'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…
Playlist Hack SPEEDS UP Surgery Recovery
Recovering from surgery can be painful and trigger anxiety. But scientists say they stumbled onto a surprising drug-free hack to slash pain and speed up recovery.
The Longevity Secret Hiding in Your Produce Drawer
Scientists discovered a remarkable compound that extends life. In fact, this secret to living longer (and better) might ALREADY be hiding in plain sight in your refrigerator…
Peace, Joy, and… Pressure? How to Relieve Holiday Stress
A recent poll revealed a startling reality about our collective holiday experience. Americans are feeling more frazzled than festive. Find out the stress fix…
Your Washed Fruits and Veggies Might STILL Be Toxic
Think you’re safe because you wash your produce? Think again! New research reveals the shocking truth about pesticides lurking in your fruits and veggies.
Mailbag: Pain in the Joints Can Be Eliminated NATURALLY
Battling arthritis pain? Frustrated with conventional treatments? Non-drug solutions can ease joint pain without having to face harsh arthritis drug side effects.
Study Reveals We’re Breathing in Dangerous Chemicals
New research shows toxic chemicals in urban air have reached dangerous levels. Discover how to protect yourself from these airborne pollutants
Morning Rituals to TRANSFORM Your Day
Transformative morning rituals aren’t just habits. They’re the building blocks of a more productive, healthier, and happier you.
P.S. Heartburn and this dangerous heart condition are LINKED! (A MUST read!)
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.
View More Free Articles
The $1000 Weight-Loss Secret Your Body Makes for FREE
Weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have become household names. These injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs have captured widespread attention, with celebrity endorsements and social media success stories highlighting their dramatic results. But here’s what those glossy headlines aren’t telling you… GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone released by your gut. It acts as...
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...
Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer
If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...
WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”
When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...