Soon the holiday meals… and sometimes the heaviness that goes with them! Festive meals concentrate everything that complicates digestion: large quantities of fat, sugars, alcohol, generous portions and staggered schedules. As a result, the stomach works more slowly, the intestine becomes distended and digestive comfort becomes a distant memory. However, the solution does not lie in a brutal “cleansing” of the body, but in adapted and measured actions, recalls Dr Gérald Kierzek. What assistance is available to you?
Digestive herbal teas, a safe bet
Infusions based on mint, verbena, fennel, anise, chamomile or even lemon balm remain one of the most effective and safest solutions. “These plants contain substances capable of soothing intestinal spasms, limiting bloating and supporting the digestion of fats by slightly stimulating the production of bile” the doctor tells us. Drink after a meal, without sugar, they offer progressive and natural relief, suitable for daily use.
Vegetable charcoal and essential oils: effective but handle with caution
Activated vegetable charcoal can be of real benefit in cases of severe bloating, because its porous structure allows it to absorb a large part of intestinal gas. But this effectiveness has a downside: it also captures medications, nutrients and even hormones from the contraceptive pill. “It must therefore be used away from meals and treatments, and only occasionally, otherwise it may cause constipation. adds Dr. Kierzek.
Peppermint essential oil, for its part, is a powerful antispasmodic thanks to the menthol it contains. “It can effectively relieve digestive pain or colic, particularly in people suffering from irritable bowel.” On the other hand, its use is very regulated: never pure, always diluted or in the form of adapted capsules, and strictly not recommended in certain populations, particularly in cases of reflux or during pregnancy.
Lemon, cider vinegar and bicarbonate: solutions very dependent on the terrain
Drinking lemon juice in warm water can, in some people, stimulate the production of gastric juices and help get digestion going. But be carefulon,“This same acidity can worsen symptoms in those who suffer from reflux or esophageal irritation.” It is therefore not a universal solution.
Apple cider vinegar acts in a similar way: paradoxically, it can relieve people whose stomach produces too little acid, but it should be avoided in cases of digestive sensitivity.
Baking soda, often used for heartburn, works quickly by neutralizing acidity. “This relief is real, but purely symptomatic” specifies our expert. Used too often, it can disrupt the natural balance of the stomach and cause a rebound effect. “It must remain an exceptional solution.”
The “Norman hole”, the false good idea that complicates digestion
The famous “Norman hole”, combining strong alcohol and sorbet, is one of the most stubborn myths. “Alcohol actually irritates the stomach lining and slows digestion, while cold has no real beneficial effects,” opposes Dr. Kierzek. This tradition does not help the body to digest better, quite the contrary.
Betaine citrate: moderately effective
The famous betaine citrate from the medicine cabinet can occasionally relieve bloating or slow digestion after a heavy meal, but its effect remains brief and essentially symptomatic, with no proven long-term benefit.
Banana, chia seeds… Focus on fiber to help the intestine
Certain simple foods can nevertheless provide real digestive comfort. Ripe bananas, rich in soluble fiber and prebiotics, help regulate transit and soothe the intestinal mucous membranes.
Chia seeds, when properly soaked, form a beneficial gel in the intestine, facilitating evacuation and nourishing the microbiota. However, they must be introduced gradually to avoid discomfort.
Preparing your digestion rather than repairing it, the real solution
Ultimately, for Dr Gérald Kierzek, the key to good digestion after the holidays lies above all in prevention: eating slowly, limiting alcohol, respecting satiety signals and favoring gentle solutions rather than “shock remedies”. As such, herbal teas, a diet rich in fiber and good hydration remain the best daily allies.
And when digestive disorders become frequent or persistent, a medical consultation is necessary. Because digesting well is not magic, but a balance to be preserved. And there’s still time to get started!