With so many parties and reunions you attended over the holidays, you’re probably feeling full from all the eating and drinking you had. While excessive eating and drinking may seem inevitable these days, there are food and drinks that can take away feeling of discomfort, aid in digestion and relieve bloating.
Here are some food and drinks you can try, according to registered nutritionist Rob Hobson.
1. Papaya and Pineapple
Papaya and pineapple are tropical fruits that contain enzymes called papain (papaya) and bromeliad (pineapple) that digest proteins. Although evidence for its effectiveness needs further support, it is believed to be a healthy appetizer or dessert to eat with a heavy meal.
2. Dark green, leafy vegetables
The fiber content of green vegetables such kale or spinach aids with digestion. Moreover, they help increase bile flow through the liver, making it easy for the body to get rid of waste products.
3. Probiotics
A lack of good bacteria in your gut may lead to bloating. This is why it’s best to maintain a healthy gut by including probiotics such as live yoghurt which has beneficial strains of bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.
4. Skimmed Milk
Drinking skimmed milk can prevent heartburn and reflux, which are common effects of excessive eating of high fat foods.
5. Beans and Pulses
Rich in soluble fiber, beans and pulses can prevent constipation, usually caused by rich foods and alcohol, and help improve gut transit. Keep in mind that beans and pulses are high-fiber foods that need to be consumed slowly to avoid bloating.
6. Golden Linseeds
Golden linseeds are high-fiber food that can combat symptoms of wind, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. You can add one tablespoon of golden linseeds to soups, stews, cereals, porridge, casseroles, yoghurts and desserts.
7. Oats
Packed with high level of soluble fiber, oats can help those suffering from acid reflux, wind bloating, constipation and diarrhea.
8. Ginger or Chamomile tea
Sipping ginger or chamomile tea between meals may prevent heartburn and reflux by soothing inflamed gastrointestinal tissues and decreasing oesophageal spasms.
9. Globe artichoke extract
Containing cynarin that encourages production of bile that improves digestion of dietary fats, globe artichoke extract can reduce symptoms of indigestion like nausea, wind and stomach pain.
10. Water
Don’t underestimate the power of water particularly if you have overindulged in alcohol, which can cause dehydration.