Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
Winter season is on its way, and the desire to stay inside and cuddle up with a cup of chai will only grow stronger. It’s the ideal time to indulge in all of your favourite winter comfort foods while snuggled up under your quilt.
However, this is also the best time to avoid seasonal gastrointestinal distress. When you are constantly exposed to low temperatures during the winter season, your body interprets it as a signal to conserve energy and heat.
Given this, it is only natural for the metabolism to slow down, thereby leading to gastrointestinal issues or aggravated gastrointestinal conditions.
That’s why it’s critical to support your digestive system during the seasonal transition of winter by choosing the right preferences of foods and lifestyle in order to keep your digestion running smoothly.
We often take digestion for granted, till we get hit by indigestion, bloating, constipation, acidity, heartburn, and other digestive issues. The digestive system is extremely vital to our health as it breaks down the foods we eat and is also in charge of nutrient absorption.
When your digestive system is working properly, you get a lot of benefits, such as better sleep, clear skin, more energy, and healthier body weight.
Here are some important diet and lifestyle guidelines to give your digestive system a break this winter!
Winter greens
It’s important to eat from a tremendous variety of greens the season brings. Seasonal and winter vegetables are especially beneficial for your digestive system. Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, beetroot, potatoes/sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots and spinach help maintain the haemoglobin levels during the colder months.
Winter vegetables have high fibre content and are beneficial for moving along a sluggish digestive system and regulating blood sugar levels. Avoid consuming excessive amounts of gas-producing foods (beans and lentils, broccoli, onion) to avoid getting your digestive system overburdened.
Winter fruits
Apart from the winter greens, there are many seasonal fruits like guava and apples that you should add to your diet in order to amp up your immune system. Fruits such as peaches, custard apple, pineapple, oranges, apricots, strawberries, grapefruit, kiwi, and papaya can help prepare your digestive system for the effects of adverse climates.
Avoid eating cold & raw foods
Cold and uncooked foods are more difficult for your body to digest, especially during winter, which can lead to digestive system constriction and poor blood circulation. The slower metabolism is associated with cooler conditions.
Bodywarmers
We’re more likely to prefer warm drinks when it’s freezing outdoors. Stick to comforting teas, all kinds of daal and soothing bowls of fresh soup with plenty of veggies. These not only decongest your respiratory system and clear your sinus, but also aid digestion. Peppermint and ginger teas are believed to help with digestion, but if you have acid reflux, avoid peppermint.
Also, avoid hot cocoa or sugary speciality drinks to keep your digestive system happy. In the winter, when our fluid consumption is typically reduced, another fantastic method is to keep taking sips of lukewarm water throughout the day. Warm water prevents the intestines from becoming stiff, thereby making the food passage easier.
Herbs & spices
Several studies across the globe have proven the effectiveness of herbs and spices in boosting overall immunity during winters. Spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, tulsi, methi, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, cayenne, and cloves are all known to trigger the digestive fire, boost blood circulation and keep you warm. Spices can also be used in your dishes to give them a fall flavour while also aiding digestion.
Maintain a regular exercise regimen
It can be difficult to stick to an exercise routine when the weather outside is cold, but exercise can help you stay on track. There is good-quality evidence to suggest that keeping your normal routine as much as possible throughout the season will help you avoid stomach problems.
It is important to go outdoors whenever possible and get physical stimulus three to four times a week for 30 or 45 minutes.
Final thoughts
So, it is the need of the hour to take care of the gut especially when the temperature outside plummets and your digestive system can go for a toss. Those who suffer from seasonal digestive disorders should take an active role in managing their symptoms by combining proper diet with exercise and sleep during these shortened, colder days.
Also, it’s best to keep a check on your digestive health by opting for regular screenings to ensure that the system is functioning optimally.
