 According to the Food Standards Agency, the average person munches their way through 7,000 calories on Christmas Day.
Many people suffer from indigestion over the Christmas period because of the sheer quantity and type of food that is consumed. Christmas foods are typically fatty and that means they take longer to digest than other foods as they spend longer in the stomach. If you are feeling fuller than Santa’s sack why not try these hints and tips.
Ditch the caffeine
Try starting the day with a cup of hot water and a slice of lemon as hot water helps to stimulate the digestive process. Tea and coffee are diuretics so can increase bloating as they encourage the cells of the body to hang on to any available water.
The wonder of walking
Gentle exercise helps speed up the body’s metabolism to aid digestion and helps move waste matter through the gut. A walk of between 30 to 60 minutes after a big meal is ideal and the fresh air will help you feel less lethargic too.
Don’t be a gas guzzler
Wind producing foods such as Brussel sprouts, cauliflower or cabbage and fizzy drinks can all contribute to bloating, so stick to broccoli, carrots and parsnips instead. Due to their high fibre content, these foods take longer to digest so can start to ferment in the bowel, generating excess gas.
Herbal helpers
Artichoke and Turmeric can both help maintain a healthy digestive system and bowel function. Grown in the UK, globe artichokes are in season between June and November each year but are not always readily available, but supplements are available. Turmeric is a popular spice often used to flavour Indian cuisine, but it can also help maintain a healthy bowel and digestive system and is also available in supplement form. | 
