As the festive season fills our plates, how can you care for your gut while enjoying the indulgences? 

On The Pat Kenny Show, consultant gastroenterologist doctor Deirdre O’Donovan said that the large amounts of protein and carbs consumed can put a strain on our digestive system.

“I think the challenge is you’re eating a lot more protein,” she said.

“You’re probably eating a more carbohydrate-rich meal – to be fair, while we all like a few Brussels sprouts, I think the vegetables get a bit of a raw deal over Christmas and we probably don’t get enough of those.

“So, you’re dealing with really more slow transit through your gut. That’s going to lead to constipation that may certainly exacerbate acid reflux and then it will have knock on effects on your microbiome.”

Traditional roast turkey Christmas dinner

Dr O’Donovan recommended eating green, fibre rich foods, as well as those rich in probiotics.

“Be conscious of maybe taking some foods that are rich in probiotics – things like yoghurts, kefir,” he said.

“If you’re not into that sort of thing, you can pick up a probiotic like Alflorex in the chemist and take that for a month or two.

“So, it’s all about understanding that it is a bit of an assault on your system over the Christmas period.

“Things will revert back, but it may take a couple of weeks to get things back on track.”

Dehydration

According to Dr O’Donovan, balancing alcohol and water will help to prevent dehydration and acid reflux.

However, she warned that downing large amounts isn't as helpful as you might think.

“So, you can feel if you take a lot of liquid, let’s say - or a lot of water, you down a pint – it'll sit and make you feel very uncomfortable in your stomach and may make acid reflux worse,” she said.

Dr O’Donovan also recommended to take a short walk after dinner to settle the stomach.