As the festive season approaches, the excitement of upcoming celebrations fills the air. Festivals like Durga Puja are marked by togetherness, joy, and indulgence in delicious food, but amidst all the excitement, it’s important not to lose sight of our health, especially digestive well-being. While enjoying the festivities with friends and family is crucial, balancing celebrations with health care can help you stay energized and well throughout the season.

Maintaining a healthy digestive system can be challenging when we’re surrounded by tempting treats.

One of the easiest yet most overlooked aspects of staying healthy is hydration. During festivals, we often forget to drink enough water, especially when indulging in savory street foods and rich meals.

·         Drink Water Regularly: Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep your body hydrated and your digestive system functioning well.

·         Herbal Teas:  Along with water, consider sipping on herbal teas like ginger or chamomile, which can soothe your digestive system and aid in better digestion.

·         Limit Sugary Beverages: Sugary drinks and sodas, although tempting, can cause stomach discomfort. Limiting their intake will prevent bloating and indigestion.

It’s common during festivals to skip meals, either because you’re busy or anticipating a large meal later. However, this can lead to overeating or digestive issues later in the day.

·         Eat Regular Meals: Having consistent meals helps maintain your blood sugar levels and prevents you from overindulging in heavy, rich foods at gatherings.

·         Opt for Healthy Snacks: Eating fruits, nuts, or other healthy snacks between meals will keep your metabolism steady and prevent the temptation to overeat at once.

 Festive foods may be tasty, but not every dish will suit everyone’s digestive system. It’s important to pay attention to your body and recognize any signs of discomfort.

·         Recognize Discomfort: If you experience bloating, indigestion, or any discomfort after eating something, it’s okay to skip it next time. Every person’s digestive system reacts differently to certain foods.

·         Take a Break if Needed: After a heavy meal, give your body some time to rest and digest before indulging in more food.

Festivals can bring joy, but they can also bring stress, which can negatively affect digestion. Managing stress levels during this time can make a big difference in your well-being.

Relax and Enjoy: Don’t stress about food choices too much. Being anxious about what you eat can lead to digestive problems. Focus on enjoying the celebrations and the company of your loved ones.

Festivals like Durga Puja bring with them a host of irresistible street foods, such as puchkas, chaat, and noodles. While these delicacies are hard to resist, eating mindfully is key to balancing indulgence and health.

·         Eat Before Heading Out: Have a healthy meal before attending celebrations. This can help curb the temptation to overindulge in junk food.

·         Choose Wisely: If you do decide to treat yourself to street food, make smart choices by opting for foods that are freshly prepared and lower in oil and spices.

·         Include Vegetables, Fruits, and Protein: Balance festive snacks with meals rich in vegetables, fruits, and protein to ensure you’re getting a well-rounded diet.

While festive celebrations may keep you busy, it’s essential to maintain an active routine. Physical activity helps digestion and keeps your energy levels up.

Exercise Daily: Even if it’s for just 30 minutes, try to squeeze in some form of exercise, whether it’s walking, yoga, or a light workout, to help maintain a healthy balance.

Amidst late-night celebrations and early-morning rituals, sleep is often compromised. A lack of sleep can affect your metabolism and overall well-being.

Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to allow your body to rest and recover, ensuring you have enough energy for the celebrations ahead.

During the festive season, it’s important to set achievable health goals. Trying to restrict yourself too much might lead to frustration, but finding a balance between enjoyment and health is key.

Festivals are meant to be celebrated, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy the season to the fullest. However, by incorporating these small health-conscious habits, you can ensure that your digestive system and overall health remain in check. Remember, festivals are about joy, togetherness, and celebration, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will only enhance the enjoyment.

Lastly, don’t forget to take care of yourself amidst all the festivities and focus on spending quality time with loved ones.

Happy Puja!

About the author- Dr. Vivek Mohan Sharma, Consultant – Gastro Medicine, Narayana Hospital, Howrah