Quick Summary
The holidays should be a time for celebration, not stomach aches. My gut tells me you should probably read this, and maybe do some library research of your own to make sure your holiday season is a joyful one.
From Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, and every holiday party in between, we indulge in homemade cookies and festive treats. It’s all perfectly enjoyable, but it's also potentially detrimental to our gut health. As a sweets enthusiast myself, I set out to find how to maximize treat intake while minimizing the damage to my digestive health. This might sound impossible, but I have to try. I overindulged at Minitex’s holiday party, and my motivation (along with the pain in my stomach) is as strong as ever.
Stomach aches, bloating, and other digestive issues are all directly correlated to your gut microbiome. Maintaining your digestive health starts with understanding this complex ecosystem. The "Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health," by Sahil Khanna, explores the gut microbiome, how to promote a healthy digestive system, early warning signs, and prevention strategies. Our gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that help our bodies function, and creating an environment that fosters a diverse range of these microbes is crucial. Disrupting your microbiome can have a significant impact on your overall health. One of the main contributors to digestive woes during the holiday season is increased sugar and saturated fat intake, exacerbated by reduced fiber consumption. Fiber acts as a regulator for the digestive system, aiding in the processing and absorption of essential nutrients while eliminating waste and promoting the growth of healthy bacteria, which in turn strengthen your immune system. Increasing your fiber intake asking with your increased sugar and saturated fat consumption will help you maintain a balanced and resilient gut throughout the holidays. For other ways to promote a positive microbiome, make sure to check out the rest of this resource, available through Ebooks Minnesota.
Perhaps you’re thinking, "I definitely eat enough fiber, why did I even bother reading this?" I’m sorry to break it to you, but unless you're actively monitoring your intake, chances are you aren’t reaching the recommended amount. According to "How to Get More Fiber," by Consumer Reports on Health, less than 10 percent of adults actually meet their daily fiber needs. This article describes the sources of dietary fiber and provides practical tips for incorporating it into delicious meals. They suggest alternatives to brown rice and whole-wheat bread, including unique choices like buckwheat and bulgar. Read the rest of this article, available on EBSCO MasterFile Complete, to boost your fiber intake and join the elite ranks of the fiber 10 percenters.
Maintaining a healthy digestive system helps your overall health and can prevent ailments you might encounter any time of year. Dive into digestive health with Ebooks Minnesota and eLibrary Minnesota this season, and feel free to indulge in the holiday treats. Just don’t forget that side of Khorasan wheat.
