It is the season of extravagance – mulled wine, parties and feasts! This time of year is a lovely time to socialise and share happy memories with family and friends over fine food and drink. However, for most of us, this does come at a cost. The feeling of fullness, bloating, gas and nausea. How can we negate these unwanted symptoms during this time?

Keep to the same eating times. The body really likes eating at regular times. Even if we are eating a mix of rich foods, our gut will appreciate having these foods when it is ready to digest it.
Avoid late eating. Leaving at least a 3 hour gap between dinner or your last food intake and going to bed/sleep. Otherwise your meal just sits there and can cause unpleasant symptoms during the night.

Using bitter foods. Foods like watercress, dill, kale or rocket can help aid your digestive ‘fire’. Including these foods alongside the richer pies and meats at eating times can make a difference.
Avoid snacking. Giving your digestive system a break can prevent many unwanted digestive symptoms. Sticking to 3 meals per day rather than grazing throughout the day. (Perhaps hide the chocolate tins away!).
Limit alcohol. Okay, maybe this one is a bit tricky but setting some rules for yourself can help. Perhaps choosing some alcohol free days. Or limiting yourself at a party. Remembering to alternate alcohol and water at parties.
Get moving. It doesn’t need to be anything intense. Going for a moderate 30-40 minute walk 2-3x per week has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits
Consider consuming fruits that can aid digestion such as pineapples and papaya.
Consider a probiotic, which can help to support digestive health

Written by Rosie Rayner, ND.