The wedding season is here! And everywhere you look, there’s delicious and extremely heavy food. If all that wedding food is taking a toll on your system, here are some tips to help you deal with all the richness.
A rapid and effective digestive system is one of the keys to good health and fitness in a human being. And this digestive system is really put under stress during the festive season, as that’s when people tend to constantly overeat. The most common complaint one hears during the wedding season is that of “indigestion”, making it very important that we keep a check on what we eat.
What is indigestion?
Indigestion is a disturbed stomach condition where chronic pain occurs in the upper abdomen and a feeling of extreme stomach fullness is experienced. It is accompanied by nausea, bloating, belching and heartburn. In medical terms, it is a condition called stomach acid reflux. Stomach acids boost the immune system and help in absorbing food. When a fault occurs in the digestive system, the mucous layer connecting the stomach, oesophagus and intestine is damaged which results in the malfunctioning of the sphincter, further causing stomach acid reflux.
What are the causes of indigestion?
The number one reason for indigestion is, of course, improper eating habits, coupled with a lack of exercise. Being overweight can add to the problem. Consumption of alcohol and smoking are also common causes indigestion. Often, consumption of medication can lead to indigestion.
How can indigestion be cured?
Common sense can help a lot in dealing with indigestion. Certain cures are available on hand if the causes of indigestion are kept in mind.
- Drink water: Plenty of water helps because it lubricates the bowels to move smoothly. Drink water in between two meals instead of drinking water with meals because water taken with meals dilutes digestive juices which slows down the digestion.
- Avoid eating heavy and oily food: As tempted as you might be those kachodis and puris, think instead of the price your stomach will have to pay later and opt for green vegetables, fruits and fibres in your meal. Most wedding buffets have extensive salad options and in case those are not available, go for curd rice or dry phulkas (if available).
- Eat with a relaxed mind: When you are relaxed, you chew your food properly and enjoy the taste and smell of your food.
- Eat at home and go: It’s a good idea to eat something light and healthy at home before heading to the wedding. That way you won’t be starving in case the food is served late and you also won’t feel the urge to stuff yourself with a creamy and oily option.
- Choose the roasted options: Many wedding buffets offer foods like tava vegetables, vegetables that are shallow fried on a tava (skillet). You’re better off eating this, as compared to the heavier curries and gravies. You could even ask the person serving to hold off on the butter to reduce future indigetsion.
- Go easy on the alcohol: As much as you’d love to party all night as you celebrate your best friend’s nuptials, give a thought to the terrible after-effects your body will suffer from the next day. Eat before you start drinking, drink in moderation and remember to drink water between drinks to keep hangovers and indigestion to a minimum. Mixing drinks is always a bad idea, and if you’re a wine drinker, also avoid mixing red and white wines, as that can lead to acidity.
- Practicing yoga and breathing exercise can help in curing indigestion.
Herbal remedies available in every household can also help in getting quick relief from indigestion. Popular herbs are:
- Ginger: Ginger aids in curing indigestion by moving blood flow to the organs responsible for the smooth working of digestive system
- Turmeric: The liver plays an important role in the human digestive system. Turmeric protects the liver and is also popular as an antibacterial herb.
- Papaya: A fresh papaya is a good source of digestive enzymes. Including papaya in your breakfast smoothens the working of the digestive organs.
- Lemon: A glass full of warm water taken with lemon juice in the morning before breakfast work as hydrochloric acid (a major component of the digestive fluid).
- Fermented products: Yoghurt, cheese and other fermented items are full of microbes like Lactobacilli and Bifid bacteria which can ease constipation and relieve from indigestion.
- Cumin seeds: Cumin seeds taken with salt and water can help in reducing abdominal pain, which is common in case of indigestion
- Other herbs: Some other popular herbs are bilberry, ajwain, coriander water, aniseeds, fennel seeds and cinnamon water can help in curing indigestion.
- Supplements: In order to fight indigestion, certain digestive enzymes are available in the market. They primarily contain HCL (hydrochloride acid) which is responsible for boosting the digestive system and even cleaning unwanted bacteria from the body which come along with the food.
As always, indigestion is best prevented. Make a conscious effort to eat light and choose wisely at the wedding buffet. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy the best of the wedding season with doubling up in discomfort later.
Photograph via sxc.hu
