Puja celebrations are incomplete without pet puja. The five festive days are synonymous with delicious food — from Bengali delicacies and a plethora of cuisines to street food, bhog, ice creams, chaats, sweets and refreshing beverages. But all that indulgence need not come at the cost of digestive discomfort. Here are some simple tips to prevent bloating even as you enjoy street food, bhog and other festive favourites during Puja.
Eat slowly
Chewing thoroughly and avoiding rushed meals can reduce the amount of air swallowed while eating. “Eating slowly also gives your body enough time to recognise when it is full,” said Dilip Todi, senior consultant at Narayana Hospital, Howrah.
Vivek Mohan Sharma, consultant, Medical Gastroenterology, Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur, said it is important to chew well and give oneself enough time before heading for the next meal.
Keep portions moderate
Large meals can make bloating more noticeable, especially at night. “Start by taking small portions of the dishes you are most excited to try instead of filling your plate with everything at once,” said Sharma.
“Since festive meals often include several fried, oily, spicy and salty items together, try to balance them with lighter choices such as fruit, vegetables, salads or other fibre-rich foods,” he added.
If you have had a rich meal, choose lighter foods at the next meal to give your digestive system some relief, advised Todi, echoing Sharma’s views.
Sharma also pointed out a common mistake that should be avoided.
“Avoid arriving at a celebration extremely hungry, eating quickly while socialising and sampling every dish in large portions,” he said.
Stay hydrated
Drink water regularly throughout the day. “Keep sipping water through the day, especially when moving between pandals and food stalls,” advised Dr Sharma.
Cut back on fizzy drinks
While it is important to stay hydrated, one should avoid consuming large quantities of fizzy, sugary and caffeinated drinks, advised Todi.
“Fizzy and sugary drinks aggravate bloating,” he said. “People should also be careful about the fluids they consume outside their homes. Water, ice and beverages prepared with unsafe or contaminated water can lead to digestive problems,” he added.
Watch your trigger foods
Beans, lentils, onions, garlic, cabbage and certain dairy products can cause bloating in some people.
“It is better to avoid raw or cut street food, exposed salads and uncooked items, particularly when hygiene is uncertain. Freshly cooked and properly heated food is a safer option,” advised Todi.
Move after meals
A gentle 10 to 15-minute walk can support digestion and may help relieve gas. “A short, gentle walk after eating can help, while lying down immediately after a large festive meal may make discomfort worse,” advised Sharma.