Healing Your Digestive Tract: Post-Holiday Recovery and Winter Wellness Strategies

Joey Tindell
2026-03-24T12:23:40-07:00

“But by far, my favorite gastrointestinal remedy is Lonvevinex’s garlic-based supplement Garligest™. Who would have thought that garlic, often associated with upset stomachs and bad breath (at least in its’ raw form), is a potent antidote to holiday overindulgence?”

As the holiday season of 2023 fades into memory, we find ourselves in the heart of winter, a perfect time to reassess our gut health. Our digestive systems, true warriors of the festive season, have endured a parade of rich, sugary delights and festive spirits, leaving us with more than just nostalgic memories. Now, as the decorations come down, it’s time to focus on rejuvenating our gut health, an essential step towards overall well-being and vitality.

Today’s mission: To explore the impact of holiday indulgence on our digestive systems and offer actionable steps to guide us to post-holiday wellness. Our quest is not solely about shedding pounds but revitalizing and rebalancing our bodies. Join us, as we go where no one dared go before: the quest to reclaim our mojo.

Five Rules for a Post-Holiday Digestive System Reset

1. Return to a Regular Eating Schedule:

Maintaining a daily routine, including a return to a regular eating schedule after the holidays, is crucial for a whole body and digestive system makeover. Irregular eating patterns disrupt our natural circadian rhythm, leading to fatigue, listlessness, apathy, digestive discomfort, and metabolic imbalances.

Consistent awakening, bed, and mealtimes regulate every aspect of our well-being. Energy metabolism and appetite-regulating hormones follow circadian rhythms, which leads to adverse metabolic consequences when disrupted. (7)

2. Stay Hydrated

Hydration plays a significant role in maintaining digestive health. Water, essential for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, aids in the breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients. Adequate hydration reduces constipation by softening stools and promoting regular bowel movements. (8)

3. Incorporate Fiber-Rich Foods

Adding fiber-rich foods is essential for healthy digestion. Dietary fiber in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes prevents constipation and regulates bowel movements. Dietary fiber acts as a “prebiotic,” fueling the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. High-fiber diets offer numerous digestive health benefits, such as reducing the risk of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (9)

4. Add Probiotics and Fermented Foods to Restore Gut Health

Probiotics in fermented foods and supplements are vital for gut health recovery.. They reinforce the intestinal barrier, balance the immune system, and replenish the gut’s beneficial bacteria, crucial for digestion and nutrient absorption. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi not only offer unique flavors but also make nutrients more digestible and enrich the gut with health-boosting bacteria.

The fermentation process breaks down nutrients into more absorbable forms while producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that strengthen the gut and reduce inflammation. This is especially beneficial for those with digestive issues like IBS and IBD. Importantly, a healthy microbiome, supported by these foods, positively influences the gut-brain axis, enhancing mood and cognitive function.(16)

5. Natural Remedies for Digestion

Aloe, ginger, peppermint, and chamomile alleviate bloating, gas, and indigestion. (17) These natural remedies are gentle in supporting the digestive system after periods of overindulgence.

But by far, my favorite gastrointestinal remedy is Lonvevinex’s garlic-based supplement Garligest™. Who would have thought that garlic, often associated with upset stomachs and bad breath (at least in its’ raw form), is a potent antidote to holiday overindulgence?

Garlic cloves, when crushed or damaged, release alliinase, an enzyme that produces allicin, garlic’s medicinal component. (18)

Among dozens of healing properties, allicin is antimicrobial, effectively combating gastrointestinal infections caused by E. coli and Salmonella (19), and controls dysbiosis, an unhealthy imbalance of gut bacteria that develops from lifestyle indiscretions, medications, and aging. (20)

Allicin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, alleviating the discomfort and pain associated with digestive disorders. Reflux esophagitis, gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome are all on the chopping block with allicin in the system. (21)

Consider, dear reader, that 70-80% of the immune system resides in the small intestine. Allicin’s positive influence on gut health enormously influences immune function. This ‘gut-immune’ interplay is pivotal; a healthy microbiome contributes to a robust immune response. (22)

By supporting gut health, allicin not only aids digestion—it fortifies the body’s natural defenses while providing a comprehensive boost to overall health and well-being.

But Garligest™ doesn’t stop at allicin-containing garlic only. After scouring the world for the finest compatible ingredients, Longevinex added Vitamin C + apple pectin, taurine, fennel seed powder, rice bran IP6, betaine, and lactase to their GI masterpiece.

Each component contributes independently and as a whole to Garligest’s™ overall effectiveness in supporting our natural digestive and immune processes. Not only does Garligest™ greatly alleviate the symptoms of holiday dietary indiscretion, but it effectively aids in the absorption of nutrients and the efficient elimination of waste. (23)

Garligest’s “Magical Seven Ingredients:”

1. Vitamin C + Apple Pectin to improve bile flow and excrete cholesterol. (24)

2. Taurine to thin bile that breaks down fats and improves digestion. (25)

3. Fennel seed powder that absorbs air and gas to reduce bloating, belching, and flatulence. (26)

4. Rice Bran IP6 supports healthy bile flow and digestive regularity and controls iron and heavy metal metabolism. (27)

5. Betaine to replace stomach acid to restore normal pH balance in the GI tract while aiding nutrient absorption. (28)

6. Lactase facilitates lactose digestion and reduces dairy (lactose) intolerance symptoms. (29)

7. Allicin Garlic Powder effectively hinders bacterial growth fosters a harmonious balance of gut bacteria, and significantly enhances overall digestive health. (30)

Incorporating Three Mindful Eating Habits in Recovering from Post-Holiday Gastrointestinal Indiscretion (31)

Mindful eating is critical in aiding digestion after indulging in holiday excess. Engaging in a deliberate, conscious effort to improve our eating habits profoundly impacts our overall well-being.

Mindful Eating and Digestion:

Being present and aware during meals allows our body to choose and process food properly. We can avoid overeating and prevent digestive discomfort by focusing on hunger and fullness cues. Mindful eating encourages us to listen to our bodies and respond to their needs accordingly. (32)

Mindful Eating Strategies: (33)

You! Slow down while eating. Take your time. Savor each bite and enhance your enjoyment of your meal. Give yourself a chance to recognize when you are satisfied. Focus on the taste, texture, and aroma of the food. Come back to earth. Your work can wait until after dinner.

How to Avoid Emotional Eating:

We must acknowledge our emotions to avoid or reduce emotional eating and find alternative ways to cope with modern-day stress. Substitute activities such as exercise, journaling, or support from a loved one or friends help avoid turning to food for emotional fulfillment.

By incorporating mindful eating habits, including being aware of the significance of digestion, adopting strategies like slowing down and savoring meals, and finding alternatives to emotional eating, recovery from post-holiday gastrointestinal indiscretion is done in a balanced and healthy manner. (34)

What to Do Today: DR. C’s ‘6R’ Action Plan (37-38)

1. Remove gut-harming foods made with white sugar, white flour, and, for some individuals, dairy. Caffeine, alcohol, soy, eggs, shellfish, saturated and trans-fats, and processed foods may be other culprits. Identify items to avoid with a food sensitivity test or an elimination diet. Eating a diet low in processed foods and sugar supports good digestive health.

2. Repair the gut with clean, whole foods. Items rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables and high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and fish oils, nuts, seeds, and avocados, are preferred.

3. Restore gut health with pre-and probiotics. Prebiotic foods include garlic, onions, and bananas. Probiotic entities, including plain yogurt, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and fermented vegetables, improve the microbiome of the bacterial flora residing in the gut. ( A healthy microbiome, the beneficial bacteria distributed throughout the intestinal system, plays a crucial role in digestive health. A healthy digestive system is essential for absorbing nutrients, eliminating waste, and ensuring adequate immune system function.)

4. Replace digestive enzymes and bile salts to aid digestion and maintain fluid balance. Organic Himalayan pink salt or sea salt is our go-to.

5. Lifestyle Modifications include stress reduction at home and work, and stress reduction techniques, exercise, meditation, and yoga improve digestive function and overall health.

6. Supplementation to heal and repair damaged GI tissue. Any one or combination of our “Magnificent Seven of Digestive Health,” Vitamin C, apple pectin, taurine, fennel seed powder, rice bran IP6, betaine, lactase, and fresh, crushed (not processed) garlic powder, provides some relief, Longevinex’s Garligest™ is, in our opinion, the complete package and our number one GI preferred remedy.

That’s a Wrap.

Overeating and consuming rich, fatty, and sugary foods and alcohol to excess during the holidays causes bloating, weight gain, discomfort, and all sorts of digestive issues. Holiday-induced stress further complicates digestive health. We suggest resetting the digestive system by:

1. Returning to a regular eating schedule to regulate energy metabolism and appetite.

2. Staying hydrated to aid digestion and prevent constipation.

3. Incorporating fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes for healthy digestion.

4. Adding probiotics and fermented foods to restore gut health disrupted by holiday eating.

5. Practicing mindful eating by being present and aware during meals to avoid overeating.

6. Seeking professional help if digestive issues persist or you exhibit warning signs of a more serious health issue.

Dr. C’s 6 R’s Call to Action Plan is your blueprint for fantastic digestive health. Do this:

1. Remove gut-harming foods from your diet.

2. Repair the gut using clean whole foods.

3. Restore gut health with prebiotics and probiotics.

4. Replace digestive enzymes and bile salts.

5. Making lifestyle modifications to reduce stress and support digestion.

6. Considering supplementation for added healing and repair.

For those seeking a reliable remedy for digestive health, we highly recommend Longevinex’s Garligest™as our top choice.

That’s a Wrap! Dr. C’s 6R Action Plan

**Disclaimer:** This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. The advice herein neither offers nor implies specific, individualized medical recommendations. Following the action steps above does not create a patient-physician relationship. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.

References

1. Rothman, J. The “Happiest” Time of The Year: Tips for Managing Holiday Stress,” December 16, 2022 National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2022/The-Happiest%E2%80%9D-Time-of-The-Year-Tips-for-Managing-Holiday-Stress (and many Christmas songs including Andy Williams (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFtb3EtjEic) and Gladys Knight and the Pips (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lpzk93QeGE)

2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection#:~:text=Hidden%20in%20the%20walls%20of,And%20it’s%20not%20so%20little.

3. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-improving-gut-health#:~:text=A%20healthy%20gut%20is%20essential,allergies%20and%20mental%20health%20disorders.

4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/7316-indigestion-dyspepsia

5. https://www.health.com/nutrition/sugar-health-effects#:~:text=Sugars%20tend%20to%20be%20absorbed,also%20converted%20to%20fatty%20tissue.

6. Konturek PC, Brzozowski T, Konturek SJ. Stress and the gut: pathophysiology, clinical consequences, diagnostic approach and treatment options. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2011 Dec;62(6):591-9. PMID: 22314561.

7. Boege HL, Bhatti MZ, St-Onge MP. Circadian rhythms and meal timing: impact on energy balance and body weight. Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2021 Aug;70:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.08.009. Epub 2020 Sep 29. PMID: 32998085; PMCID: PMC7997809.

8. Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH. Water, hydration, and health. Nutr Rev. 2010 Aug;68(8):439-58. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x. PMID: 20646222; PMCID: PMC2908954.

9. Barber TM, Kabisch S, Pfeiffer AFH, Weickert MO. The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre. Nutrients. 2020 Oct 21;12(10):3209. doi: 10.3390/nu12103209. PMID: 33096647; PMCID: PMC7589116.

10. Hasan N, Yang H. Factors affecting the composition of the gut microbiota, and its modulation. PeerJ. 2019 Aug 16;7:e7502. doi: 10.7717/peerj.7502. PMID: 31440436; PMCID: PMC6699480.

11. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fermentation#what-it-is

12. Krajmalnik-Brown R, Ilhan ZE, Kang DW, DiBaise JK. Effects of gut microbes on nutrient absorption and energy regulation. Nutr Clin Pract. 2012 Apr;27(2):201-14. doi: 10.1177/0884533611436116. Epub 2012 Feb 24. PMID: 22367888; PMCID: PMC3601187.

13. Siddiqui, S.A., Erol, Z., Rugji, J. et al. An overview of fermentation in the food industry – looking back from a new perspective. Bioresour. Bioprocess. 10, 85 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40643-023-00702-y

14. Shahbazi R, Sharifzad F, Bagheri R, Alsadi N, Yasavoli-Sharahi H, Matar C. Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Properties of Fermented Plant Foods. Nutrients. 2021 Apr 30;13(5):1516. doi: 10.3390/nu13051516. PMID: 33946303; PMCID: PMC8147091.

15. Portincasa P, Bonfrate L, Vacca M, De Angelis M, Farella I, Lanza E, Khalil M, Wang DQ, Sperandio M, Di Ciaula A. Gut Microbiota and Short Chain Fatty Acids: Implications in Glucose Homeostasis. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Jan 20;23(3):1105. doi: 10.3390/ijms23031105. PMID: 35163038; PMCID: PMC8835596.

16. Xiong, R.-G.; Li, J.; Cheng, J.; Zhou, D.-D.; Wu, S.-X.; Huang, S.-Y.; Saimaiti, A.; Yang, Z.-J.; Gan, R.-Y.; Li, H.-B. The Role of Gut Microbiota in Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Disorders as Well as the Protective Effects of Dietary Components. Nutrients 2023, 15, 3258. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143258

17. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/peppermint-tea#:~:text=Peppermint%20may%20relieve%20digestive%20symptoms,in%20your%20gut%20(%203%20).

18. Borlinghaus J, Foerster Née Reiter J, Kappler U, Antelmann H, Noll U, Gruhlke MCH, Slusarenko AJ. Allicin, the Odor of Freshly Crushed Garlic: A Review of Recent Progress in Understanding Allicin’s Effects on Cells. Molecules. 2021 Mar 10;26(6):1505. doi: 10.3390/molecules26061505. PMID: 33801955; PMCID: PMC8001868

19. Bhatwalkar SB, Mondal R, Krishna SBN, Adam JK, Govender P, Anupam R. Antibacterial Properties of Organosulfur Compounds of Garlic (Allium sativum). Front Microbiol. 2021 Jul 27;12:613077. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.613077. PMID: 34394014; PMCID: PMC8362743.

20. Ankri S, Mirelman D. Antimicrobial properties of allicin from garlic. Microbes Infect. 1999 Feb;1(2):125-9. doi: 10.1016/s1286-4579(99)80003-3. PMID: 10594976.

21. Zugaro, S.; Benedetti, E.; Caioni, G. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) as an Ally in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45, 685-698. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45010046

22. Wu HJ, Wu E. The role of gut microbiota in immune homeostasis and autoimmunity. Gut Microbes. 2012 Jan-Feb;3(1):4-14. doi: 10.4161/gmic.19320. Epub 2012 Jan 1. PMID: 22356853; PMCID: PMC3337124.

23. Basile EJ, Launico MV, Sheer AJ. Physiology, Nutrient Absorption. [Updated 2023 Oct 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK597379/

24. Koutsos A, Tuohy KM, Lovegrove JA. Apples and cardiovascular health–is the gut microbiota a core consideration? Nutrients. 2015 May 26;7(6):3959-98. doi: 10.3390/nu7063959. PMID: 26016654; PMCID: PMC4488768.

25. Chen I, Cassaro S. Physiology, Bile Acids. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549765/

26. https://www.health-total.com/digestion-articles/kitchen-spices-for-gas-problems/

27. Tamura M, Hori S, Hoshi C, Nakagawa H. Effects of rice bran oil on the intestinal microbiota and metabolism of isoflavones in adult mice. Int J Mol Sci. 2012;13(8):10336-10349. doi: 10.3390/ijms130810336. Epub 2012 Aug 17. PMID: 22949864; PMCID: PMC3431862.

28. Yago MR, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ. Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Mol Pharm. 2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. doi: 10.1021/mp4003738. Epub 2013 Sep 10. PMID: 23980906; PMCID: PMC3946491.

29. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lactose-intolerance#:~:text=Lactase%20breaks%20down%20the%20lactose,a%20food%20allergy%20to%20milk.

30. Bhatwalkar SB, Mondal R, Krishna SBN, Adam JK, Govender P, Anupam R. Antibacterial Properties of Organosulfur Compounds of Garlic (Allium sativum). Front Microbiol. 2021 Jul 27;12:613077. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.613077. PMID: 34394014; PMCID: PMC8362743.

31. https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/rewire-diet-after-holidays-benefits-9091868/

32. Cherpak CE. Mindful Eating: A Review Of How The Stress-Digestion-Mindfulness Triad May Modulate And Improve Gastrointestinal And Digestive Function. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2019 Aug;18(4):48-53. PMID: 32549835; PMCID: PMC7219460.

33. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/mindful-eating/

34. Cherpak CE. Mindful Eating: A Review Of How The Stress-Digestion-Mindfulness Triad May Modulate And Improve Gastrointestinal And Digestive Function. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2019 Aug;18(4):48-53. PMID: 32549835; PMCID: PMC7219460.

35. Magge S, Lembo A. Low-FODMAP Diet for Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2012 Nov;8(11):739-45. PMID: 24672410; PMCID: PMC3966170.

36. Piticchio, T., Frasca, F., Malandrino, P., Trimboli, P., Carrubba, N., Tumminia, A., Vinciguerra, F., & Frittitta, L. (2023). Effect of gluten-free diet on autoimmune thyroiditis progression in patients with no symptoms or histology of celiac disease: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, 1200372. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1200372

37. https://chopra.com/articles/heal-your-gut-with-the-4r-program#:~:text=The%204R%20program%20offers%20four,to%20fully%20repair%20your%20gut.

38. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://sargnaturecure.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Prescription-for-Natural-Cures-PDFDrive.com-.pdf