We all know that Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends. But it’s no secret that the real focus of the last Thursday in November’s festivities is food. Though overdoing it may be easy to achieve this holiday season, some may be dreading dinnertime in fear of a digestive nightmare.

To ward off an upset stomach, gas, bloating, and overall digestive difficulty, here are some easy tips for keeping yourself regulated this Thanksgiving and throughout the tasty holiday season.

Hydration

Water, water everywhere so maybe you should drink. Really, drinking water is standard practice for folks getting and staying healthy anyhow, so being hydrated isn’t the worst thing you could do at the dinner table. Drinking water aids in smooth digestion, and helps keep your body balanced. So be sure to have a giant glass handy at dinner, and remain hydrated as you cook and get things ready.

Keep up exercising

The holidays are a hectic, fast-paced time. But the benefits of exercise and cardio for your overall well-being can’t be understated. Take time for a jog, do yoga, bicycle, or engage in any exercise that will increase blood flow and release endorphins. Regular exercise aids in regular digestion, and keeping this regimen up will only help you come out of Thanksgiving feeling good.

Supplement the holiday

Year-round, it’s a good idea to regulate digestion by taking a probiotic. Probiotics maintain the balance of microflora in the intestines, aiding in easier digestion. We carry a few choices of probiotic products at the Yinova Center and find that a number of patients take them regardless of the season. Another quality supplement that not only helps ease digestion but can ease your stress as well is magnesium; an item also in stock at the center. If you are unsure if either or both would work for you, consult your acupuncturist to find out.

Put it on the table
The smorgasbord of food available at most Thanksgiving dinners can overwhelm even the least discriminatory of eaters and can put a knot in the stomach of those who are more finicky. But adding high fiber dishes to the table will actually reduce the risk of your body getting in a bind this holiday. Some examples of higher-fiber foods include:

• Artichokes
• Peas
• Raspberries
• Pears
• Pecans
• Lentils
• Black Beans

So instead of the traditional apple pie, if you are concerned with digesting your Turkey Day dinner, try a raspberry and pear tart instead. Or balance your turkey and mashed potatoes with a side of baked artichoke hearts and peas. Every little tip can make this Thanksgiving much easier to swallow.