The ScoopHoliday Gut Health: How to Keep Your Digestive System Happy
The holiday season is full of celebrations, hearty meals, and plenty of cheer—but it can also bring some challenges to our digestive health. Rich foods, sugary treats, and stress are a common recipe for post-meal bloating, indigestion, and feeling sluggish. So, how do you keep your gut healthy and balanced while still enjoying the festivities?
Here are our best tips to support your digestive system through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all the holiday fun that comes with it!
Why gut health matters (especially during the holiday season!)
Our gut health plays a big role in how we feel and function every day. A balanced gut microbiome not only supports digestion but also impacts energy levels, immune function, and even mood. With all the changes in routine, indulgent meals, and added stress, it’s easy for your gut to get a little out of whack during the holidays.
This season, try these simple strategies to keep your gut happy and avoid the dreaded holiday bloat.
1. Focus on fiber
Fiber is key to a happy digestive system. It helps regulate bowel movements, supports healthy blood sugar levels, and feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. While holiday meals might be heavy on meat, carbs, and sweets, balance things out with fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Pro tip: Start meals with Transform, our sugar transforming enzymes to help boost your fiber intake and ease digestion.
2. Stay hydrated
Holiday travel, cold weather, and caffeine can leave us dehydrated, which can slow down digestion and lead to constipation. Drinking enough water helps your body break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently. Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day and enjoy a glass before meals to support digestion and prevent overeating.
3. Practice mindful eating
Between catching up with family, holiday movies, and second helpings of pumpkin pie, it’s easy to overeat without realizing it. Mindful eating means slowing down, savoring each bite, and tuning in to how your body feels. It can help you avoid overeating, reduce stress on your digestive system, and increase satisfaction with your meal.
Try this: Put your fork down between bites and take a few deep breaths before starting again. Taking your time can make a big difference in how your body digests food.
4. Prioritize protein and healthy fats
Balancing carbs with protein and healthy fats helps slow down digestion, providing more sustained energy and keeping blood sugar levels steady. Overloading on simple carbs and sweets can spike blood sugar and lead to crashes, leaving you feeling tired and craving more food.
Holiday strategy: Try to include some protein (like turkey, eggs, or nuts) and healthy fats (like avocado, olive oil, or nuts) with each meal. This will help you feel fuller, longer, and keep energy levels stable.
5. Go easy on the sugar
Sugar can be hard on your gut, as it feeds harmful bacteria that can disrupt the microbiome balance. While it’s fine to enjoy a holiday treat, try not to make sweets the main event. Processed foods, especially ones high in refined sugars and unhealthy fats, are also harder to digest and can lead to discomfort.
6. Manage stress
Stress can seriously impact digestion and gut health. When you’re stressed, the body releases hormones like cortisol, which can slow digestion and lead to issues like bloating or indigestion. It’s common to feel overwhelmed during the holidays, so try to incorporate stress-reducing practices whenever you can.
7. Stay active
Physical activity encourages movement in the digestive tract, helping to prevent bloating and constipation. Even a short walk after a meal can support digestion and improve how you feel.
8. Consider digestive support supplements
When you’re gearing up for a big Thanksgiving or holiday meal, a little digestive support can go a long way. Digestive enzymes and probiotic-rich foods can help you break down food more effectively and reduce post-meal discomfort.
Quick tip: Try taking Enrich Enzyme Blend before your holiday meals to help support digestion and reduce the chances of bloating or discomfort.
Final thoughts
The holidays don’t have to mean digestive discomfort! By paying attention to hydration, fiber, and mindful eating, you can enjoy all the season’s festivities while keeping your gut happy and healthy. And remember, small choices can make a big difference—choose what works best for you and enjoy the season with ease and balance.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.