Ah, the aftermath of a lavish Christmas feast leaves you feeling like you’ve expanded to twice your size, doesn’t it? The roast potatoes, wine, and festive cocktails have left you feeling bloated and sluggish, longing for the couch and a cozy nap. But perhaps the consequences of such indulgence are more than just a food coma.
Julie Thompson of the charity Guts UK suggests that during the festive season, we tend to be less active and consume less fibre, leading to short-term constipation and digestive discomfort. And let’s not overlook the unpleasant outcomes of one too many glasses of wine—hello, nausea and diarrhoea.
Feeling bloated, gassy, and perhaps a little queasy after a hearty meal is nothing out of the ordinary. It’s all part and parcel of the holiday feasting experience. However, some symptoms that persist after the merry celebration may be more than mere overindulgence.
1. Cancer
An unrelenting sense of bloating may be a warning sign of pancreatic cancer, according to Cancer Research UK. Additionally, digestive problems produced by a pancreatic tumor can cause discomfort or a fluttering sensation in the stomach after eating. Unusual stomach gurgling may also indicate malabsorption of food due to inadequate pancreatic enzymes.
Keep an eye out for ovarian cancer signs such as a swollen tummy, tummy pain, loss of appetite, and frequent urge to urinate.
2. Crohn’s Disease
Frequent diarrhoea and tummy pain, especially in the lower right part of the abdomen, can be symptoms of Crohn’s disease. This inflammatory bowel disease affects over 500,000 Britons and can lead to urgent trips to the bathroom and even blood in the stool. Not your typical post-dinner discomfort.
3. Pancreatitis
Sudden, intense abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea and a high temperature, may be a sign of acute pancreatitis. Affecting around 56 in 100,000 Britons, this condition results from damage to the pancreas. It’s an excruciating ordeal that requires immediate medical attention.
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Have you been experiencing abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in your bowel habits after your Christmas feast? You might be dealing with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common condition affecting one in five British adults. If these symptoms persist beyond the holidays, it’s definitely worth getting checked out by your doctor.
Feeling like your tummy has turned against you after indulging in Christmas delights? Keep an eye on these signs to ensure a healthy and happy holiday season!
