According to Dr. Amit Miglani, Director and Head of the Department of Gastroenterology, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad to find out why people experience digestive problems in winter.
Dr. Miglani says 5 reasons for digestive problems in winter:
Consume too much junk food
People often enjoy dishes too much during this season. However, junk food not only slows digestion but also leads to bloating and is harmful to your digestive health.
In fact, a lack of essential nutrients in snacks can even lead to irritable bowel syndrome. In addition to junk food, you should also avoid processed foods.
Instead, eat cooked vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, fresh fruits and nuts. Also, stay away from spicy foods as they can cause heartburn and stomach pain.
Not enough water
When temperatures drop, we tend to reduce our water intake. Drinking enough water every day is necessary to eliminate all the toxins in the body. When there is not enough water, the intestines will make it harder for food to move and can lead to constipation. So try to drink enough water to avoid digestive problems in winter.
Carbonated drinks
When cold weather begins, replace soda and other carbonated drinks with coffee or fruit juice. Famous soft drink bubbles can stimulate your stomach walls, leading to more pain. In addition, these drinks can also affect your oral health.
Stress
The cold air of winter can sometimes put stress on our bodies and especially the digestive system. It can cause cramps, bloating, inflammation, and loss of appetite. So, reduce stress on yourself with activities such as yoga, meditation or other exercises such as walking.
You can also engage in other activities you choose to reduce stress such as listening to music, cooking, taking photos, or even dancing.
Lack of sleep
A good night's sleep acts as a medicine that allows our bodies to repair and recover to an optimal state. While lack of sleep can increase stress levels, it is not good for gut health.
Good sleep means better stress management, less cravings for unhealthy foods, and ultimately reduce digestive problems.