How much chocolate do you plan on eating over the weekend?
It’s coming up to every chocoholic’s favorite time of year: Easter! That special day which gives us all the perfect excuse to eat our own body weight in chocolate and scoff ourselves silly.
If you’re already dreading the post-Easter bloating, nausea, rashes and headaches, don’t worry, we have the tips you need to survive your chocolate hangover!
Head-off the chocolate migraine
Chocolate is well known for its painful headache inducing qualities. Sugary food, such as sweets and chocolate, can cause blood sugar levels to peak and trough, triggering a painful migraine attack. Chocolate also contains caffeine, which in itself can be a migraine trigger. Other pitfalls for Easter munching included the chemicals or additives which can be found in some sugary food. Ones to watch out for include monosodium glutamate, nitrates and aspartame – these are all said to be potential migraine triggers.
If you do find the dreaded symptoms of a migraine coming on, make sure you are prepared and have some Imigran Recovery handy to nip your migraine in the bud.
Imigran Recovery
Previously only available on prescription, Imigran Recovery is a specifically designed migraine treatment which is available to purchase over the counter from your pharmacist. It is the only OTC treatment to contain the active ingredient Sumatriptan, which is part of a class of drugs known as triptans. Sumatriptan treats the root cause of migraines, rather than just the symptoms. Imigran Recovery is priced £8.52 from Boots and pharmacies nationwide
Say goodbye to Easter bunny’s tummy
Chocolate can cause both gas and bloating, especially when consumed in excess. This happens when gas doesn’t completely break down from undigested food. It builds up in the stomach and intestines, creating that uncomfortable distended belly. The good news is, the amount of chocolate which is ‘excessive’ varies from person to person – so you may be one of the lucky ones who can eat mountains of the stuff without developing any symptoms at all. If you’re not so lucky, try Thisilyn Artichoke, a natural digestive aid.
Thisilyn Artichoke
Natural digestive aid, Thisilyn Artichoke, could help you beat that nasty food bloat. Belonging to the same botanical family as the milk thistle and the daisy, the artichoke is one of nature’s best-kept secrets when it comes to looking after your digestive health. For long term healthy digestion, take 1-2 tablets per day with food. Swallow whole with water or other cold liquid. Artichoke - £7.99 for 30 capsules (containing 320mg of dried leaf extract). Available from Boots.
Stay sweet, not sickly
The sweet taste of creamy chocolate can quickly turn sour when you overeat. Nausea is the result of overfilling your stomach. This can be with any food, but high sugar foods like chocolate are particularly bad as they draw water into your digestive system, causing that upset feeling. If you can’t stop yourself stuffing the Easter treats, try taking ginger to combat the sickness.
Nature’s Best Ginger capsules
Ginger has been used for thousands of years for its health properties. Evidence shows that ginger has anti-inflammatory effects and anti nausea effects, as well as the ability to reduce the ‘stickiness’ of the blood through its action on platelet activating factor).Nature’s Best Ginger capsules, £7.95 for a 3 month’s supply. Available from www.naturesbest.co.uk
It’s all gone egg shaped
A medium size Easter Egg can contain more than 500 calories. Add that to the other sweet Easter treats and a big roast dinner, and the numbers really start adding up! If you’re feeling a bit rounded after a weekend of indulgence try kerbing your chocolate appetite with a natural appetite suppressant.
African Mango
African Mango is thought to act as a natural appetite suppressant, supporting weight loss when used alongside a healthy diet. Studies have shown that seeds from the fruit cause significant weight loss and improve blood sugar levels. Trials carried out in 2005 and 2009, published in the Journal of Lipids in Health, found that participants taking an African Mango supplement before meals, three times a day, lost 5.3 per cent of their body weight, compared to 1.3 per cent of those taking a placebo. NEW African Mango capsules £9.99 for 60 capsules. Available from Holland & Barrett stores and www.hollandandbarrett.com.
Itching for Easter to be over
Foods rich in vasoactive amines can trigger an itchy rash, so unfortunately for chocolate-lovers your Easter binge could leave you with red, irritated skin. Don’t let this be a reason to stop your fun this Easter and stock up on Avène Thermal Spring Water to soothe and calm the itch.
Avène Spring Water Spray
The softening and protective properties of the unique Avène Thermal Spring Water calms complexions and the low mineral content in the water, as well as its pH 7.5 (almost neutral) balance, will not sting, burn or dry out skin. What’s more it’s perfect for refreshing flustered skin which soothes itchy, irritated skin. Eau Thermale Avène Spring Water Spray (£6.50, 150ml or £3.15, 50ml), available from Boots.