As the UK tucks into turkey, trimmings and festive treats like cheeseboards and chocolate, most people will absolutely put themselves into a food-coma.
Many people will feel bloated, sluggish and sleepy afterwards, but according to doctors at ACIBADEM, some digestive symptoms will get dismissed as ‘Christmas bloat’ but in fact may be something serious.
In rare cases, how you’re feeling after tucking into a big meal could be an early sign of bowel cancer, one of the most common cancers in the UK.
Doctor Fuad Jafarov from ACIBADEM, hospitals across Europe specialising in the early detection of cancers through advanced technology, discusses five symptoms to look out for that shouldn’t be ignored:
- When the festive bloating drags on
“Most people shouldn’t be too worried about post-Christmas dinner bloating, as we tend to overindulge and eat a lot of foods that produce gas.
However, if you find yourself bloating without any explanation and it continues for several weeks, or it goes hand-in-hand with changes in your bowel habits, then it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
In the context of bowel cancer specifically, bloating is less about one heavy meal and more about ongoing abdominal fullness and bloating, and swelling that doesn’t settle.”
2. If you’re using the bathroom a bit more
“It’s normal for bowel habits to vary, and Christmas diets often cause temporary changes as we over eat on foods even when we’re not hungry.
But if you notice a sustained change in how often you’re passing stool, especially going more frequently than your usual pattern for several weeks, it’s worth speaking to a doctor.
Bowel cancer can cause looser stools, increased urgency, or the feeling that you have not fully emptied your bowels. There is no fixed number that defines ‘too many’ or ‘too little’. The key sign is a change from your normal routine for a number of weeks and doesn’t return to normal.”
3. Fatigue that requires more than just a Christmas-day nap
“Feeling sleepy after a big Christmas dinner can feel normal, and a lot of people might head for a post-Christmas dinner nap.
However, what is concerning is the fatigue that feels out of the ordinary compared to your daily activity and continues for long periods of time. Bowel cancer can cause slow, chronic blood loss, which leads to iron deficiency anemia. This tiredness won’t improve with just a few extra naps, and you should consult your doctor if you’re feeling consistently sleepy.”
4. Your stools are red, and not from cranberry sauce
“Foods like beetroot, cranberry sauce, and even red food colouring can temporarily turn stool red or pink. This usually passes quickly and is not a cause for concern.
Usually, any foods that you eat of high-amount of food colourings might change the colour of your stool for a short period of time.
However, persistent red or dark blood in the stool, bleeding without an obvious dietary cause, or blood mixed in with the stool rather than on the surface should always be checked by a doctor. Bowel cancer can cause rectal bleeding, and this should never be ignored.”
5. Feeling full before the main event
“Feeling full unusually quickly such as after your starters, known as early satiety, can occasionally be linked to conditions that affect the digestive system, including bowel cancer.
While it’s common to feel overstuffed at Christmas, especially if you’ve been grazing on chocolate and snacks all day, a consistent pattern of getting full very quickly, losing your appetite, or unintentionally losing weight should be checked by a doctor.
You know how much you normally eat, so compare what you’re likely to eat normally to what you’re eating now to see if there’s a big difference. If you find yourself getting full before the main event, Christmas dinner, and this is out of the ordinary, then it’s best to get this checked.”
ACIBADEM sends out urgent Christmas message to those that suffer from any of the above over the festive season.
“Bowel cancer is far more treatable when caught early, so listen to your body especially after the indulging part of the festivities are over. It really could make the difference between survival or, sadly, something more serious.”
