Nutritionist shares 8 natural ways to beat festival constipation and bloating

Constipation and bloating don’t have to ruin the season. Try these 8 natural hacks — from hydration to herbal teas — to reset your digestion the healthy way (Image: Pexels)

Festivities and indulgence go hand in hand — the sweetmeats, deep-fried savouries or round-the-clock feasts that etch them into our memory. But the downside? Digestive upset is how it usually ends. No one is surprised to hear people complain of constipation, bloating and sluggishness after days of feasting. Such problems are transient, however may be very painful if not taken care of.

During the festive season, constipation and bloating happens due to erratic meal timings, no hydration combined with lack of physical activities along with overeating of fried and processed foods. Although there are drugs available to combat them, they aren’t always the answer. Natural cures and some precautions usually help to control digestion and provide quick cure.

Also Read: Constipated while travelling? How to keep your gut and IBS in check

Dr Priyanka Rawal, nutritionist and founder of Divyaa Wellness told Moneycontrol that the cure for beating festival-induced constipation and bloating is easy on its own— natural remedies. Keeping hydrated, consuming fibre-rich foods and making small changes in daily habits can make a big difference. Home remedies are not only safe and effective, they will help our body to reset after overindulgence without any detrimental side effects.

Here are eight natural solutions to help you deal with constipation and bloating over the festive season.

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration helps digestion and softens stool. Gently warmed water or herbal teas are also good for the digestive tract.

Add Fibre-Rich Foods

Include fruits such as papaya, apples and bananas in addition to vegetables, whole grains and lentils to promote regular bowel movements.

Use Probiotics

Yogurt, buttermilk and all fermented foods help end these good bacteria in your gut that is the key to better digestion and less bloating.

Practice Portion Control

Instead, binge small amounts all day so you don’t even realize you’re being bad. This keeps the digestive system from getting bogged down.

Also Read: Causes of chronic constipation: Here's how stress and hormonal imbalance adds to the risk

Stay Active

Gentle exercise, for example, walking or yoga also encourages peristalsis and helps reduce bloating.

Drink Herbal Infusions

Ginger, peppermint, or fennel tea can help reduce gas and relieve cramps and digestion problems.

Avoid Carbonated Drinks

Soft drinks and sodas add gas to the stomach and can make bloating worse. Lemon water or coconut water are better choices.

Mindful Eating

It is also useful to eat food slowly and not eat meals late at night as this puts a strain on the digestive system causing constipation.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.