The festive season is a time for merriment, spending quality time with loved ones and, often, overindulgence in food. It’s estimated that the average Brit consumes around 6,000 calories on Christmas Day – double or even triple the recommended daily intake.
From the second helping of roast potatoes to polishing off the cheeseboard at midnight, we’re all familiar with the post-Christmas feast discomfort. But what if those stomach issues aren’t merely due to overeating?
In recognition of Decembeard – Bowel Cancer Awareness Month – Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, unveils how to identify the warning signs that could suggest more serious gut health problems, or even bowel cancer, this Christmas.
Red flag symptoms that could indicate bowel cancer
The stubborn belly
Feeling bloated after devouring a turkey dinner is standard fare at Christmas, particularly if you eat too quickly or your body struggles with digestion. This is typically a result of the stomach expanding to accommodate extra food and gas accumulation in the intestines.
Mild cases can be managed with over-the-counter antacids like Rennie, herbal remedies such as herbal tea or peppermint oil, or even a warm compress. While this is fairly common, it shouldn’t persist for more than a few hours after you’ve polished off your Christmas dinner and if it continues for more than a few days, it could signal gut health problems, or worse, bowel cancer and should be investigated.
Frequent trips to the loo
Overindulgence during the festive season can result in more frequent bathroom visits, especially after a rich meal laden with high-fat and sugary foods. However, if you find yourself needing the toilet more often than usual and it’s not simply due to overeating, this could be a warning sign.
Keep an eye on any changes in your bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhoea or constipation, or an urgent need to go. If these symptoms persist well beyond the Christmas feast, it might be time to seek medical advice, as they could be early signs of bowel cancer.
Unexplained exhaustion beyond the post-meal snooze
Christmas is a hectic time of year, and feeling worn out after preparing the turkey or hosting a house full of guests is normal. But if you’re finding it harder than usual to stay awake or battling with ongoing fatigue that isn’t alleviated by rest, this could be a sign your body is trying to alert you to something more serious.
Bowel cancer can lead to anaemia, as blood loss in the bowel reduces the number of red blood cells in your body, resulting in fatigue. If this symptom continues well beyond the festive period, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
Seeing red in the toilet
Festive indulgences like cranberry sauce and beetroot salads can sometimes startlingly colour your stool red, but this is usually harmless and related to your diet. However, noticing actual blood in your stool, whether bright red or darker, should never be overlooked.
While haemorrhoids or minor tears from straining might cause this, persistent bleeding is a crucial warning sign of bowel cancer. Over the Christmas period, don’t dismiss this symptom as a one-off caused by rich food or alcohol intake – make an appointment with your GP.
Feeling full before the starters
It’s easy to overestimate your hunger when faced with a spread of festive treats, but if you find yourself feeling unusually full after eating very little, this could indicate a more serious problem. A constant sensation of fullness can occur if there’s a blockage or tumour in the bowel.
While it’s tempting to dismiss this as the result of a heavy Christmas meal, keep a close eye on the symptom, especially if it persists or worsens.
More than just Christmas cramps
Overindulging can often leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable, but if you’re experiencing sharp or persistent stomach pain, it’s not something to be ignored. If the discomfort is localised, doesn’t subside after digestion, or disturbs your sleep, it could indicate a blockage or tumour in the bowel.
Don’t put off seeking medical advice until the New Year – it’s crucial to get any ongoing abdominal pain checked out as soon as possible.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
