When is overindulgence likely to happen?
It can be easy to overindulge over the long weekend, holidays, celebratory events or parties, especially when you are catching up with friends, family and loved ones. At these gatherings, we are likely to feast on all kinds of delicious foods, and gulp down some caffeinated, cold fizzy drinks or alcoholic beverages. We also tend to consume quite a bit of fatty, sugary, salty, or spicy treats and delicacies. 5
Another opportune moment of weakness and temptation is when you are stressed, bored or sad which can lead to constant cravings, mindless snacking and comfort eating. The reason this happens is stress, boredom and misery can cause the body to release cortisol and other stress hormones which can lead to increased appetite, hunger and thirst.
These feelings or emotions are likely to strike in the afternoon or evening when you are about to reflect at the end of a long, busy day or reminisce alone about memories and wind down for the night or just before bedtime. 2
What are the consequences of overindulgence?
1. THE GUT
Overeating can put a lot of strain on the digestive tract. Digestive juices, bile, hormones and enzymes are only available in limited amounts, so the more food you eat, the longer it takes to digest it. Moreover, the body must work harder to digest large volumes of food when we overeat which can lead to digestive discomfort and symptoms like indigestion, gas, bloating, nausea, acid reflux or bile reflux, stomach cramps and pain. 1,3
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can interfere with normal digestive functions and the stomach lining. It may also cause the body to lose a lot of liquid through urination and sweating while relaxing or slowing down the movements of the muscles in your gut that push food through your digestive system which subsequently disrupts the healthy balance of gut flora that aid digestion and keep your gut happy. All these factors are a perfect recipe for disasters like indigestion, constipation, dehydration, gas, burping, acid reflux, hiccups, bloating and abdominal swelling. 4
If your tummy is not happy or upset because you have eaten too much, too fast, or indulged on things that trigger symptoms of digestive discomfort or distress try Nativa Complex® Digestive Support. This multi-ingredient supplement promotes digestion, gut health and digestive comfort.
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2. THE LIVER
Do you know that when the liver secretes bile acids into the intestines, these acids promote digestion, nutrient absorption and influence the types of bacteria that thrive in your gut. In return, the liver receives most of its nutrient-rich blood flow from the intestines, enabling the detoxification, processing &; transportation of nutrients and gut-derived products back into the bloodstream for use throughout the body as well as the removal of toxic waste. It’s a no brainer that maintaining a healthy liver and gut is crucial for your overall health and well- being as both are interconnected through the gut-liver axis.
Overconsumption of food, alcohol, medications &; toxic substances can lead to an increase in oxidative stress and free radicals, which can put your liver tissue cells at risk of widespread inflammation, cellular damage, and premature ageing. 7,8
When you have had one too many second helpings, its good practice to protect or support your liver. All it takes is one capsule of Nativa Complex® Liver Support once or twice daily. This multi-ingredient liver supplement is enriched with antioxidants, amino acids, and herbals such as milk thistle, turmeric and grapeseed.
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3. SLEEP
Are you aware that experts and research studies agree that poor sleep results in the worsening of digestive complaints, liver symptoms as well as negatively affects mental health and emotional state.
Overeating or binge drinking can leave you feeling uncomfortable, full and tight around the abdomen, gassy, bloated, sick or nauseated, with stomach cramps, indigestion, bile reflux, acid reflux, and even emotions of anxiety, guilt, regret, misery and shame. Subsequently, the frequent bathroom trips ensue, all of which disrupts sleep or bedtime routine, potentially impacting quality of life and overall health. 6
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In closing, being healthy requires an holistic approach that prioritises the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional and social well-being for a more fulfilling and vibrant life. Nativa Complex® offers a wide variety of supplements ranging from daily multivitamins to targeted nutrition formulations that are designed to address specific health needs at different life stages such as immune, digestive, liver, mind, holistic, urinary, women and men’s health and even beauty.
Learn more – https://www.nativacomplex.co.za/nativa-products/
References:
- East Coast Gastroenterology and Endoscopy. Overeating’s impact on digestion: GI insights. [Cited 2024 Mar 28]. Available from: https://www.eastcoastgastro.com/blog/overeating-impact-on-digestion
- Gager E. Tips to Manage Stress Eating. [Cited 2025 Mar 28]. John Hopkins Medicine. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/tips-to-manage-stress-eating
- Preiato D. 7 Harmful Effects of Overeating. [Updated 2020 May 4; Cited 2025 May 28]. Healthline. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/overeating-effects
- Haque T. 6 Ways Alcohol Can Damage Your Gut. [Cited 2021 Dec 29; Cited 2025 Mar 28]. UNC Health Talk. Available from: https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/6-ways-alcohol-can-damage-your-gut/
- Cleveland Clinic. Risks of Overindulging this Holiday Season. [Updated 2024 Dec 18; Cited 2025 Mar 28]. Available from: https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2024/12/18/risks-of-overindulging-this-holiday-season
- Genesight. Holiday Indulgence: Bad for Mental Health? [Cited 2025 Mar 28]. Available from: https://genesight.com/blog/patient/holiday-indulgence-bad-for-mental-health/
- Seladi-Schulman. What Are the Warning Signs of Alcohol-Related Liver Damage? [Updated 2023 Mar 27; Cited 2025 Mar 28]. Healthline. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/early-signs-of-liver-damage-from-alcohol
- Jacobson A. 8 Foods That Are Bad for Your Liver – And Options That Can Reverse the Damage. [Updated 2024 Apr 1; Cited 2025 Mar 28]. GoodRx. Available from: https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/liver/foods-bad-for-liver
