Smooth holidays
Smooth holidays
By Dr. Kate Rhéaume-Bleue, BSc, ND
Even with the best intentions, the holidays often mean over-eating and excessive amounts of foods that are hard to digest. Carbonated beverages, baked goods, spices and alcohol may be fine in moderation, but a week of feasting can wreak havoc on the digestive system. Symptoms may also be worsened by anxiety and depression that can occur over the holidays. Indigestion usually causes stomach and intestinal pain, which is often accompanied by gas and bloating.
Natural Factors Smooth Digest is a unique blend of fennel, anise and caraway, three delicious and aromatic carminative herbs that are well-known as culinary spices and have a history of use for a wide range of ailments. A carminative is a medicinal plant with antispasmodic activity that is used to alleviate cramps of the digestive tract and flatulence. Carminative herbs are good at soothing the stomach and reducing the symptoms associated with indigestion such as excess gas and bloating. Carminative herbs have several actions that bring relief: they stimulate peristalsis, the wavelike muscle contractions that push food through the digestive tract; they help relax the smooth muscle of the digestive tract, reducing painful spasms; and the antibacterial properties of the volatile oils aid in reducing pain that results from gas formed when bacteria in the intestines act on food that has not been fully digested. Passing intestinal gas is a normal bodily function; however it can be painful, uncomfortable and embarrassing.
Over-the-counter medications for indigestion may relieve symptoms temporarily, but they do nothing to address the underlying cause of indigestion, and often have undesirable side effects. Carminative herbs on the other and support natural digestive function and there are no damaging side effects associated with their use. Have a delicious and comfortable holiday season and keep Smooth Digest on hand to bring quick digestive relief.
For more information, visit Natural Factors.com
