A nutrition expert has revealed which winter foods can lead to bloating and fatigue. He suggests a diet rich in fruit and vegetables to help tackle these symptoms, reports the Mirror.
With temperatures dropping, it's tempting to reach for spicy, warming foods and extra caffeine to cope with the festive season. Christmas treats rich in saturated fats and extra festive alcoholic drinks are also common.
However, Kieran Jenkins from food intolerance testing company Supply Life warns that several popular festive meals and drinks can irritate some people's guts. As a result, they may feel without energy and not in the best shape.
Although a certain percentage of the population is naturally more sensitive to certain foods, taking a mindful approach to their diet can help them feel better.
The nutritionist explained:
"At this time of year it's tempting to reach for warming, sometimes spicy foods when it's cold outside. And while the effect of these foods varies from person to person and depends on the amount consumed, in certain cases they can be problematic."
"Capsaicin is found in chillies and can be a natural gut irritant, which can lead to symptoms including bloating and diarrhoea in some people. Additionally, this time of year people tend to drink a bit more caffeine. They may crave a warming drink when it's cold outside and they're racing around the shops trying to get their Christmas shopping done. Although many people drink tea and coffee without a problem, for others the effects of caffeine are worse," added Jenkins.
Festive foods can provide much-needed warmth during the cold winter months, but it's important not to overindulge, warns Kieran.
"Such things as cheeses and roast suckling pig are particularly high in saturated fat and can slow the digestive system if eaten in large quantities. During the Christmas and New Year holidays, parties and social events are organised where people tend to drink more alcohol than usual," said the expert.
"Portion control can certainly be difficult to manage at this time of year. These things aren't necessarily bad for you, but problems can arise when you overdo it. The saying everything in moderation is a cliché for a reason," he explained.
If people have food intolerances or sensitivities, symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, stomach pain, and wind retention. Kieran recommends sticking to a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to maintain a high fiber intake, as well as legumes and whole grains. | BGNES
