The Price Of Overindulgence

I’m sorry to tell you that flatulence, bloating, heartburn and indigestion are common bedfellows that many will suffer after your Christmas and New Year overindulgence. Of course, there are other triggers which set off these problems, like a course of antibiotics, for example, that can often be the start of chronic gut problems as they kill off the good bugs along with the bad.

It’s always important to replace these essential bacteria by having Yakult and live yoghurt during the course of antibiotics and for at least two weeks after, to re-establish your gut flora.

It may be worth trying the food combining diet which doesn’t change what you eat, only how you eat. The principle is simple; you only have to avoid eating starches and proteins in the same meal. You can get a free download of the basic information from my DIET section here on the site.

The most valuable plants for the treatment of digestive problems are the herb mint, the spice turmeric and the vegetable artichoke.

Mint is a highly effective antacid and still used in many indigestion remedies. The best and cheapest way to use it is a few leaves in a glass of hot water to make mint tea to drink after meals.

Turmeric has been used as a culinary spice in Asia for thousands of years and is a traditional ingredient of curry. Practitioners of Indian Ayurvedic medicine have always used it for the treatment of a wide range of digestive problems scientific studies, have shown that turmeric could control the early stages of inflammatory bowel diseases and maintain periods of remission.

The natural components of turmeric are one of nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatories and although a daily curry is no hardship, it’s simpler and you get a more accurate dose by taking a standardised extract of turmeric in tablet form.
TurmericXtra is a new formulation from one of Europe/’s leading herbal companies, Schwabe Pharma and contains standardised extract of turmeric with the added bonus of artichoke leaf extract too.

DigestHerb, also from Schwabe, is a high strength capsule of artichoke leaf extract, the source of the liver friendly compound Cynarin. This is the only registered herbal medicine containing artichoke leaf extract and is useful in the treatment of indigestion and nausea after overindulgence; IBS; overproduction of cholesterol in the liver.

If you really have gone over the top and need a drastic solution, here is my 24 hour rejuvenation plan.

Do this one day mini-fast when your workload is at its lightest. Drink plenty of mint tea plus ginger tea for a bit of a boost. Help your bowel to, be a lot healthier with TurmericXtra and give your liver a treat with DigestHerb.

Kick start your metabolism with this Detox Plan that provides only 512 calories, but more than your daily needs of potassium, vitamins B1, B6, folic acid, niacin, A, C and E - the powerful and protective antioxidants.

Breakfast:
An orange, half a grapefruit, a large slice of melon
A glass of unsalted vegetable juice
A cup of herb tea with honey

Midday:
A plateful of raw red and yellow peppers, cucumber, tomato, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, carrots, radishes and lots of fresh parsley. Add extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice.
A large glass of unsweetened fruit juice.

Evening meal:
Large mixed salad with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Lettuce, tomato, watercress, onion, garlic, beetroot, celeriac, fresh mint and any herbs you like.

A large glass of unsweetened fruit juice or unsalted vegetable juice.

Drink at least three pints of fluid – four glasses of hot water with a slice of lemon, plain water or herb tea – each day for a week.

Next day add some cooked veg and whole grain cereal; on day three and dairy products, and fresh or tinned fish.