4 Ways to Keep Digestion on Track Going Into the Holidays
From Halloween to New Year’s Day, the holiday season can put any diet at risk and can be a dietary minefield. It’s virtually impossible to avoid sugar-laden treats and calorie-dense foods this time of year, especially when they’re delivered directly to our offices and homes. Battling the “Holiday Half-Dozen” takes more than our mightiest willpower—we need simple, straightforward solutions to sail us through the season with optimal health and vitality.
The good news is that there are a few easy things you can do to safeguard digestion, support your gut health, and metabolism against this avalanche of temptations— and in the process, build a foundation for year-round digestive health.
Create Balance with Strategic Foods
Holiday treats and drinks can tempt even the most disciplined dieter. This is where mindful eating makes all the difference. Fill up with a healthy, fiber-rich snack before the party, or bring one to work. After you eat a rich treat or meal, enjoy some fresh produce to bring vitality to your digestion. You’ll be celebrating how great you feel afterward.
Don’t Just Drink…Hydrate!
One of the primary factors of proper digestion is adequate hydration. Many of us are chronically dehydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of filtered water or herbal teas. Adequate hydration can also curb excessive food cravings, especially for sweets, while flushing excess toxins that can accumulate from overindulgence.
De-stress
It’s no secret that we can all benefit from more inner peace this time of year. Stress can have severe impacts on digestion, from temporary stomach upset, to long-term damage. Yoga is one excellent method that’s been proven to counteract stress and simultaneously improve digestion. Regular meditation and deep breathing can also help. Holidays are an opportunity to connect with friends and family, but don’t forget to make time for yourself.
Stock up on Natural Digestive Aids
There are a variety of natural remedies and ingredients that offer gentle yet active support for digestion and overall health. These targeted digestive aids can help enhance and protect gastrointestinal function, strengthen total digestive capacity, and promote long-term wellness.
- Chamomile and mint teas soothe the stomach and improve digestion
- Black pepper enhances digestion and metabolism while combating free radicals
- Medicinal mushrooms — particularly maitake— support digestion and help control glucose metabolism
- Zinc is an essential mineral that plays vital roles in digestive health and immunity
- Ginger root calms the stomach and helps address nausea and gastrointestinal upset
For optimal digestive support, ecoNugenics recommends ecoDigest. This comprehensive formula combines targeted botanicals such as black pepper, galangal root, ginger root, and medicinal mushrooms, which work together to optimize digestive function and ease occasional discomfort. A small amount of digestive enzymes are included to aid the breakdown of dense foods while supporting the body’s own enzyme production.*
This fast-acting formula eases stomach discomfort, improves nutrient absorption, and helps revitalize long-term digestive health.*
Winter holidays can be a time of joy and reflection, without added stress and discomfort. By adopting a mindful approach and optimizing our digestive support, we can avoid common pitfalls, prevent holiday weight gain, and increase our energy for celebrating life.
ecoDigest
Expertly formulated by Integrative Medicine Expert, Isaac Eliaz, MD, ecoDigest is your go-to daily digestive enzyme supplement for fast-acting gut support and healthy digestion balance.