Holidays are the time to let your hair down and indulge in sinful cravings. Giving in to the temptation to eat unhealthily and booze excessively is much easier during this season. No wonder, you may end up having digestive issues right in the middle of the holidays! Plus, you may feel restless, lethargic and stressed out to the extent of missing on the festive fun. Beyond just exercising control overeating and drinking, there is much that you can do to keep your gut healthy. Just being a little mindful and understanding the signals from your gut can make all the difference. Here are some measures that you can take to keep them on track during the holidays.
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Limit trigger foods
There are probably some trigger foods that make you feel sick and uncomfortable. They may differ from person to person. Gluten, dairy, processed foods, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners are the most common trigger foods that trouble people. Know the one that causes discomfort and inflammation and limit or avoid it completely. This is something that you should avoid in routine and all the more during the holidays. Just listen to your body and you will know what does not work for it.
Eat healing foods
While avoiding trigger foods is important, eating healing foods is vital during the festive season. They give your gut some time off and reduce the stress it faces during this time of the year. Primarily, you need to focus on a well-rounded diet that is abundant in whole foods and the ones that are high in nutrient value. Include herbs that heal the digestive system in the recipes you prepare. Identify your comfort foods and ensure that you have them at least once a day to keep your gut in top shape.
Make time for exercise
Eating right is the mainstay of keeping your gut health but you cannot ignore the importance of exercise. You may feel lazy or just want to relax during the season but making time for movement is essential. Exercise does wonders for digestion and prevents weight gain due to the extras you consume. Moreover, it keeps you active so that you can enjoy to the fullest. While you can go out for a run or hit the gym, sneaking exercise in your routine by taking the stairs instead of the elevator is a smart idea.
Get enough rest
The late-night parties may give you reasons to celebrate but they can wreak havoc on your gut health. Taking enough rest, therefore, is as important as eating right to stay healthy during the holidays. Try to get a minimum of 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. Have foods that enhance brain development because they keep you relaxed and restful as well, which directly impacts your sleep. Avoid eating or drinking alcohol during late hours as they can disrupt your sleep cycle.
Stay hydrated
Hydration is the key to gut health and it becomes all the more important for an overworked gut. Drink plenty of water during this season as it will aid digestion and prevent problems such as constipation and dehydration. Ditch alcohol, coffee or tea with healthy, hydrating drinks such as coconut water and herbal teas.
Now that you know the secrets of pampering your gut during the holidays, you will be able to stay healthy and enjoy them to the fullest. Just a little extra love and care for your gut can do it!