Don't be turkey bloating for Xmas..

THE festive season is officially underway, and that means office parties, nights out and long lunches with friends and family.

- BY MATT NIXSON

But alongside the sparkle comes something far less glamorous - bloating, gas and digestive discomfort.

New data from supplements firm PrecisionBiotics reveals 40% of us regularly experience bloating, and 36% struggle with gas throughout the year, with symptoms worsening dramatically in December.

Public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire explains: "Changes in our eating habits - rich, salty and sugary foods, more fizz and social drinking, eating on the go, disrupted routines and changes in stress patterns - can leave us all in a state of overwhelm.

"The result? A burned-out digestive system and disrupted gut micro-biome. This may manifest as a gut that feels bloated, sluggish, and irritated."

GP Nisa Aslam says: "Traditional festive foods such as roast dinners, creamy sauces, cheeses, chocolates and canapes unfortunately tend to be high in fat. Foods higher in fats take longer to break down, which can delay stomach emptying and cause bloating, gas and that uncomfortable 'brick in your stomach' feeling.

"Sugary treats abound at this time of year. Excess sugar can feed gas-producing bacteria in the gut, which leads to fermentation, trapped wind and distension.

"Christmas tipples, celebratory fizz and beers can also inflame the gut lining, impair enzyme activity and disrupt the microbiome.