Every year, it’s the same scenario: we dig into the chocolate eggs “just a little”… then a little more, until we end up with a heavy stomach, nausea and difficult digestion.
Chocolate, especially the one we eat at Easter, is not the easiest to assimilate… since it is among the fattest. “We must clearly distinguish dark chocolate, from 70%, from milk or white chocolates, which are much richer in sugar and fat”immediately reminds us of Aline Catteaux, naturopath from the Médoucine network. However, it is the latter that we find most often in Easter baskets.
And this is where things get complicated. “Chocolate is one of the complex foods that places a strong demand on digestion. In case of excess, the digestive mechanisms quickly saturate”continues the specialist. Result: digestion slows down, the stomach takes longer to empty, and this feeling of heaviness sets in. Even worse when you have chocolate in the evening. The liver, too, is involved. “To digest these fats and sugars, it has to produce more bile. When it’s overwhelmed, it leads to digestive discomfort.” Certain substances present in chocolate can also promote heartburn.
Faced with these digestive inconveniences, a simple reflex can make the difference. “The number 1 natural remedy is ginger”says Aline Catteaux. Used as an infusion, it acts quickly on digestion. “It will soothe the stomach, support the liver and help revive the digestive system.” As for preparation, nothing complicated: a few pieces of fresh ginger in hot water, let it infuse for around ten minutes. “The fact that the drink is hot increases the effectiveness, because the liver works better with heat”she specifies.
For even more effectiveness, she recommends adding a little lemon. “Unlike its acidic taste, it helps reduce stomach acid and soothe burning.” One cup may already be enough to provide relief, but it can be repeated if necessary. “The important thing is to drink it in small sips, to give the digestive system time to adapt.” For younger children, we can favor a softer drink, such as lukewarm water with a little lemon. After drinking the herbal tea, do not hesitate to go for a walk if the weather permits because walking greatly facilitates digestion.
But the most effective thing is still to avoid a liver crisis. “You must hydrate well, before and during chocolate consumption”insists the naturopath. Drinking water regularly helps the body better manage this unusual influx of sugars and fats. Another simple piece of advice: don’t go overboard. “Eating in small quantities, spacing out the intake, helps limit inconvenience.” On the other hand, certain errors are common. “It is best to avoid coffee or carbonated drinks after excess, as they can worsen burning and digestive discomfort”warns our interlocutor.
Finally, not all chocolates are equal. “Dark chocolate, from 70%, is better tolerated, because it contains less sugar”recalls the specialist. “It also contains tryptophan, an amino acid involved in the production of serotonin, which may contribute to a feeling of well-being”. A good alternative to treat yourself… without ending up with an upset stomach.
