Here are the top 10 things you should avoid doing to your gut during festive days.
1. Overeating at Buffets and Feasts?
Loading your plate with too many dishes puts unnecessary pressure on the stomach, causing acidity and heaviness. Practice portion control to keep your digestion smooth.
2. Skipping Meals Before a Big Dinner
Many people skip meals during the day to “make room” for a festive dinner. This actually worsens acid reflux and gastric irritation. Eat light, balanced meals instead.
3. Indulging in Too Many Sweets
Festivals are incomplete without sweets, but excess sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the gut and may trigger bloating and diarrhea. Moderation is key.
4. Excess Fried and Oily Foods
Deep-fried snacks slow down digestion and often cause acidity, gas, and abdominal cramps. Balance them with fiber-rich salads and fruits.
5. Drinking Too Much Alcohol or Fizzy Beverages
Alcohol and carbonated drinks irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of heartburn and dehydration. Limit intake and stay hydrated with water.
6. Late-Night Eating
Festive dinners often stretch past midnight, but eating heavy meals late slows digestion and worsens reflux. Try finishing meals 2–3 hours before bedtime.
7. Ignoring Fiber-Rich Foods
A diet lacking fiber during festivals can cause constipation and sluggish digestion. Include whole grains, pulses, fruits, and vegetables in your meals.
8. Lack of Physical Activity
Skipping walks or exercise during holidays slows metabolism. Even a 15-minute walk after meals can boost digestion and reduce bloating.
9. Stress and Sleep Deprivation
Festival stress, travel, and late-night celebrations disrupt the gut-brain connection. Poor sleep worsens acidity and irritable bowel symptoms.
10. Overuse of Antacids or Home Remedies
Taking frequent antacids without medical advice may hide underlying problems like gastritis or ulcers. If symptoms persist, consult a specialist.
Festive days are meant for enjoyment, not for struggling with digestive problems. With a little awareness and moderation, you can protect your gut while still enjoying your favorite foods.
Dr. Suryaprakash Bhandari is a leading Gastroenterologist and Interventional Endoscopist at Gastrocare Clinic, Mulund offering expert care in digestive health, endoscopy, colonoscopy, and advanced GI treatments.
For personalized advice on keeping your gut healthy this festive season, schedule a consultation with Dr. Suryaprakash Bhandari today.
