Managing nausea, bloating, and gas during Thanksgiving
By the Acuworx Team
Thanksgiving, a time to give thanks and enjoy family & friends! It’s also a time many of us overindulge with food & drink. Below are useful tips by our acupuncturist, to help manage nausea, bloating, and gas! It’s okay to enjoy that special meal, so we’ll provide some practical strategies that will help you better enjoy your meal and recover well afterwards.
Tips for healthy eating during Thanksgiving time:
BEFORE YOUR MEAL
Prime the intestinal tract with digestive bitters to help your body secrete gastric juices. These herbs increase enzymatic functions and optimize peristalsis (the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract) for better digestion of a heavy meal.
DURING YOUR MEAL
One of the simplest solutions to nausea and bloating is the old adage of remembering to chew your food! When food smells delicious, you just want to inhale it! I get it, we’ve all been there. But saliva has enzymes that break down carbs. Chewing your food thoroughly allows enzymes to incorporate with food and break down large pieces before stomach muscles get to it. Do your stomach a favor and don’t give it such a large task :)
AFTER YOUR MEAL
Natural remedies for nausea and gas relief after eating:
I know, the first thing you want to do is lay down and go into a food coma. Try something different and take a walk with your family! A leisurely stroll after eating helps stimulate acupuncture points along the shin bone. These points have functions to move the large & small intestines. Simple body movement can assist with gas pain relief.
Also, try this herbal formula for stagnant food. This classic Chinese herbal formula has been used for centuries due its effectiveness for overeating and drinking.
THE AFTERMATH OF A BIG MEAL
We all know what comes after a big meal... sometimes the boat floats slowly down the river… other times it flows quick like the rapids! If your bowel functions still haven’t regulated after a few days, or you have a history of IBS, come in for an acupuncture treatment to see how Chinese Medicine can help. Research concluded in this meta-analysis show that acupuncture exhibits clinically and statistically significant control of IBS symptoms.
We also know that the holiday season can be difficult as schedules change, we are traveling more, and we are not fully in control of our eating. Our acupuncture treatments offers a range of benefits that can be particularly helpful during the holiday season. For those experiencing the effects of a Thanksgiving food coma, acupuncture can aid digestion, alleviate bloating, and reduce feelings of heaviness. Additionally, it can help mitigate stress and anxiety that often accompany holiday gatherings, enhancing overall emotional well-being. By fostering relaxation and improving circulation, acupuncture not only supports physical health but also contributes to a more enjoyable holiday experience, allowing you to savor the festivities without the discomfort of overindulgence.
Happy Thanksgiving from the entire Acuworx Team!