The end of year holidays are behind us, but many people may still be feeling a bit of sluggish and experiencing upset digestion. The lingering effects of overeating, holiday treats, alcohol, excess carbs and more sugar than we may be used to—combined with post-holiday dietary resolutions—can contribute to the symptoms of an underactive digestive system, including tiredness, bloating, constipation, skin issues, allergies and other conditions.
Excess craving of certain flavors (such as sweet/salty) or textures (creamy/cold) can also be signs that digestion is off and needs a tune-up. Here are some tips to get healthy digestion back on track this month.
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- Try eating more frequently, but make the meals smaller to not overwhelm the digestive system.
- Try to meditate or do a little deep breathing after a meal, as deep breathing can help the diaphragm in assisting the stomach to empty its contents.
- Stay hydrated between meals so the stomach has enough resources to make proper digestive fluids.
- Try replacing sugar with fruit and a low-oxalate spread like sunflower seed butter on a pear or apple.
- Daily exercise is helpful for improving circulation and getting things moving again. Walking even five to 10 minutes daily helps to better regulate digestion.
Reneé S. Barasch is a certified digestive health specialist, detoxification/purification specialist and the founder of Digestive Health Solutions. Barasch offers telehealth and is also located at North Shore Pro-Active Health, 112 Lake St., in Libertyville. For more information or to make an appointment, call 847-207-2034 or visit TheTummyWhisperer.com.
