The Diwali season brings joy, festivities, and delicious feasts, but it can also leave us feeling sluggish and a bit out of sync. Whether it’s the indulgence in sweets, the heavy meals, or the disruption in routine, your body might be craving a gentle reset. For those of us who menstruate, getting back on track post-Diwali is especially important because our cycles can be affected by stress, diet changes, and even sleep disruptions. Here are some easy, natural ways to help your digestion and support your period as you transition from festive mode back to everyday life.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
After days of rich, salty, or sweet foods, your body needs hydration to detoxify and aid digestion. Water helps move food through the digestive tract and keeps your bowels regular. Additionally, adequate hydration can help reduce bloating and prevent the water retention that’s common after heavy meals and salty foods.
Try This:
- Start your morning with a glass of warm water with lemon. This helps kick-start your digestive system and gently detoxifies your liver.
- Herbal teas like ginger, fennel, or peppermint can soothe digestion and reduce bloating.
2. Restore Gut Health with Probiotics
Festive food is often rich and spicy, which can sometimes disrupt the balance of good bacteria in your gut. This imbalance can lead to bloating, gas, and even constipation. Probiotics, whether from supplements or fermented foods, help restore balance in your gut, making digestion easier and more comfortable.
Try This:
- Add yogurt, kefir, or a probiotic supplement to your daily routine.
- Incorporate naturally fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, or kombucha for extra gut-friendly bacteria.
3. Balance Blood Sugar Levels
Post-festival sugar cravings are real, and indulging can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, affecting both your mood and energy levels. Stabilizing blood sugar levels is especially beneficial for menstrual health, as erratic blood sugar can lead to hormone imbalances, which may impact your period.
Try This:
- Focus on fiber-rich, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which help regulate blood sugar.
- Combine protein, fiber, and healthy fats in each meal or snack. Think apple slices with almond butter or carrots with hummus.
4. Embrace Gentle Movement
If the festive season left you feeling a bit bloated or heavy, gentle exercise can work wonders to boost circulation and improve digestion. Movement helps the muscles in your digestive tract work more efficiently, easing bloating and discomfort. Plus, exercise releases endorphins that can stabilize mood and reduce the symptoms of PMS.
Try This:
- Go for a brisk walk after meals to aid digestion and help your body process the food.
- Yoga poses like Cat-Cow, Child’s Pose, and gentle twists can help relieve bloating and stimulate digestion.
5. Spice It Up with Ayurvedic Herbs
Ayurvedic remedies have long supported digestion and menstrual health. Spices like cumin, coriander, fennel, and ginger can be particularly soothing for the digestive system. These spices help increase the secretion of digestive enzymes, reduce bloating, and improve circulation.
Try This:
- Make a simple tea with ginger and fennel seeds. Boil them in water for a few minutes, strain, and sip throughout the day.
- Add a pinch of cumin and coriander to your meals, especially to heavier foods, to aid digestion.
6. Support Liver Health with Leafy Greens
The liver plays a major role in both digestion and hormone balance, so supporting it after Diwali is key to helping your body reset. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula are packed with chlorophyll, which helps cleanse the liver and promote healthy hormone function, contributing to a smoother menstrual cycle.
Try This:
- Make a leafy green smoothie with spinach, cucumber, and a bit of ginger. Add a spoonful of chia seeds for extra fiber.
- Toss up a simple salad with greens, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of lemon juice for a liver-friendly side dish.
7. Prioritize Restful Sleep
After the late nights and excitement of Diwali, your body might need a little extra sleep to recharge. Sleep plays a huge role in hormone regulation, immune health, and digestion. Lack of sleep can lead to higher stress levels, which may negatively affect both digestion and menstrual health.
Try This:
- Establish a calming nighttime routine. Try switching off screens an hour before bed, meditating, or reading a book.
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, if possible, to help reset your natural rhythm and support your body’s recovery.
8. Be Mindful of Caffeine and Alcohol
Diwali often comes with plenty of caffeine and cocktails, which can strain digestion and disrupt hormone balance. Both caffeine and alcohol can irritate the digestive tract, leading to bloating, dehydration, and disrupted sleep patterns. Cutting back, or even taking a short break from both, can give your body the reset it needs.
Try This:
- Replace your afternoon chai or coffee with a caffeine-free herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, which are soothing for digestion.
- If you’re craving a festive drink, try a mocktail with sparkling water, a splash of cranberry juice, and fresh mint for a refreshing alternative.
Wrapping Up Your Post-Diwali Reset
The days following Diwali are a great time to nurture your body, support your digestive system, and give yourself a chance to reset. By staying hydrated, focusing on gut health, balancing your blood sugar, and embracing mindful practices, you’ll feel re-energized and ready to welcome the new season with renewed health.
