential to resume a nutritious dietary regimen. Consider your portion sizes and select foods that are rich in nutrients to engage in mindful eating. Include a variety of fresh fruits & vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and cereals in your meals.
Stay Hydrated: A healthy lifestyle depends on staying hydrated. Water should be consumed in plenty throughout the day. Digestion is aided, appetite is controlled, and general wellbeing is supported by proper hydration.
Move More: Get back into your workout routine, even if it means starting slowly. Begin with low-intensity activities like walking or gentle yoga, gradually increasing the intensity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Strength Training: Incorporate strength training into your fitness routine. It not only helps build lean muscle but also boosts your metabolism. Include a variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups.
Sleep Well: Don’t underestimate the importance of quality sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to allow your body to recover and repair.
Manage Stress: The post-festive period can be stressful as you juggle work, fitness, and other responsibilities. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to maintain a balanced lifestyle.