9 tips to improve digestion after a heavy meal

How to digest food after a heavy meal

Enjoying a heavy meal now and then is completely normal, especially during festive gatherings, celebrations, or cosy dinners. However, that post-meal bloating can make us regret the treat. The good news? Here are 9 easy-to-follow tips to ramp up digestion.

Go for a gentle walk

A light walk after eating can do wonders for digestion. When you walk, your body gently encourages food to move through your digestive system, helping you avoid bloating and that heavy feeling.

Sip on warm water or herbal tea

Drinking warm water after a meal helps soothe the digestive tract, making it easier for your body to process food. Herbal teas, like ginger, peppermint, or chamomile, can further ease digestion and reduce gas. Avoid cold beverages, as they can slow down digestion.

Try some deep breathing

Deep breathing might sound unrelated to digestion, but it’s a surprisingly effective remedy. When we overeat, our body can become tense, making digestion sluggish. Slow, deep breaths relax your stomach muscles and help the body focus on digestion.

Chew on some fennel seeds

Fennel seeds have been a go-to digestive remedy in many cultures. They contain compounds that can reduce bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. Chewing a small amount of fennel seeds (about a teaspoon) after a meal is enough to encourage digestion.

Avoid lying down right away

As tempting as it may be to lie down after a heavy meal, doing so can slow down the digestive process and even lead to acid reflux. When you lie flat, stomach acid is more likely to move back up the esophagus, causing discomfort.

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Do a simple seated twist

Yoga-inspired twists can gently massage your digestive organs and stimulate movement in the intestines. Sit comfortably, place your right hand on your left knee, and twist your torso to the left. Hold for a few breaths, then switch sides.

Eat a slice of fresh ginger or lemon

Both ginger and lemon are natural digestive aids. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the stomach, while lemon encourages bile production, making it easier to break down fats.

Avoid sugary desserts right after

As tempting as it is to reach for dessert, sweets right after a meal can disrupt digestion. Sugary foods tend to sit in the stomach longer, causing bloating. If you must have dessert, wait an hour or two after eating so your stomach has time to start digesting the main meal.

Give your stomach a gentle massage

A light abdominal massage can stimulate digestion by encouraging movement in the intestines. Place your hands on your stomach and gently massage in a circular motion, moving clockwise. This can relieve bloating and ease discomfort.

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