subject: Ease Holiday Digestion Woes [print this page] 2012 By Victoria Bowmann, PhD 2012 By Victoria Bowmann, PhD
The joy of the holidays is accompanied by lots of family and friends, as well as lots of eating and drinking. Cookies! Eggnog! And holiday dishes especially made for the celebrations. Moms cooking at its best.
One finds themselves holding their tummy, either the pain in the stomach with belching and heartburn or pain in the lower abdomen with gas and bloat. Sometimes its from what one eats, sometimes its from how much one eats, and sometimes its from the combinations of what one eats.
Of course, moderation and making better choices is the common sense thing to do, yet who can resist? And who really wants to? So lets look at some suggestions that can make the digestive woes just a little easier.
First, drink water between each alcoholic drink to keep the body hydrated. If the water is cold, then it ramps up the metabolism and causes one to feel more full, so we dont go back for the extra helping.
Next, select a small plate. If your hostess hears you say Im going back for more! she prides herself in having done an excellent selection of foods. Dont pile the plate high, select things you really want to enjoy and savor every bite. Take the time to actually taste each morsel. Its also ok to not clean your plate. Set it aside with something left over to reinforce ones self discipline. Your tummy will be glad you did.
When you arrive home and the bloated stuffed feelings set in, remember that ginger and peppermint are great for easing the pain. Candies usually are made with corn syrup, which I prefer to avoid. So reach for oil of peppermint or oil of ginger (purchased in the baking section of many grocery or cooking stores) to flavor a glass of water and sip this slowly.
Another natural first aid tip is to rub the outside of ones ring finger. This is the triple warmer acupuncture meridian that assists with digestion. It runs up the outside of the arm, across the back of the shoulder, up the neck, around the back of the ear and ends at the outside corner of ones eye. Gently massaging the finger or massaging the entire line can help to ease digestive distress.
Enjoy your holidays; make the best choices you can, and use these natural suggestions to ease through the festivities.
About Victoria Bowmann, PhD
Dr. Victoria Bowmann received her PhD in homeopathy and natural medicine from Westbrook University as well as a doctorate in homeopathic medicine from the British Institute of Homeopathy. She is also a licensed massage and certified colon therapist in the state of Arizona. Bowmann is a regular contributor to several national publications, has been interviewed on television and radio, and has delivered numerous presentations internationally. She has personally trained physicians and colon hydrotherapist and wrote a widely used training manual on GI Health and reflorastation. Her private practice is located in Phoenix, Ariz., and Bowmann lives by the motto, "Happiness is a choice."
