The festive season is looming and overindulgence is common, but a full belly might not be innocent
The festive period is a time of celebration, spending time with friends and family and, often, overindulgence when it comes to eating. The average Brit is thought to eat around 6,000 calories on Christmas Day – double or triple the recommended daily average.
From the second helping of roast potatoes to finishing off the cheeseboard at midnight, we all know the festive feast can leave us feeling a little worse for wear. But what if those tummy troubles aren’t just down to overeating?
In line with Decembeard – Bowel Cancer Awareness Month – Kiran Jones, clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, reveals how to spot the warning signs that could indicate you may have more sinister gut health issues, or worse, bowel cancer, this Christmas.
Red flag symptoms that could indicate bowel cancer
The belly that won’t budge
Feeling bloated after polishing off a turkey dinner is par for the course at Christmas, especially if you eat too quickly or your body has problems digesting food. This is generally a consequence of the stomach stretching to accommodate extra food and gas build-up in the intestines.
Mild cases can be treated via over-the-counter antacids like Rennie, herbal remedies like herbal tea or peppermint oil, or even a warm compress. While this is fairly common, it shouldn’t last for longer than a few hours after you’ve finished your Christmas dinner and if it lasts longer than a few days, it can indicate gut health issues, or worse, bowel cancer and should be checked out.
Too many trips to the loo
Overindulging at Christmas can lead to more frequent visits to the bathroom, especially after a rich meal packed with high-fat and sugary foods. However, if you need to use the toilet more often than usual and it’s not just a result of overeating, this could be a red flag.
Pay attention to any changes in your bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhoea or constipation, or an urgent need to go. If these symptoms continue well after the festive feast, it might be time to seek medical advice, as they can be early indicators of bowel cancer.
Unexplained fatigue beyond the post-meal nap
Christmas is a busy time of year, and feeling tired after prepping the turkey or managing a house full of guests is to be expected. But if you’re finding it harder than usual to stay awake or struggling with ongoing fatigue that isn’t relieved by rest, this could be a sign your body is trying to tell you something more serious.
Bowel cancer can cause anaemia, as blood loss in the bowel reduces the number of red blood cells in your body, leading to exhaustion. If this symptom persists long after the festive season, speak to a healthcare professional.
Seeing red in the loo
Indulging in festive treats like cranberry sauce and beetroot salads can sometimes alarmingly tint your stool red, but this is typically harmless and linked to what you’ve eaten. However, spotting actual blood in your stool, whether bright red or darker, should never be ignored.
Though haemorrhoids or minor tears from straining may cause this, persistent bleeding is a key warning sign of bowel cancer. Over Christmas, don’t dismiss this symptom as a one-off caused by rich food or alcohol consumption – book an appointment with your GP.
Stuffed before the starters
It’s easy to overestimate your appetite when faced with a spread of festive delights, but if you find you feel unusually full after eating very little, this could signal a deeper issue. A constant feeling of fullness can occur if there’s a blockage or tumour in the bowel. While it’s tempting to brush this off as eating a heavy Christmas meal, monitor the symptom closely, especially if it lingers or worsens.
Not just a case of Christmas cramps
Overeating can leave you clutching your stomach and feeling uncomfortably full, but sharp or ongoing abdominal pain is something to take seriously. If the pain feels localised, doesn’t ease off after digestion, or wakes you up at night, it could be a sign of an obstruction or tumour in the bowel. Don’t wait until the New Year to address persistent abdominal pain – get it checked sooner rather than later.