Tips For Surviving Thanksgiving
If you’re anything like me, resisting all the amazing food and drinks that will be offered this Thanksgiving is a little bit of a nightmare. It tastes amazing until it doesn’t – your stomach starts to hurt, your skin may be suffering days later, and you likely will feel exhausted the day after. Many of us don’t realize the impacts that food and digestion have on our system. Digestion is the single hardest physiologic process our bodies go through on a daily basis – so much so that it contributes to premature ageing. In fact, it’s been speculated that cultures that eat significantly less live a lot longer. If you don’t believe me, I implore you to look into Okinawa, Japan. So without further ado, here are my top recommendations for improved digestion this Thanksgiving weekend:
Pre-Meal Prep
1. Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes should be your go-to prior to eating a big, rich meal. Enzyme blends give you the extra support you need to get through all that food and actually digest it properly. Take a digestive enzyme at the beginning of your meal to reduce bloating and indigestion. It is especially helpful if you’re like me and you don’t typically eat dairy or wheat. These will save you!
When choosing a digestive enzyme always consider which types of food are hard for you to digest and go from there! For example if you have a hard time digesting fats look for a digestive enzyme that contains lipase. Similarly for protein digestion look for protease, bromelain, and papain. For digestion of carbohydrates look for amylase, cellulase, lactase, maltase, sucrase, and hemicellulase!
2. Bitters (yes, alcohol)
If you’re going to be drinking with your meal (which I assume you will be), why not try a bitter? Bitters are fantastic at stimulating stomach acid in preparation for your meal and for digestion after eating. Gentian bitters are my absolute favourite, but if you don’t have them handy a very common household bitter is Angostura. Be warned that some people do experience nausea if drinking this on an empty stomach. If you want to be on the safe side, drink it with your meal or after. Please use responsibly.
Post-Meal Care
1. Dandelion Root Tea
This is hands down the best tea to drink after a big meal. It will help with digestion and it is hepatoprotective (aka it protects your liver which is about to be overloaded). Not only will this tea help you with digestion, but it will also help you combat any adverse reactions to food including skin breakouts, allergies, and constipation. Dandelion root tea can be found in any grocery store and is very reasonably priced. Allow it to steep for 10-15 minutes for optimal effectiveness!
2. Stinging Nettle Tea
I am sort of obsessed with nettle at the moment; I can’t go a day without drinking it. It may not be the most useful for aiding digestion, but it’s especially great at gently clearing out your system after a big meal. Nettle has a long history of treating allergies, skin complaints, kidney function, and lowering blood sugar. Nettle tea is great for anyone who has skin issues or allergies as a result of diet. This will help mitigate any breakouts that may follow a big, rich meal. Ps. it’s also super cheap, found in any grocer, and easy to make (steep for 10-15 minutes).
Honorable mentions: Peppermint & Caraway Oils
If you’re experiencing any stomach discomfort after your meal peppermint and/or caraway oil capsules will help alleviate your pain! These are a super quick fix that are very effective and helpful for getting rid of stomach cramps. However, if you experience stomach discomfort on a regular basis, it’s probably worth seeing someone to get to the bottom of it.
Be sure to try these out and let me know how it goes! I hope they add to your enjoyment of the weekend, and take away any discomfort you may experience while feasting! Happy Thanksgiving !
Ready to Make a Change?
Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving! If youfeel you need some extra support during this time, I’m here for you.
With loving compassion,
Dr. Alessia Milano, ND