Let’s face it – the holidays are tough on digestion. The stress of the season, combined with too much running around plus travel, not to mention over-indulgence in food and drink, can take a serious toll on the state of our gut. “The gut is the foundation of your health. When digestion is optimized it’s likely that your whole body feels and works better,” says gut health guru Tina Anderson, CEO of Just Thrive Probiotic. “Healthy digestion provides a solid foundation for full-body health—from improved psychology to better brain power to metabolic well-being and efficiency.” Here are Tina’s well-considered tips for better gut health during the holidays.

Pack healthy snacks.
When traveling to visit family and friends, be sure to pack nutritious, on-the-go snack foods like nuts, veggies, and whole fruit. Healthy snacks keep you from reaching for sugary treats.

Slow down and don’t overdo it.
Overeating or drinking too much alcohol can create stomach distress, causing your gut to become overwrought. Don’t hurry when you eat! Gulping can cause gas, indigestion and bloating.

Bring a favorite dish to the party.
Most holiday parties are centered around food. If you have food sensitivities, bring a dish that you love and can eat to the party. Steer clear of your “temptation foods that you know will upset digestion. Instead, fill up at the veggie tray – your body and your gut will thank you.

Schedule in some “me” time.
Big family gatherings can be challenging! So, hit the gym, get a massage, or take a walk. Try to incorporate deep breathing techniques for mental and emotional balance into your “me time” to alleviate the negative effects that stress has on the digestive system, including acid reflux, gas and stomach cramps.

Get good sleep – and be consistent!
SLEEP IS ESSENTIAL! Lack of sleep leads to lack of focus and decreased functionality. And…it’s hard on the digestive system. When you sleep, your body has a chance to detox, rebalance and restore. Try to get eight hours a night and see how much better you feel.

Last, but not least: Take a daily probiotic.
Probiotics help to recondition your gut, removing the impurities (bad bacteria) so the good gut bacteria can flourish. Look for spore-forming, bacillus strains that survive stomach acids and make it all the way to the intestines where they can do their good work. New research shows that specific bacillus strains can reverse leaky gut in as little as thirty days!