The festive season is looming and overindulgence is widespread, however a full stomach won’t be harmless
The festive interval is a time of celebration, spending time with family and friends and, typically, overindulgence on the subject of consuming. The typical Brit is believed to eat round 6,000 energy on Christmas Day – double or triple the really useful every day common.
From the second serving to of roast potatoes to ending off the cheeseboard at midnight, everyone knows the festive feast can go away us feeling a bit worse for put on. However what if these tummy troubles aren’t simply all the way down to overeating?
In step with Decembeard – Bowel Most cancers Consciousness Month – Kiran Jones, medical pharmacist at Oxford On-line Pharmacy, reveals the best way to spot the warning indicators that would point out you will have extra sinister intestine well being points, or worse, bowel most cancers, this Christmas.
Purple flag signs that would point out bowel most cancers
The stomach that received’t budge
Feeling bloated after sprucing off a turkey dinner is par for the course at Christmas, particularly if you happen to eat too shortly or your physique has issues digesting meals. That is typically a consequence of the abdomen stretching to accommodate additional meals and fuel build-up within the intestines.
Gentle instances might be handled by way of over-the-counter antacids like Rennie, natural treatments like natural tea or peppermint oil, or perhaps a heat compress. Whereas that is pretty widespread, it shouldn’t final for longer than a number of hours after you’ve completed your Christmas dinner and if it lasts longer than a number of days, it may possibly point out intestine well being points, or worse, bowel most cancers and needs to be checked out.
Too many journeys to the john
Overindulging at Christmas can result in extra frequent visits to the toilet, particularly after a wealthy meal filled with high-fat and sugary meals. Nonetheless, if it’s good to use the bathroom extra typically than regular and it’s not only a results of overeating, this could possibly be a crimson flag.
Take note of any modifications in your bowel habits, equivalent to persistent diarrhoea or constipation, or an pressing must go. If these signs proceed properly after the festive feast, it could be time to hunt medical recommendation, as they are often early indicators of bowel most cancers.
Unexplained fatigue past the post-meal nap
Christmas is a busy time of yr, and feeling drained after prepping the turkey or managing a home stuffed with company is to be anticipated. However if you happen to’re discovering it more durable than regular to remain awake or battling ongoing fatigue that isn’t relieved by relaxation, this could possibly be an indication your physique is attempting to let you know one thing extra critical.
Bowel most cancers may cause anaemia, as blood loss within the bowel reduces the variety of crimson blood cells in your physique, resulting in exhaustion. If this symptom persists lengthy after the festive season, communicate to a healthcare skilled.
Seeing crimson within the bathroom
Indulging in festive treats like cranberry sauce and beetroot salads can typically alarmingly tint your stool crimson, however that is sometimes innocent and linked to what you’ve eaten. Nonetheless, recognizing precise blood in your stool, whether or not shiny crimson or darker, ought to by no means be ignored.
Although haemorrhoids or minor tears from straining could trigger this, persistent bleeding is a key warning signal of bowel most cancers. Over Christmas, don’t dismiss this symptom as a one-off attributable to wealthy meals or alcohol consumption – e book an appointment together with your GP.
Stuffed earlier than the starters
It’s straightforward to overestimate your urge for food when confronted with a variety of festive delights, however if you happen to discover you are feeling unusually full after consuming little or no, this might sign a deeper concern. A continuing feeling of fullness can happen if there’s a blockage or tumour within the bowel. Whereas it’s tempting to brush this off as consuming a heavy Christmas meal, monitor the symptom carefully, particularly if it lingers or worsens.
Not only a case of Christmas cramps
Overeating can go away you clutching your abdomen and feeling uncomfortably full, however sharp or ongoing belly ache is one thing to take severely. If the ache feels localised, doesn’t ease off after digestion, or wakes you up at evening, it could possibly be an indication of an obstruction or tumour within the bowel. Don’t wait till the New 12 months to handle persistent belly ache – get it checked sooner quite than later.
