I was reminded at the start of this year just how much our digestion can take a hit over the festive season, because my tummy definitely wasn’t happy.
It made me wonder: how often do we put up with digestive discomfort long past the point we should?
December is tough on the body. Between Christmas parties, alcohol, indulgent meals, late nights, stress, and less movement than usual, your digestive system can feel the pressure. Often, it’s not until January – back at work or trying to get into a routine – that the real effects hit.
Many clients ask me, “Do I need a detox?”
Most of the time, the answer is no.
Feeling off after the holidays usually isn’t about “toxins” building up in your body that need to be cleared, it’s your digestive system calling for a reset.
Signs your digestion needs a reset (not a detox)
If you’ve noticed any of these since the holidays, it’s time to focus on your gut:
- Reflux or heartburn
- Indigestion
- Bloating or gas
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Nausea or queasiness
- Low energy or fatigue
- Skin flare-ups
- Bad breath
3 Simple Naturopathic Tips to Give Your Gut a Fresh Start
- Give it a break
Take a short, 1 week pause from common digestive irritants: wheat/gluten, dairy, sugar and alcohol. Focus on fresh vegetables, especially leafy greens and cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, add in small amounts of fruit, drink plenty of water and always good quality protein. - Reintroduce the good bacteria
Take a broad-spectrum probiotic to restore balance. After December, your lower intestine may have been overrun by out-of-control “party-loving” microbes. Reintroducing beneficial bacteria helps crowd out the those pesky party strains and supports smoother digestion. - Get things moving
Kickstart your digestive rhythm with a morning ritual: squeeze about ¼ of a lemon into 250ml of warm water and drink first thing. Simple, but effective for stimulating digestion and encouraging regularity.
If these steps aren’t enough, there is a Plan B.
Your Plan B
If digestive discomfort persists, I can help:
- Book a personalised appointment (in clinic, via Zoom, or phone) to uncover what’s really behind your digestion issues and get your gut back on track – [Click here]
- Reboot your metabolism and improve digestion by eating the right foods for your body – [Find out how]
Share this post with a friend who could use a fresh start.
And keep working on your health and happiness – sign up for my newsletter to get practical tips and inspiration straight to your inbox– [Click here]
With your health in mind,
Catherine x
