Midsummer is one of the most important holidays for Estonians, traditionally celebrated with abundant grilled meat. While meat is delicious and an important part of our culture, excessive consumption can cause unpleasant bloating and gas. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce these discomforts and enjoy the Midsummer celebration to the fullest, without worrying about embarrassing toots.
Before grilling:
- Marinate the meat: Marinating not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat and facilitate digestion. Use acids like lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt in the marinade, which help break down meat proteins. Add digestive herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, cumin, and peppermint to the marinade.
- Choose leaner meat: Fatty meat takes longer to digest and can increase the risk of bloating. Opt for leaner cuts like chicken breast, turkey breast, or pork tenderloin.
During grilling:
- Don’t overcook the meat: Overcooked meat is harder to digest and can cause stomach upset. Grill the meat moderately so that it remains juicy and tender inside.
- Add vegetables: Grill plenty of vegetables alongside the meat. They contain fiber, which promotes digestion and helps prevent constipation.
While eating:
- Eat smaller portions and slowly: Overeating is one of the main causes of bloating. Instead of devouring a large piece of meat at once, try eating smaller portions and chewing your food slowly. This gives your digestive system time to adjust to the food.
- Drink enough water: Water helps promote digestion and prevent constipation, which can also cause bloating. Drink enough water before, during, and after meals. Avoid carbonated drinks and alcohol, which can increase gas production in the intestines.
After eating:
- Move around: A light walk or other physical activity after a meal can help speed up digestion and prevent bloating.
- Probiotics and digestive enzymes: If you have trouble digesting meat, you can try taking probiotics or digestive enzymes before meals. These help balance the intestinal microflora and break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats found in food.
- Peppermint tea: Peppermint is known for its antispasmodic and gas-reducing properties. Drink a cup of peppermint tea after a meal to relieve bloating.
Natural help for stomach upset
In addition to the tips above, a natural food supplement called Spasmoil can also be helpful. It contains essential oils of peppermint and fennel, which relax the digestive tract and reduce gas. Peppermint soothes bloating and nausea while promoting bowel movements, and fennel supports digestion and relieves constipation. Spasmoil capsules can be taken preventively before meals or when digestive discomfort has already arisen.
By following these tips, along with eating in moderation, staying physically active, and using Spasmoil if needed, you can enjoy your Midsummer barbecue without any unpleasant stomach issues. Remember, chewing your food thoroughly and keeping your mouth closed while eating helps reduce air swallowing, which in turn minimizes gas production in the intestines. Listen to your body and find the solutions that work best for you to keep your stomach happy.
