Three Tips for Getting Back on Track After the Holidays

Big holiday meals often bring with them big digestive woes. But starting the New Yearon a healthier note is as simple as one, two, three! 

#1 Hydrate 

Water helps flush out the toxins in your body, which is why you should drink between 1.5 L and 2 L every day. Add a squeeze of lemon to give your digestive tract an extra boost. According to many specialists, including dietician Florence Foucault of the French Association of Nutritionist Dietitians (AFDN), the citric acid in lemons stimulates bile production in the liver, which aids in digesting fatty foods. In addition, you may want to incorporate green tea into your routine. Its antioxidant properties help eliminate toxins and improve blood flow. Ginger teas are also great in supporting healthy intestinal function. 

#2 Eat better 

All the high-fat, high-calorie and high-sugar foods typically associated with end-of-year festivities can do a real number on your digestive system, leaving you nauseous and making you lose your appetite. The enzymes in your liver cells help eliminate these toxins. Foods like cabbage, broccoli, black radishes, turnip, endives and cucumbers can stimulate the activity of these enzymes and help you feel better. 

#3 Work select botanicals into your diet  

Artichokes are one way to soothe an overtaxed liver. Artichoke leaf extract is often used as a digestive aid to reduce inflammation and to protect the liver and gall bladder.* 

You may also want to consider licorice root, known to alleviate heartburn and other digestive ailments. The fibre-rich blend in BIOFLO 1, contains licorice root to provide gentle relief for occasional constipation or irregularity. 

* Hotltmann G, Adam B, Haag S, Collet W, Grünewald E, Windeck T. Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia : A six-week placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial. Dec 2003 18(11-–12)

** Melzer J, Rösch W, Reichling J, Brignoli R, Saller R. Meta-analysis: Phytotherapy of functional dyspepsia with the herbal drug preparation STW 5 (Iberogast). Dec 2004 20(11-–12)