Bloating, sluggishness, and fatigue are common symptoms after a big meal like Thanksgiving dinner. Follow these tips the day after Thanksgiving to reduce bloating, improve digestion and to feel more energized.
Most of us tend to eat more on Thanksgiving than we typically do in a given day. While the holidays are meant to be thoroughly enjoyed with family and friends, which includes choosing to indulge mindfully, eating too much, too fast, can overwhelm your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An overwhelmed GI tract can slow down digestion, causing some of the immediate uncomfortable symptoms you may now be feeling like gas, abdominal distension and lethargy.
Luckily, we can look to the ancient practice of Ayurveda for easy ways to get your digestion moving again. These four tips will have you feeling less sluggish and reduce bloating after Thanksgiving dinner.
Hydrate
Water is essential for your digestion. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help keep all functions of your digestive tract working smoothly as well as encourage more circulation.
To get your digestion moving again after your Thanksgiving meal, aim to drink one cup of warm or room temperature water every hour throughout the day. Avoid cold water and ice in beverages as they can dampen the digestive fire and slow down digestion. Additionally, avoid drinking large amounts of water or beverages with your meal, or right before or after, as this will dilute your digestive juice.
Sip on Herbal Tea
Spices and herbs such as cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, turmeric, fennel and nettle have been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years to support digestion. One of the easiest ways to incorporate these herbs and spices into your diet quickly is through consuming an herbal tea.
Two herbs and spices that I particularly love for digestion are nettle and fennel. Regularly consuming stinging nettle can help reduce constipation, diarrhea, and upset stomach in addition to regulating digestion—perfect for the day after Thanksgiving!
In Ayurveda, fennel also holds a special role in digestion. It is a tridoshic herb, making it a great digestive choice to keep on hand, as it strengths and warms the digestive fire without aggravating the fire element pitta.
Not sure where to find fennel and nettle? Try this cleansing blend from Pukka Herbs, which I picked up at my local Whole Foods or you can order on Amazon.
Chew Ginger
One of the simplest ways to rekindle the digestive fire is to eat a small piece of fresh ginger approximately thirty minutes before lunch and dinner. Peal a one 1” long piece of fresh ginger and cut it into thin slices. Eat just a few slices of the ginger before your meals. A 1” piece of ginger should last you about two meals. Start slow at first. Store the sliced ginger in the refrigerator between meals.
Get Active
Although moving your body may be the last thing on your mind the day after a big holiday meal, physical activity is directly related to good digestion. It stimulates your metabolism, improves your blood flow and helps to relax your mind.
Want more tips on how have a healthy holiday season? Head this way.
Thank You Pukka Herbs for sponsoring this post and thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible. As always, opinions are my own.