Swollen Belly After Christmas Excesses: 5 Remedies
A bloated belly is one of the main consequences of Christmas excesses. In fact, it is the result of a bad combination of foods or too large dishes, whereby digestion slows down and the stomach begins to swell. Relieving your belly is the best way to get back to feeling good, light and healthy.
But how to do it? What can help relieve the stomach and improve digestion during the holidays? Although it is important to make changes to your diet, there are also some natural ingredients that thanks to their properties help fight ailments. Find out what they are!
Remedies for a swollen belly
During the Christmas holidays it is quite common to experience discomfort associated with indigestion; for this reason, bloating and gas are generally not a reason for medical consultation. However, it is important to be aware of other symptoms such as prolonged diarrhea or fever, as they often correspond to food poisoning and require a doctor’s attention.
Once this is clarified, in the next few lines we will talk about some natural remedies that can deflate the abdomen, as well as calm pain, heartburn and other recurring symptoms. Of course, they should be taken in moderation, bearing in mind that excessive consumption can cause side effects.
1. Warm water with lemon and baking soda against a swollen belly
A combination of baking soda and lemon can help control excess acidity. In fact, a study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences finds that this mixture produces carbonic acid, which can help reduce gas and indigestion. For this reason, consuming it in small doses helps to reduce inflammation.
Ingredients
- 1 glass of warm water (200 ml).
- The juice of ½ lemon.
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda (2 g).
Preparation
- First, mix the warm water with the lemon, then add half a teaspoon of baking soda.
- Then, mix the ingredients and wait for the effervescent effect to wear off.
Mode of consumption
- Consume the drink 30 minutes after eating or when you feel bloated.
2. Infusion of cinnamon
The digestive properties of cinnamon not only prevent bloating, but also prevent stomach pain and heartburn after eating.
As this study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports , this prodigious spice counts on antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that, together, reduce the gastrointestinal disturbances that tend to occur especially during the holidays.
Ingredients
- Cinnamon powder (5 g).
- Water (250 ml).
- Honey (25 g).
Preparation
- First of all, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to a glass of hot water.
- Then, cover the drink, let it rest for 10 minutes and, before ingesting it, sweeten it with honey.
Mode of consumption
- Drink the tea when you feel stomach upset or if you have a swollen stomach.
Note : Do not consume too much cinnamon, as it can be irritating to the gastric mucosa. Avoid it in case of ulcers.
3. Anise, lemongrass and lemon balm drink
By mixing the properties of these digestive herbs, we can obtain a powerful remedy against the heavy digestions that inflame the belly during the holiday season. Its components prevent the formation of gas in the intestine and decrease the sensation of heaviness and pain.
According to the data published on ISRN Pharmaceutics , anise has carminative and anti-inflammatory properties useful for deflating the abdomen. In addition, it has a slight anti-ulcer and laxative effect.
On the other hand, lemongrass has always been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for stomach bloating. However, there is no evidence to support this. Meanwhile, a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that lemon balm possesses antispasmodic, digestive, and carminative properties.
Ingredients
- Anise seeds (5 g).
- Lemongrass (5 g).
- Lemon balm (5 g).
- Water (250 ml).
Preparation
- First, dip the plants in a glass of boiling water and cover the drink.
- Then, let it rest for 15 minutes and strain.
Mode of consumption
- Drink the infusion 2 times a day, until the inflammation subsides.
- Consume it preferably after large meals.
4. Infusion of fennel seeds against a swollen belly
According to information reported in BioMed Research International , fennel seeds stand out in natural medicine for their carminative, anti-inflammatory and calming properties. They are ideal for reducing indigestion caused by heavy meals. They are also rich in vitamins, minerals and beneficial antioxidant compounds.
Ingredients
- Fennel seeds (5 g).
- Water (250 ml)
Preparation
- First, add a teaspoon of fennel seeds to a glass of boiling water.
- Then, cover the drink and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Mode of consumption
- Take the infusion 30 minutes after eating.
- If the inflammation persists, consume it 3 times a day.
5. Drink of ginger, lemon and honey
The traditional remedy for indigestion is ginger. This anti-inflammatory and analgesic spice helps reduce abdominal swelling and prevents ailments such as bloating and nausea.
Additionally, although the evidence is limited, a recent study published in Food Science & Nutrition states that ginger has a carminative effect that helps fight gas buildup. It would also help reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, giving relief from acidity.
In addition, moderate consumption helps fight stomach cramps and helps prevent dyspepsia, flatulence and abdominal tension. Let’s find out how to prepare an infusion.
Ingredients
- Grated ginger (5 g).
- Water (250 ml).
- The juice of ½ lemon.
- Honey (25 g).
Preparation
- First of all, add a teaspoon of grated ginger to a glass of water and put it to boil.
- Then, once it has boiled, lower the heat and let it cook for another two minutes.
- Then turn it off, let the drink rest for 10 minutes and then strain it.
- Finally, add the juice of half a lemon and sweeten the infusion with a spoonful of honey.
Mode of consumption
- Swallow the tea 30 minutes after eating or when you feel any symptoms of indigestion.
- Take it twice a day until you feel relief.
What else to do if you have a swollen stomach?
These remedies just described can help in case of abdominal inflammation during the Christmas period. However, the ideal is to adapt the diet to your needs, in order to avoid this annoying symptom. Avoiding excesses and too large portions is the secret to not suffering from a swollen stomach.
On the other hand, it is important not to neglect other symptoms, because at Christmas there can also be cases of food poisoning, which require another type of intervention. If the condition worsens, it is best to consult a doctor to understand how to treat the problem.
