Post-Easter Indulgence: Strategies for Overcoming Feeling Overstuffed
After an indulgent Easter meal, many of us may experience an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. To help alleviate this sensation and support our digestive system, experts recommend a range of strategies.
Firstly, consider using digestive essential oils. Products like Digest Aid Essential Oil Blend, containing tarragon, ginger, peppermint, fennel, and other oils, can soothe an upset stomach and relieve gas, bloating, and cramps. You can massage a diluted blend on your stomach or diffuse a few drops during or after meals to promote calm digestion [1]. Similarly, Digest Support Essential Oil Blend can be taken by adding a drop to water or tea with honey, or applied topically to ease digestive discomfort after large meals [3].
Staying hydrated with supportive drinks is another crucial aspect. Drinking water infused with a drop of digestive essential oils and honey can soothe the tummy. Additionally, apple cider vinegar has research backing that it may increase feelings of fullness and help mitigate post-meal discomfort, potentially assisting in digestion and reducing overeating effects [4].
Eating foods or snacks high in prebiotic fibre, such as bananas, oats, or asparagus, supports gut health and digestion, which can help reduce bloating and keep you feeling comfortable after a heavy meal [2].
Supplements like Emma Relief Daily Digestive Supplement can restore optimal digestion and regularity, reduce heartburn and indigestion, support gut flora, and alleviate bloating and gas after rich meals [5].
While not explicitly mentioned in the search results, light walking after eating is widely recognized to aid digestion and reduce feelings of fullness.
Herbal teas, such as fennel, anise, cumin, or ginger, can soothe the stomach and intestines, relieve bloating, and promote digestion. A warm cup of herbal tea is a better choice than a digestif [6].
Heat is an effective home remedy for bloating, promoting blood circulation in the abdomen and relaxing tense muscles. A hot water bottle, warm cherry pit pillow, or heating pad can help alleviate gas and pressure [7].
Regularly consuming bitters can strengthen digestion in the long run and reduce cravings for sweets. Foods rich in bitters include chicory, endive, arugula, artichokes, dandelion, or grapefruit [8].
Movement after a meal stimulates bowel activity and promotes blood circulation in the internal organs. Snuggling up in a blanket or taking a warm bath can also have a calming effect on the nervous system [9].
Lastly, conscious indulgence during Easter can prevent weight gain. Coloured Easter eggs are safe to eat for a certain period, but this varies [10]. A small black coffee or an espresso without sugar, perhaps with a glass of still water, can stimulate stomach acid production and slightly accelerate digestion. However, too much coffee, especially with lots of milk and sugar, can further irritate the stomach [11].
By incorporating these strategies—using natural digestive aids like essential oils, staying hydrated with supportive drinks, incorporating prebiotic fibre, and considering gentle supplements—you can effectively alleviate fullness and support your digestive system after an indulgent meal.
[1] Digest Aid Essential Oil Blend:
- To aid digestion and alleviate the discomfort of fullness after an indulgent meal, consider incorporating Digest Aid Essential Oil Blend, which can be massaged on your stomach or diffused during meals.
- Eating foods high in prebiotic fiber, such as bananas, oats, or asparagus, can support gut health and digestion, helping to reduce bloating and promote comfort after a heavy meal.
- Following a heavy meal, light walking and movement can stimulate bowel activity, promote blood circulation in the internal organs, and help reduce feelings of fullness.
