Holiday Tips for Digestive Care

‘Tis the season!  The holidays are just around the corner and we know what that means… parties galore!  Although these occasions are joyous, they can lead to over-indulgence and stress – and neither are good for your digestion!

Good digestive health is important in order to extract nutrients from food to be used as fuel for our bodies, and to eliminate toxins from the body.

Eat, drink, and be merry – but still take care of your body!  

Here are 5 easy tips to help you through the season:

1. Drink plenty of water – hydration helps the body stay energized and eliminate toxins. Alternating a festive cocktail with a glass of water is a great way to help the body flush toxins out and prevent cellular dehydration. For an extra boost, add fresh lemon juice to your water and drink before your meals. This helps stimulate the digestive process and help you eliminate toxins more efficiently.
2. Eat more fiber – with potlucks, parties, and family dinners it’s very easy to over-indulge and eat larger meals than we’re used to. Try to make sure half your plate is vegetables so you can enjoy the meal and not have to deal with the post-meal bloat.
3. Be mindful of the dessert table – Who doesn’t want dessert? Really? We’re all human and it’s completely natural to want to indulge this time of year when there’s a sweet treat around every corner. Just remember to be mindful and choose quality over quantity.   Skip the timbits, or cookies someone brought in at the office, and save yourself for something else.  We should not deny ourselves treats, but it’s important to hold yourself accountable. You know how many parties you’re going to, so plan your desserts accordingly.
4. Consider digestive support – taking a daily probiotic is a great way to help your body stay strong and digest all the food consumed during the holiday season. Probiotics help fight off bad bacteria and promote the growth of healthy bacteria which help your body digest food and keep your immune system strong.  Taking digestive enzymes may also help your body digest meals that are larger than you’re used to consuming. Consult your health care practitioner before starting any new health supplements.
5. Don’t skip breakfast! Skipping breakfast because you overindulged the night before can lead to blood sugar imbalances that fuel sugar cravings. This is the last thing you want when there’s a festive sweet treat everywhere you go. Even if you’re not hungry, have something light, and bring some fruit with you to keep you satisfied until lunch. This will prevent blood sugar crashes and keep you eating healthy and energized throughout the holiday season.

The Vitalife Team wishes you and your family a happy and healthy holiday and a very Merry Christmas!