What Can I Take to Help Digestion During the Holidays?

Digestive troubles can take the joy out of holiday meals, turning the most indulgent spread of comfort foods into a trap you’d rather avoid. This year, don’t let unpredictable digestion keep you from showing up to the holiday feast. 

In this article, we will answer the question: “What can I take to help digestion?,” so you can show up this season with your favorite dish and leave your digestive worries at home.

You will learn everything from the best digestive aids and herbal remedies, to what to drink after a meal to help digestion, including what tea is good for digestion, along with tips, and links to top supplement suggestions, all that and more down below. 

Understanding Your Digestive Timeline

When you feel heavy or bloated after a meal, the first instinct is to reach for something fast. But knowing how long digestion takes can save you time and money, allowing you to choose the right remedy with confidence instead of taking a shot in the dark. 

How long does digestion take?

There are various factors influencing digestive transit time that complicate the answer to the question, “How long does digestion take?” On average, it takes about ~28 hours from the time you eat a food for it to leave your system. However, generally this process, otherwise known as Whole Gut Transit Time (WGTT), can range anywhere from 10-73 hours in healthy people.

Recognizing your digestive signals

Being mindful of patterns in your digestive signaling is key for choosing the right remedy and finding relief. Occasional gas or bloating should ease within a few hours after a meal, but persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a clinician to rule out underlying conditions that supplements may not help.

The Importance of Healthy Gut Bacteria

One of the key roles of the gut microbiome pertains to digestive function. Maintaining healthy gut flora supports a healthy gut lining, helps produce beneficial byproducts like short chain fatty acids, and promotes the synthesis of vitamin K and B vitamins—all of which are necessary for healthy digestive function.

How to improve the gut microbiome for better digestion

One of the most important things you can do aside from taking a probiotic, is to take a prebiotic. Prebiotics are fiber, either in your diet or supplementally. Certain Ayurvedic remedies for gut healing offer additional support for the microbiome as prebiotic herbs for gut health. Now let’s take a closer look at which herbs traditionally used for gut health have also demonstrated prebiotic benefits.

Herbal Remedies for Digestive Support

Evidence suggests some herbs work better than others for easing digestive discomfort and supporting gut balance, here are some that stand out:

• Aloe Vera — May support bowel regularity, promote motility, and digestive comfort.
• Chamomile — Antispasmodic properties that may ease tension and calm an upset stomach.
• Fennel Seed — Helps relieve occasional bloating and gas while supporting healthy digestion.
• Ginger — May support digestion by reducing nausea and discomfort.
• Glutamine — Amino acid found in enterocytes; supports gut barrier integrity and mucosal repair.
• Licorice Root (DGL) — Acts as a natural prebiotic and supports mucosal lining health.
• Peppermint — Relaxes smooth muscle tissue in the GI tract, promoting ease of digestion.
• Slippery Elm — Coats the GI lining to soothe irritation and supports the microbiome as a prebiotic.
• Triphala — Ayurvedic blend that supports regularity, detoxification, and is also a prebiotic for gut flora.

While single herb formulas can be beneficial, a clinical study suggests that combining herbs may be a more effective approach. Digestive enzymes are also a great choice to have on hand during the holiday season, especially if you plan on eating foods your body is not accustomed to.

What to Drink After a Meal to Help Digestion

If you’re wondering what to drink after a meal to help digestion, herbal teas are among the simplest, effective solutions. They not only hydrate, but deliver active plant compounds that calm the stomach and aid motility. But exactly what tea is good for digestion depends on how you feel.

• Fennel tea is great for easing distention, gas, and bloating.
• Licorice helps protect and coat the stomach lining to soothe irritation.
• Peppermint and chamomile are both antispasmodic herbs that ease tension and promote regularity. 
• Ginger is a great choice if you feel inflamed, have nausea, or general discomfort after eating.

The Best Supplements for Digestion

Check out these top-rated supplements to ease your seasonal digestive discomfort, all available right here at Professional Supplement Center:

Premier Research Labs Digest Full-Spectrum Digestive Support

Premier Research Labs Digest Full-Spectrum Digestive Support is a comprehensive enzyme blend that helps break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates for optimal nutrient absorption.

Pure Encapsulation Digestive Enzymes Ultra

Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes Ultra offers a high-potency enzyme formula designed to support complete digestion across a wide range of foods.

Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Enzymes Organic Digest

Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Enzymes Organic Digest combines enzymes with organic herbs like ginger and parsley to support comfort and nutrient breakdown after heavy meals.

Dr. Morse’s Stomach Tea

Dr. Morse’s Stomach Tea is a botanical tea formulated to help soothe the stomach after a meal and support healthy digestive function naturally.

The Takeaway

Learning your body’s digestive rhythm helps you know which remedy is right for you depending on your needs. Whether it’s a single or blended herbal formula or an enzyme—there are a variety of ways to support your digestive system this holiday season. As far as what tea is good for digestion, try peppermint, licorice, fennel, or ginger. 

By consuming a diet rich in fiber, or prebiotics, you can nourish good gut bacteria so they can thrive and support digestive health. Supplements offer a natural way to manage occasional digestive symptoms. However, it is best to consult your practitioner to rule out underlying conditions and avoid potential drug-herb interactions if you take medication. If you have further questions, talk to one of our practitioners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I take to help digestion naturally?

Natural options include herbal remedies like peppermint, chamomile, ginger, slippery elm, licorice root, and triphala, as well as digestive enzyme supplements that help support your system after rich meals.

What to drink after a meal to help digestion?

Warm herbal teas, such as peppermint, chamomile, ginger, or green tea, can soothe the stomach, support motility, and provide gentle relief from bloating or discomfort.

How long does digestion take?

Digestive transit time varies, but on average it takes about 28 hours for food to pass through your system, though mild discomfort or bloating can appear within a few hours after eating.