Thanksgiving and Digestive Health

 

In the United States and Canada, Thanksgiving is a holiday primarily celebrated, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November and the second Monday of October, respectively. It's an event with historical roots for both countries, and it is usually the time for everyone to thank for the blessings of harvest and the preceding year.

 

In the United States, many friends and family gather for a special feast to express their expression of gratitude and time spent with loved ones, which is usually linked with a meal including mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, etc.

 

Various traditions, like football games, parades, etc, are also marked on this day. Moreover, individuals use this event to volunteer in some other community service activities to assist those in need. In a wider view, we can say that it is an occasion for individuals to express their gratitude and appreciation for the blessings in their lives. Both countries emphasize the significance of spending time together with friends and family in order to express their gratitude, irrespective of the historical origin that differs among both countries.

 

However, it’s the time for individuals to indulge themselves in family gatherings and delicious meals. Still, one cannot ignore the fact that those yummy meals can sometimes come with challenges to our digestive health as well. Here are some tips to overcome those challenges during this festivity:

 

Mindful Eating:

This has to be one of the most important tips in overcoming the challenge of digestive health. Enjoy each bite, and take your time to devour it. Overeating can be prevented by consuming the food slowly and actually giving the body a signal when it’s actually full.

One can also reduce the stress on your stomach by chewing the food properly, as it helps in the process of digestion.

 

Stay Hydrated:

If you drink alcoholic beverages, then drink plenty of water throughout the day, which ultimately will aid in digestion and prevention of dehydration as well.

 

Balance your Plate:

In order to avoid digestive problems, try to have all sorts of food nutrients on your plate. It should be a mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber in your meals.

 

Limit Fatty Food:

It is known that “ Moderation is the key,” so do not indulge yourself too much in rich and fatty dishes in spite of how tempting they look to restrain yourself from digestive issues.

 

Fiber Intake:

Your Thanksgiving meal should have foods that are rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It will foster regular bowel movements and help in avoiding constipation.

 

Be Mindful of Portion Sizes:

Portion control is the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Do not get tempted to load up your plate with your favourite meal instead, try to use smaller plates that will help you in control of portion.

 

Herbal teas:

Herbal teas have a soothing effect on our digestive system, so one should opt for ginger tea or peppermint tea in order to avoid digestion problems this season.

 

Manage Stress:

Stress also affects our digestion process. You should engage yourself in activities that bring you joy, practice breathing deeply and take moments to relax. Because high stress levels ultimately affect our digestion process so negatively.

 

Light exercise After Meal activities:

In order to regulate your blood pressure and sugar level maintained, you should engage yourself in light physical activity after your meal.

 

Include Probiotics:

To promote and maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, you should consider adding foods that are rich in probiotics such as yogurt and fermented food into your meal.

 

Conclusion:

Everyone’s digestive system reacts differently to various foods depending upon their metabolism. Individuals having high metabolism, tend to digest their food quickly. But if you have risks associated with your digestion system, then you should consult with your healthcare provider. Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal by keeping the risks in mind to your health and its well-being.

WoW Health brings you the perfect blend of gratitude and wellness, offering insights into maintaining a healthy digestive system. Explore our healthcare membership, where you'll find expert advice, personalized nutrition tips, and resources to support optimal digestive well-being. This Thanksgiving, savor the joy of good health with WoW Health.