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(HealthNewsDigest.com)-For most people, the holidays are filled with parties and celebrations with family and friends, which can include a fair amount of stress and eating marathons. But if you are like many Americans, the holidays can leave you feeling more than festive—they could lead to some uncomfortable digestive issues, too.
“The holiday diet is filled with large portions of delicious foods that are loaded with fat and sugar but often lacking fiber. And they are often served with alcohol, which can leave you feeling dehydrated,” says Registered Dietitian Marie Spano. “Not to mention, most people are constantly on the go during the holiday season. Whether they are traveling to visit family or running from event to event or to the mall, the change in schedule, foods and a rise in stress levels can lead to occasional constipation during the holiday season.”
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Over 4 million Americans suffer from constipation, accounting for 2.5 million physician visits a year.1 Healthy eating habits and regular exercise are the best ways to prevent occasional constipation.
During this busy time, Spano recommends these tips:
• Drink plenty of water. If you are drinking alcohol, intersperse your drinks with a water “spacer” (consume one glass of water or a nonalcoholic beverage after every alcoholic drink).
• Make slight lifestyle changes. Avoid eating high-fat and high-sugar foods that can affect digestion. Instead, make festive yet healthy fruit- or vegetable-based dishes.
• Squeeze in time for physical activity. Exercise is your best bet for relieving stress and you don’t have to go to a gym. Walk the mall in the early morning hours before it gets busy, sign up for a dance class.
• Find ways to relax each day to avoid surging stress levels, which can contribute to occasional constipation. Listen to music, escape with a novel or go to a movie to take your mind off things.
If you are feeling boxed in by occasional constipation, a little extra help may be needed. Spano suggests using a gentle product such as Senokot® Tablets, which contain a natural vegetable laxative ingredient that provides overnight relief from occasional constipation. Please read full product label before use.
For more information, visit www.getconstipationrelief.com.
1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2007). National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Constipation. Retrieved January 26, 2009 from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/Constipation.pdf
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