'Tis the Season for A Tumultuous Tummy?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 13, 2024
The holiday season is in full swing!
And you know what that means… lots of festive food, drinks, and—indigestion.
But you don’t have to let a bubbly gut crash YOUR Christmas party.
I’ll share some simple hacks to help you keep the festivities going…
The holidays are brimming with celebrations and plenty of rich food and drinks.
While indulgence is expected during the revelries, maintaining gut health is vital to prevent indigestion from ruining the fun.
Our digestive system is crucial role to overall well-being, affecting everything from immunity to mood.
Here are my top suggestions to help you avoid a tumultuous tummy all season long…
- Focus on Quality: Center your meals around high-quality proteins and non-starchy vegetables. These foods provide essential nutrients without overloading your digestive system. Lean meats, fish, legumes, and various colorful vegetables should form the foundation of your holiday plates.
- Embrace Moderation: While enjoying seasonal treats is fine, it’s essential to do so in moderation. Eating too much sugar feeds harmful gut bacteria, potentially leading to imbalances in your microbiome. Enjoy your favorite sweets, but be mindful of portion sizes and frequency.
- Mindful Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol has a significant impact on gut health, especially when you drink a lot of it. It can alter your gut bacteria balance and irritate the digestive tract. If you drink, do so in moderation, and consider alternating alcoholic beverages with water.
- Incorporate Prebiotics and Probiotics: Prebiotics, probiotics, and fermented foods support a healthy gut microbiome. Consider eating more foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Prebiotic and probiotic supplements are also available. Just be sure to chat with your doctor to determine which ones are right for you.
- Manage Stress: The mind-gut connection is well-established. Holiday-linked stress can seriously affect your digestive health. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and gentle yoga into your daily routine.
Implementing these simple strategies allows you to enjoy this holiday season while maintaining a healthy gut.
Remember, balance is key. It’s not about complete restriction, but rather making informed choices that allow you to celebrate while still supporting your digestive health.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
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Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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