Beat the Post-Holiday Food Guilt with these Tips for Getting Rid of Bloat

So it’s the day after Christmas. And you’re surfing the web for ways to get rid of – or at least minimize – what seems like a balloon in your belly. Before you try any drastic measures like fasting for an entire day, there are some things you should know about your body.

Like the fact that your body will naturally detox itself over time. That’s right. You don’t need to embark on a days-long fast or cleanse to rid yourself of holiday bloat. However, there are some things you can do to expedite the process and help your body shed the excess water, sugar and salt you indulged in over the holiday.

Try out these tips for getting rid of bloat and ending the year on a positive note.

Water, water, water.

Drinking water is the single most important thing you can do for your body after over-indulging. No, you don’t need fancy green juices or “detox water,” though water infused with fruit may make it more fun to drink. Plain ol’ water is just as effective – if not more so – at flushing toxins out of your body.

Even though you might feel uncomfortably full, it’s essential to sip on water to help move all that food through your body. Plus, drinking water is shown to reduce appetite, so it may help you refrain from grabbing a second (or third) dessert.

Do some light-to-moderate exercise.

Physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce bloat and start feeling like yourself again. Exercise promotes healthy digestive function and releases endorphins, so you’ll feel much better after.

Your post-holiday exercise doesn’t need to be intense: Just a simple walk, light jog, and stretching can do the trick. Even activities like playing catch with your family after the big meal  will help.

Cut back on alcohol and caffeine.

While it’s tempting to reach for coffee during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it could do more harm than good. If you drink too much caffeine, you might experience more intense cravings after the caffeine has worn off and you feel tired again.

As for alcohol, if you’re like most people, you probably tend to overeat and mindlessly snack when you’re drinking. The combination of a social atmosphere with reduced inhibitions can lead to eating much more than you intended.

Save the sweets.

We encourage you to enjoy the treats you love during the holidays, but just know when to stop. Don’t let dessert one day turn into breakfast, lunch and dinner the next day. The more sugar you eat, the more you’ll crave it, so try to keep it to a moderate level.

Try herbal supplements.

Getting the proper nutrients in your body is key to getting rid of bloat. Without the right vitamins, minerals and enzymes, your body can’t properly digest the food you ate – especially if you ate way too much. Here are the best supplements for bloating:

• Probiotics. Probiotics are the first thing you need to consider when bloat is an issue. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that aid digestive health by regulating and normalizing bowel movements.
• Ginger. This spice helps your intestines relax, which allows food to pass more quickly and speeds up digestion. Ginger can also act as an appetite suppressant, so it might be helpful if you’re having trouble fending off cravings.
• Peppermint. Peppermint extract and oil can have a tremendous impact on gas and bloating. Its superpowers include the ability to calm stomach muscles, expel gas and ease cramps.
• Cinnamon. This common household spice has serious antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. But what you’ll probably need it for after the big meal is its ability to help your body digest fat faster.
• Chamomile or dandelion. Taking chamomile after meals may help to calm the muscles in the intestines and can speed up the wait time between a meal and a bowel movement. Dandelion may also help with mild digestive symptoms, such as bloating or occasional constipation.

We stock a whole range of supplements from Standard Process, MediHerb and Evergreen that can help with bloating, gas and other digestive discomfort. Call us today (805-604-0881) to learn more about our supplement lines.

Drinking plenty of water, engaging in light-to-moderate exercise, and cutting back on processed sugars and alcohol are the first steps to beating holiday bloat. Using herbal supplements for bloating – like ginger, peppermint and fennel – can quicken the process. Click here to learn more about our nutrition programs.