Don’t suffer from overindulgence at Christmas

CHRISTMAS Day can be a day of overindulgence and feasting that can leave you with heartburn and digestive discomfort. And if this happens you may already have some simple solutions in your cupboards.

For example, if the fruit cake causes you heartburn then a spoonful of bread soda in a glass of water, or eating an apple, can ease the discomfort.

Bloating can be eased with a cup of peppermint tea. If you don’t have the tea bags you might have some dried peppermint. You can brew a cuppa by adding a teaspoon of dried herb to two cups of water, bring to the boil and let it simmer for ten minutes. Then relax and enjoy. Peppermint can relieve bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.

Preparing the Christmas dinner can be a source of anxiety for some of you, especially if you’re worried about everybody else having a good time. A cup of chamomile tea can calm and soothe a nervous stomach, and for extra benefit add a couple of drops of Rescue Remedy if you have some.

If you’re feeling nauseous then some fresh ginger, ginger nut biscuits, ginger tea, or even the dried herb would help. You can chew on a couple of biscuits or make a tea by adding a slice of fresh ginger to hot water. If you only have the dried form try adding a small amount to a mug of warm milk, this can ease the unsettling nausea.

If you’re gassy or windy try chewing on a couple of caraway or fennel seeds.

The amount of food consumed can leave your liver and gallbladder a little under pressure. If you don’t have Milk Thistle Complex in your cupboard try a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar or a slice of lemon in warm water, either one of these can support digestive function.

Digestive enzymes can relieve digestive discomfort. If you have them take one with each meal on Christmas Day to help you enjoy your Christmas meals.

So if you find yourself with an upset stomach over Christmas take a look in your cupboard and see what natural solutions you’ll find there.

Of course the simple advice is to remember the rules: eat slowly, chew well, and don’t overindulge! But who will listen to me?