Solutions for digestive problems after overindulgence on New Year's Eve

Stating that it is possible to start the first day of the new year more comfortably and healthily with simple and effective measures that can be taken after New Year's Eve, Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Nutrition and Diet Specialist Harika Özkaya Yurttatur offered suggestions to cleanse the body of toxins, reduce bloating, and soothe digestion.

START THE DAY WITH PLENTY OF WATER

Explaining that water, which is always essential for the body, is even more important today, Dietitian Yurttatur said, “When you wake up in the morning, what your body needs most is water. You may have become dehydrated due to both excess salt and alcohol on New Year's Eve. Therefore, start the day by drinking 1-2 glasses of warm lemon water and try to consume at least 2.5 liters of water throughout the day. Adding mint, cinnamon, or lemon can help you consume water more easily. This way, you can both soothe your digestion and reduce your edema more easily.”

HAVE A LIGHT AND BALANCED BREAKFAST

Explaining that one should have a light breakfast that rests the stomach the next day, Dietitian Yurttatur suggested the following:

“A boiled egg and a salad with plenty of greens along with a slice of whole wheat bread can be a good option. Besides this, oatmeal decorated with fruit and raw almonds or walnuts can also be preferred. Yogurt and kefir can also be added to breakfast for gut health.”

KEEP YOUR MEAL CONTENTS LIGHT

Stating that keeping the contents of meals light throughout the day will also be beneficial, Dietitian Yurttatur said, “If you consumed foods high in energy, salt, and carbohydrates the previous evening, complete your meals throughout the day with low-salt and lighter foods. Feed yourself with balanced and sufficient meals without leaving yourself hungry.

To support digestion, well-cooked vegetables, salads with plenty of greens, and low-fat proteins such as eggs and fish can be included in main meals. You can prefer yogurt, oats, fresh fruits, and raw nuts for snacks,” she said.

LIMIT SALT CONSUMPTION, STAY AWAY FROM SUGAR

Reminding that the excess salty foods consumed on New Year's Eve are one of the most important causes of the edema that will be experienced the next day, Dietitian Yurttatur said, “To prevent this, one should avoid adding too much salt to meals the next day. Salty products should not be consumed. Also, it is beneficial to stay away from sugary desserts or products today. To satisfy the need for sweets, fruits such as one or two dates or apricots can be preferred.”

GET SUPPORT FROM HERBAL TEAS

Dietitian Yurttatur stated, “Herbal teas can be beneficial both in removing edema and soothing digestion. Herbal teas such as fennel, ginger, green tea, and linden, which help remove edema, support your digestion and reduce your bloating. Again, you can soothe your stomach with peppermint tea, and you can both balance your blood sugar and prevent sweet cravings with cinnamon and clove tea.”

REVITALIZE YOUR METABOLISM BY MOVING

Stating that although the thought of exercising after New Year's Eve may seem difficult for many people, any kind of movement, even if light, will be beneficial, Dietitian Yurttatur said, “Especially if possible, brisk walks in the morning hours will accelerate your blood circulation. This helps in the removal of your toxins. Besides this, with exercises such as yoga and pilates at home, both your metabolism will be revitalized and your digestion will be relieved.”

DO NOT BLAME YOURSELF

“One of the most important things to do after this enjoyable night is not to blame yourself for what you ate and drank,” said Dietitian Harika Özkaya Yurttatur, adding, “Enjoying a meal one night does not mean you have completely lost your healthy habits. Remember, it is always in your hands to continue eating healthy and balanced.”

RECIPES TO HELP YOU REMOVE EDEMA

Recipe

1 glass of brewed, cooled green tea

1 green apple

3-4 fresh mint leaves

½ lemon juice

You can blend all the ingredients and consume about 1 glass throughout the day as a snack.

Recipe

1 cucumber

1 handful of parsley

1 green apple

½ glass of plain kefir

You can blend all the ingredients and consume about 1 glass throughout the day as a snack.

Recipe

1 thin slice of pineapple

½ banana

1 glass of almond milk

3-4 fresh mint leaves

½ lemon juice

You can blend all the ingredients and consume about 1 glass throughout the day as a snack.