Strenuous digestion? Here are the useful tips

During the summer holidays, either because work tension is reduced, or because we indulge in eating habits that, in general, we avoid during the other periods of the year, the risk of digestive disorders increases. Here’s how to remedy it.

The copious aperitifs, the disordered daily rhythms, the consumption of fried foods and desserts, and the almost real impossibility of escaping the consumption of sumptuous and high-calorie meals with friends and relatives, expose us to the disorders of poor digestion.

Without prejudice to the advice of greater attention and continence in the reckless consumption of very caloric foods, especially in summer, damage done must still run for cover. Here are some practical tips to mitigate this kind of ailments.

What to do after an excessive meal?

It is always advisable not to go to bed immediately after a meal, especially if this has been particularly abundant. The lying position, in fact, could trigger episodes of regurgitation and gastroesophageal reflux.

So, if after the meal you experience unpleasant sensations of heaviness or burning in the stomach, it is advisable to take a walk in the cool. If you do not have the opportunity to find some shade or refreshing breeze, it is better to avoid the hottest hours.

Walking, however, does not mean engaging in particularly demanding physical activities, which are also contraindicated in case of digestive difficulties.

It is also advisable to avoid acidic fruit, such as citrus fruits or fruit juices that contain them. A lemon juice taken in the morning instead of coffee can instead be an excellent remedy for those who have raised their elbow too much the night before.

And then drink lots of water. When you exceed with food and alcohol, the stimulus of thirst is reduced. For this reason we tend not to drink, while the ideal would be to drink at least a liter in the early hours of the morning.

Paying attention to choose mineral and non-oligomineral waters. The former in fact favor the metabolism while the oligominerals, which can have diuretic effects, reduce liquids.

There are also the remedies that nature gives us. Starting with chamomile. Or, better yet, a decoction of chamomile and lemon balm prepared by boiling for a quarter of an hour in a liter of water 25 grams of dried chamomile flowers and 25 grams of chopped lemon balm leaves. Strain and drink two, three cups a day.

Then, the infusion of fennel or the decoction of licorice (not to be used if you have high blood pressure). To help digestion, “bitter” plants are also useful, such as gentian, artichoke, yarrow and ginger, or peppermint.

And if the annoyance does not pass…

If, with the passage of time, you still experience stomach discomfort, such as burning, regurgitation and even headaches, it is advisable to take some more incisive measures. For example, to take antacids. In pharmacies there are products, usually based on sodium bicarbonate or calcium carbonate or even magnesium carbonate, which can be purchased without a prescription.

Since the appearance of headaches after a heavy meal (especially if washed down with large amounts of wine) is not uncommon, pay attention to the painkillers you take, which could worsen gastric disorders.

It is therefore advisable to wait for the effect of antacids before possibly taking an analgesic, or rely on products that have a specially designed composition, such as those based on sodium bicarbonate and acetylsalicylic acid.

Not infrequently, however, the resolution of the digestive disorder is also followed by the disappearance of headache.

Let’s give a few days of respite to the stomach

Of course, after a disorder of this kind you must assume eating habits a little more appropriate and balanced, at least immediately. For example, the next day it is recommended to consume mostly raw fruits and vegetables and avoid “more challenging” foods, such as meat.

Some experts recommend a 12-hour fast (without forgetting to drink a lot). Those who do not feel like it, must still reduce their caloric intake and avoid the fattest desserts, giving preference instead to fresh and light ones, such as ice creams and sorbets.