| Overstuffed After Thanksgiving? Here’s How to Handle It | Dear e-Alert Reader,
It happens to the best of us.
Thanksgiving dinner is too tempting to resist. The turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and let’s not forget the pies—sometimes the feast leaves us feeling more stuffed than the bird!
If your stomach feels tight, heavy, or uncomfortably full, you might be dealing with post-Thanksgiving bloat.
Let’s explore what causes this all-too-common holiday discomfort and, more importantly, how to find relief.
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Bloating happens when the digestive system becomes overloaded.
Eating large portions, indulging in rich, high-fat foods, or consuming carbonated beverages can trap gas or slow digestion, making your stomach feel distended.
Other culprits include:- Swallowing air while eating quickly or talking.
- High-fiber dishes like Brussels sprouts or beans, which can ferment in the gut.
- Overeating desserts that contain artificial sweeteners, which are harder to digest.
The result? A tight, uncomfortable abdomen, gurgling noises, and that dreaded “Why did I go back for seconds?” feeling.
If you’re already feeling the effects of overindulgence, don’t worry. These remedies can help ease the discomfort:- Go for a Walk
A light stroll can encourage digestion and help move trapped gas through your system. Aim for 15–20 minutes of gentle movement. - Sip on Herbal Tea
Teas like peppermint, ginger, chamomile, or fennel can soothe the digestive tract and reduce gas. - Try Gentle Yoga
Poses like child’s pose or seated twists can relieve abdominal pressure and encourage digestion. - Stay Hydrated
Drinking water (not sparkling) helps flush your system and prevents further bloating. Add a squeeze of lemon for extra digestive support. - Take Magnesium or Probiotics
Magnesium supplements can relieve constipation, while probiotics help balance gut bacteria to ease bloating.
While it’s tempting to indulge during the holidays, a few mindful adjustments can make a big difference:- Pace Yourself: Eat slowly and chew thoroughly to avoid swallowing air.
- Portion Control: Sample everything, but keep servings small.
- Skip Fizzy Drinks: Opt for water or herbal tea over soda or sparkling beverages.
- Mind Your Fiber: Don’t overload on fibrous veggies like cauliflower or cabbage. Balance them with easier-to-digest sides.
- Save Room for Dessert: Satisfy your sweet tooth, but avoid artificial sweeteners that can cause bloating.
For most, bloating after a big meal is temporary and harmless.
However, persistent or severe bloating could indicate an underlying issue like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or food intolerance.
If bloating lasts for several days, causes pain, or is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting or fever, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider.
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, not discomfort. With these simple tips, you can enjoy the holiday meal without dreading the aftermath. So, sip some tea, take a walk, and know that the post-feast bloat will pass.
Here’s to a holiday season full of good food, good health (and fewer stretchy pants!),
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
Sources:
(2024). Bloating: Ways to Debloat Now and Treating Causes. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/bloating-8659348
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