Is your indulgent side coming out around the holidays?
Thanksgiving is considered to be the largest dinner of the year, but this extravagance often has a cost: the dreaded “food coma,” which causes bloating, discomfort, and sluggishness. According to a study published in the April 2020 issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, up to one-third of the population of the United States experiences persistent bloating and stomach distension
Thanksgiving menu is typically loaded with rich foods and decadent desserts containing more sodium and sugar than usual. And since food becomes one of the main elements of the day, we tend to eat more frequently — sometimes all day. It’s common to overeat much past the point of fullness. With a few beers on top of everything, we tend to bring the ideal storm for bloating, gas, and feeling pretty stuffed.
When we eat, our bodies digest carbs and ferment the fiber in them, which results in the production of gas that can cause bloating. Despite how unpleasant it is, there’s usually nothing to be concerned about.
However, if pain persists, see your primary care doctor to rule out anything more serious. It’s always a good idea to examine this further with a doctor or nutritionist if you have bloating frequently to establish the core reason and rule out any underlying medical concerns.
But even common bloating can be uncomfortable. The good news is that you don’t have to wait it out while you squirm in your chair. To get rid of bloating and resume your holiday fun, follow these four easy tips.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
When you feel as though your stomach is going to burst, drinking water is usually the last thing you’d feel like doing. But hydration is crucial for reducing bloating. Constipation and bloating frequently occur hand in hand, therefore it is important to keep your digestive tract functioning smoothly for regular bowel movements.
Eating foods high in salt is frequently associated with bloating. According to Harvard Health Publishing, sodium causes bloating and is most likely responsible for it because it induces water retention. After eating, you should drink water to counteract the sodium and assist your body to stop retaining fluids. Drinking water may assist to relieve bloat by flushing the body of extra sodium, despite the fact that this may seem counterintuitive.
Go For a Walk
After a large meal, get some exercise instead of simply resting in. Your digestive system will benefit from some kind of light exercise, like a walk with the family. A little walk might encourage stomach movement and lessen bloating. A stroll after a meal has been proven to reduce stomach bloating. You should be able to relax for five or ten minutes. Regular exercise can help in keeping the walls of your large intestine toned, allowing stool to move more readily.
Stay Away from Carbonation
You might assume that drinking a carbonated beverage, such as seltzer or soda, can help you feel better by making you burp, but all it does is add more gas to your body, thanks to the bubbles. You become bloated when they get trapped in your stomach. A warm beverage that stimulates digestion, such ginger or peppermint tea, is best for you. Bring a bottle of kombucha, pour it in a nice wineglass, and join the party if you’d prefer something more akin to a cocktail. Kombucha has a small amount of alcohol but is high in probiotics, which can help the body feel better.
Do Some Stretches
Once the dessert has been finished, find a quiet area to stretch your body. Gentle yoga practices like Child’s pose or Cat/Cow can ease the discomfort that comes with bloating. Hold each pose for five full breaths (in through the nose and out through the mouth) and then repeat the sequence until you experience some relief. Allow your tummy to fully enlarge with each inhalation. This aids in triggering your body’s parasympathetic nerve system, often known as the rest and digest mode, which is soothing and will help you digest your meal more effectively.
Walk into Thanksgiving prepared to eat and still be able to make it home without bloating up and floating away with a few straightforward guidelines and a dash of awareness.
Happy Thanksgiving!
